Strictly manage reference books and children's books
Reference books and children's books are publications; the organization, publication, printing and distribution of publications shall comply with the provisions of the Publishing Law.
Deputy Minister of Education and Training Hoang Minh Son.
Deputy Minister of Education and Training Hoang Minh Son shared the above at the regular Government press conference in October 2023, taking place on the afternoon of November 4.
In response to a reporter's question about how reference books and children's books are managed to avoid inappropriate content, Deputy Minister Hoang Minh Son said that reference books and children's books are publications.
The organization, publication, printing, and distribution of publications, and the rights and obligations of agencies, organizations, and individuals participating in publishing activities must comply with the provisions of the current Publishing Law. The Ministry of Information and Communications is responsible to the Government for implementing state management of publishing activities.
According to the Deputy Minister, there should be regulations on the use of books published in preschool and general education institutions. Thereby, it aims to enhance the responsibility of the state, limit inappropriate content in reference books, books for children in school education activities.
In order to strengthen the responsibility of state management according to authority, and to minimize inappropriate content for reference books and books for children, in 2014, the Ministry of Education and Training issued Circular No. 21/2014/TT-BGDDT dated July 7, 2014 regulating the management and use of reference publications in preschool, general education and continuing education institutions.
In particular, the regulations on reference publications selected for use in educational institutions must ensure requirements such as: Being consistent with the goals and content of educational programs issued by the Ministry of Education and Training for each level and class.
Ensure scientific, accurate, pedagogical and aesthetic qualities; suitable for the psychology and age of the target users; not contrary to Vietnamese culture, history, geography, ethics and customs; suitable for the trend of international integration.
Has the effect of educating patriotism and national pride; ensuring the maintenance of political security, social order and national sovereignty. Does not violate the provisions of the law.
Circular 21 also stipulates the responsibilities of teachers, schools, Departments of Education and Training, and Departments of Education and Training in selecting, purchasing, managing, and using reference publications and being responsible for the content and list of reference publications circulated in educational institutions. If parents want to use them, they will be advised by the school.
Recently, we have seen some inappropriate images and content circulating on social networks. This is not the first time, it could be intentional or unintentional, causing people to misunderstand the content of textbooks.
The Deputy Minister said that this is very dangerous and has a negative impact on the entire education system, so reporters need to be careful when reporting and writing articles. Accordingly, it is necessary to verify the source clearly and determine the responsibility of the individuals involved.
In 2023, the Ministry of Education and Training directed the Departments of Education and Training to review and evaluate the implementation of Circular 21 in localities. The results of the review and evaluation of localities show that Circular 21 is still legally strict, suitable at present, and serves well the process of managing and using reference publications in preschool, general education and continuing education institutions.
