Many reasons are offered to justify the absence of all family members at family meals. The role of the family is extremely important. Many parents still believe that their children will never break the law, but if children are not properly educated , society will teach them in a harsher way, and sometimes a single mistake can have lifelong consequences.
Recently, the Gia Lam District Police ( Hanoi ) detained three teenagers, all born in 2009, who used weapons to commit two robberies in just over 30 minutes, all under the watchful eyes of security cameras. When apprehended, the teenagers confessed that they had been taught by older "gang members" that because they were "young, if they committed robberies and got caught, they wouldn't be prosecuted or go to jail" - according to Vietnamnet.
The suspects and weapons used in the crime (photo provided by the police).
This story raises issues about criminal psychology, how juvenile delinquency is handled, and general legal awareness in society.
This issue didn't arise spontaneously. The "big shots" didn't fabricate it without reason; they likely researched and relied on regulations in the Criminal Code. According to Article 12 of the 2015 Criminal Code (amended and supplemented in 2017), individuals aged 14 to under 16 are only criminally liable for very serious crimes committed intentionally or exceptionally serious crimes. Meanwhile, robbery, as stipulated in Article 168 of the Criminal Code, is a very serious or exceptionally serious crime, meaning it is still subject to criminal prosecution. However, if the act is not serious enough, criminal liability may not be pursued.
On the other hand, for those under 18, even if prosecuted criminally, they still benefit from a lenient policy, aiming for education and rehabilitation rather than severe punishment as with adults. This policy reflects the humane nature of the law, giving minors a chance to correct their mistakes and reintegrate into society. However, this has led some individuals to misunderstand or intentionally exploit the policy to incite and lure children into committing crimes, based on the belief that if caught, the punishment for children will be much lighter than for adults, and in some cases, they may only be sent to a reformatory instead of serving a prison sentence.
Extracurricular legal education class for teenagers at Supe Secondary School, Lam Thao District.
This reality has created a serious gap in legal awareness. When families, schools, and society fail to provide adequate education and equip children with the necessary legal knowledge, "street teachers" immediately step in, guiding them in their own way. Children who should be properly guided and directed become tools of criminal groups, falling into a path of lawbreaking without understanding the consequences. This is alarming and requires strong solutions to prevent it at its root.
Even though the law prioritizes education and rehabilitation over punishment for offenders under 18 due to their lack of full understanding, the police still consider this case a prime example of a lack of life skills and basic, minimal knowledge of the law, which should have been taught in schools and within families – instead of by "older guys" in society.
But if today, the story of these three children who committed robbery were told at the family dinner table, or before class, perhaps we would never have to swallow our tears and say, "I'm a very good child at home." If families and schools don't teach them, then there will always be other "older kids" like them.
Family meals are a place to bond family members and also a place to educate children.
Legal education needs to be more practical and accessible, rather than just theoretical lectures. In schools, legal education should be integrated with typical case studies so that students understand the legal consequences of each action. On social media, where young people access information the most, short videos analyzing specific legal situations are needed to convey the message more effectively. Furthermore, the government and law enforcement agencies should organize awareness campaigns, inviting those who committed crimes before the age of 18 to share their experiences after release from prison to serve as a warning to students.
Furthermore, the role of the family is extremely important. Many parents still believe that their children will never break the law, but if children are not properly educated, society will teach them in a harsher way. Parents need to proactively equip their children with legal knowledge, helping them understand that regardless of age, breaking the law still carries consequences, and sometimes a single mistake can have lifelong consequences. Only when families, schools, and society work together can the prevention of juvenile crime be truly effective.
And perhaps, this story should be told during family meals so that children can gain more knowledge. However, for many families in society today, family meals are gradually becoming a "luxury." If there were family meals every day, children would be less likely to become spoiled, less likely to be victims of fraud or violence.
Many excuses are given to justify the lack of a complete family meal. Parents come home late from playing sports, children have extra classes causing their schedules to be different. But the family meal is where family members can talk, share, and build strong relationships. The family meal is a commitment: preparing food together, parents coming home on time, children not going out to play, all to eat together. The love the whole family shares is the most important, valuable, and sacred thing. Love begins with preserving the family meal! I am reminded of the poem "Evening Meal" by Cong Chinh, which profoundly expresses the meaning of the family meal.
"We still have a meal at home."
Every evening, the air is filled with the sweet scent of love.
Family reunion meal
We may not have fine food, but we're sitting together.
Simple vegetable soup served alongside.
Delicious because of the love and loyalty that fills the air.
Delicious because the whole family is around.
Delicious because it's shared with grandchildren.
Delicious because the crooked square becomes round.
"A happy family still has meals together!"
Ngoc Ha
Source: https://baophutho.vn/bua-com-gia-dinh-va-su-giao-duc-con-tre-228038.htm
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