A smart swimming pool can be game-changer in preventing drownings among students during the summer vacation. — Photo giaoducthoidai.vn

HÀ NỘI — With summer vacation just around the corner, many parents in Hà Nội are already worrying about how to keep their children safe and engaged during the long break.

Some parents are concerned about their children spending too much time indoors glued to electronic devices, while others worry about the risk of drowning or other accidents.

Nguyễn Bích Hạnh, whose youngest child attends kindergarten in Cầu Giấy District, said she has to send him to her parent's house for childcare during the summer vacation as she and her husband are too busy working.

“We have to send our little one to stay with his grandparents for peace of mind," said Hạnh. "Leaving her home alone is not an option because we cannot ensure proper supervision to prevent accidents."

Phạm Thu Hiên from Ba Đình District is at a loss for what to do with her son during the summer break. She is worried that he would spend all his time watching TV and glued to his smartphone if she left him at home.

"Social media exposes kids to so much inappropriate content that it's hard to monitor," said Hiên.

But she is also not at ease sending him to the countryside because there are many ponds and lakes. Her only option now seems to be enrolling him in swimming and martial arts classes.

To alleviate parents' concerns about their children's summer activities, the Hà Nội's Department of Education has issued a plan to organise the activities for students.

The plan requires schools to collaborate with local HCM Youth Union and Young Pioneers' Councils to ensure students are properly supervised and engaged in safe community activities during the summer break.

The department also requested schools to allow students to access school facilities such as libraries and gyms during the off-school period for studying and recreation.

Regarding academic studies, schools in Hà Nội are strictly prohibited from organising extra classes or supplemental instruction during the summer break. Summer academic review is solely reserved for students with subpar academic performance.

Water safety remains a pressing concern as drowning incidents tragically claim young lives each summer.

Many schools have installed "smart swimming pools" to offer swimming lessons and water safety training. Local authorities also organise courses on drowning prevention, survival skills, and emergency response in this regard.

Nguyễn Hồng Thúy, Principal of Tâm Tiến Junior School in Chương Mỹ District, highlighted the importance of parent-school cooperation in caring for students.

She said even though students are not in school during the summer break, the school remains actively involved, instructing teachers to keep an eye on their students and collaborating with their parents during the year-end summary meeting to discuss summer vacation-related matters.

Parents are particularly encouraged to keep a close watch their children and minimise potential risks that could lead to accidents or injuries during the summer. — VNS