Is Spanking Your Child Legal in Vietnam After the 2026 Regulatory Updates?

No, corporal punishment against children, including spanking, is prohibited under Vietnam’s 2016 Law on Children and aligned with the 2022 National Action Program for Child Protection. The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) enforces these restrictions, with penalties under the 2015 Penal Code for acts causing harm to minors.


Key Regulations for Spanking Your Child in Vietnam

  • Prohibition under Law on Children (2016): Article 6 states all forms of violence, including spanking, are banned in child-rearing practices.
  • MOLISA Enforcement: The ministry monitors compliance via local child protection networks and imposes corrective measures for violations.
  • Penal Code Risks (2015): Article 134 criminalizes “beating or other acts of violence” against minors, with fines up to 50 million VND ($2,100) or imprisonment for severe cases.