If we equip the younger generation only with purely scientific knowledge or theoretical lessons in morality while overlooking another essential foundation, the law, it would be a significant shortcoming.
In reality, modern society operates on the foundation of legal norms. Legal education for students from an early age is not merely an academic subject, but a critically important strategic task, a “shield” that protects them and a lever that helps them become productive citizens.
Protecting children from invisible traps
The world around students, especially in an era when digital technology and social media are rapidly expanding, is filled with countless unpredictable risks. Without a solid foundation of legal knowledge, students can easily become victims of abuse, online scams, school violence, or social vices.
When exposed to legal education from an early age, children will understand how the law protects their legitimate rights and interests. For example, understanding the Law on Children or regulations on cybersecurity and online safety can help them recognize abusive behavior, learn how to protect themselves, and develop an awareness of seeking help from authorities or trusted adults when their rights are violated.
Conversely, without this understanding, many children who experience bullying or exploitation may simply endure it because they do not realize that an entire legal system exists to protect them.
Preventing juvenile crime and legal violations at the root
A worrying reality, reflected in surveys by psychological and legal research institutes, is that the rate of adolescents violating the law is showing an upward trend, with a lack of understanding being one of the main causes.
Many students engage in wrongful acts such as illegal street racing, fighting, damaging other people's property, or even spreading false information online simply because of the naive belief that “I'm still young, so nothing will happen” or “It's just a joke.” Early legal education helps eliminate these misconceptions. When students understand the boundaries between what is permitted and what is prohibited, as well as the serious penalties they may face under the Criminal Code or the Law on Handling Administrative Violations, they can gradually develop an internal filter of legal awareness.
Understanding legal responsibility from an early age is an effective “vaccine” that helps prevent deviant behavior while it is still only a small spark, reducing the burden on families and society as a whole.
Nurturing a sense of responsibility and comprehensive civic awareness
The law is not merely about deterrence or coercion. At its core, it is about building a civilized social order in which people respect one another's freedoms.
When students learn about the law, they do not simply learn about their individual rights. They also develop a deeper understanding of their responsibilities toward the community. They learn that their own freedom must not infringe upon the lawful rights and interests of others. From small everyday actions, such as strictly following road traffic laws when riding an electric bicycle, refraining from littering in accordance with environmental protection laws, to respecting other people's intellectual property rights, all of these are expressions of legal awareness developed from an early age.
Integrating legal education with moral education helps create well-rounded individuals who lead healthy lifestyles, know how to behave civilly, and understand how to resolve conflicts peacefully based on legal principles rather than resorting to violence.
The foundation for a sustainable rule-of-law State
A country that seeks prosperous and sustainable development must necessarily be built on respect for the law. Students are the future leaders and citizens who will directly operate the economy, politics, and society in the years to come.
If a generation grows up indifferent to or lacking knowledge of the law, that society can easily fall into instability and underdevelopment. Conversely, planting the seeds of legal thinking in students from primary or secondary school will help the country develop a high-quality future generation of citizens who respect the Constitution and live and work according to the law. This is the solid foundation for building a clean, strong, socialist rule-of-law state that is deeply integrated with the international community.
