Several parents of students at a Hanoi’s preschool were angered after seeing that their children were given pictures of a half-naked mermaid as good behaviour rewards.

Half-naked mermaid on a commendation award

On Friday, my child was granted a good conduct certificate. He innocently showed it to his father. I just can't understand why the school would use such an improper image," said one parent of a student at Thanh Cong A Preschool in Ba Dinh District said.

The incident triggered protest by several parents.

“Preschool children are innocent and should not be exposed to sexual images at that age," another parent commented.

Several parents discussed the topic on Webtretho, a popular site for parents, showing their anger and worry about the negative impacts.

The school’s principal, Chu Kim Oanh, said the school has several designs for such certificates. She pledged to check into the case.

“If it's found that any of the images on our certificates are inappropriate those responsible will be held to account," Oanh said.

Nguyen Hiep Thong, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Education and Training, said preschools are allowed to design and print their own commendation certificates, including the logos. This policy, Thong said, was aimed at fostering creativity at the local level.

“Images on commendation certificates can be adapted, but must also be suitable to Vietnamese culture and carry educational messages,” Thong added.

Previously, some preschools in Hanoi used commendation certificates that included company logos and trademarks as part of marketing campaigns.