3 layers of 'shields' to protect children in cyberspace

Photo caption — Students of Thang Long Primary School, Hoan Kiem District ( Hanoi ) study online. Illustrative photo: VNA

The program was attended by representatives of ministries, departments, branches in Vietnam and international organizations, representatives of units of the Ministry of Public Security , Digital Trust Alliance, Vietnam National Cyber Security Association, Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), UNICEF Vietnam, UNDP Vietnam, UNESCO Vietnam, IOGT Vietnam and representatives of schools,...

Previously, the Department of Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention (A05, Ministry of Public Security) coordinated with other units to launch the "Not Alone" campaign to protect children and teenagers from acts of seduction, manipulation, fraud, and "kidnapping" in cyberspace and Online Safety Day.

The Cyber Peace 2025 event and a series of other programs are proof that: Digital security cannot be a one-day slogan; it must be a sustainable, continuous and responsible action of the whole community.

At the event, Mr. Vu Quang Minh, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, shared the current situation in which, in order to commit fraud and enticement on the internet, criminals often take advantage of psychology, greed or fear of violating the law, and threaten the spirit, especially those who lack knowledge and skills, the elderly and children. Therefore, in addition to perfecting the legal framework and strict involvement of law enforcement agencies, raising awareness and promoting trust in society is very important.

Emphasizing the need to join hands to build a safe and humane digital environment for the young generation, Dr. Nguyen Vinh Son, General Principal of Wellspring International Bilingual School, shared about 3 layers of "shields" to protect children in cyberspace. These are the shields of technology, policy tools, and laws; the shields of mastering technology, equipping knowledge and skills. "But the problem is that we need a shield of arms from the people closest to the children, relatives, and families; to the cooperation and companionship of schools, organizations, units, businesses, media, etc. so that the protective arms grow larger and larger" - Dr. Nguyen Vinh Son proposed.

Ms. Vu Kim Chi, UNICEF’s digital transformation education officer, emphasized: “Children are the subjects that need to be protected, supported, and educated about safety in cyberspace, but at the same time they are also the center of the solution. Therefore, creating conditions, promoting, and “empowering” children to proactively come up with initiatives and innovations is also very important.”

As more and more children engage in the digital space with increasing frequency and intensity, equipping them with digital knowledge and skills is essential. These skills not only help them protect themselves from risks, but also help them learn to behave respectfully and empathetically towards others, contributing to building a safer and more positive online environment. Over the years, UNICEF Viet Nam has collaborated with the Ministry of Education and Training to build and develop a digital competency framework, AI competency for students and teachers, digital skills and safety training programs, and safety protection while supporting and promoting children’s learning, exploration and development opportunities in the context of strong digital transformation.

At the event, the Organizing Committee called on students, parents, schools and the whole society to join hands to maintain 6 principles of digital safety based on the Handbook compiled by the Department of Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention (A05) of the Ministry of Public Security. Safe access: Be careful before every click; check the source before accessing; do not open strange links, do not join unclear groups/Zoom/friend requests. Safe communication: Be respectful when interacting; do not spread harmful content; report immediately when seeing bullying, seduction, or fraud. Share responsibility: Only trust and share information from official sources; do not stay silent when seeing friends or people around you showing signs of risk. Build healthy relationships - stay connected: Keep in regular contact with family, teachers, and friends so that no one is isolated in cyberspace. Equip digital knowledge and skills: Proactively learn, practice, and spread digital safety knowledge to the surrounding community. Stay connected - notice the signs - handle them calmly - take proactive precautions - set an example: Observe to detect early; handle them calmly; take proactive precautions; and set an example in all humane online behavior.

The Cyber Peace 2025 event also has meaningful programs such as: debates, multi-dimensional analysis of cyber security situations, demonstrating the bravery of pioneering digital citizens. WISMUN - Model United Nations Conference: Students play the role of international delegations, discussing digital children's rights, personal data, and digital peace solutions. Digital Diplomacy Forum between representatives of ministries, agencies and students discussing civic responsibilities in the digital age.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/3-lop-la-chan-de-bao-ve-tre-em-tren-khong-gian-mang-20251115151958124.htm