'Internet illusions' - a real verdict

In just over 10 days of intensified operations, the police force of Thai Nguyen province detected over 480 individuals exhibiting signs of street crime; temporarily seized more than 312 vehicles violating traffic safety regulations; and confiscated many dangerous weapons such as knives, swords, spears, baseball bats, pepper spray canisters, etc.

Officers from the Criminal Investigation Agency ( Thai Nguyen Provincial Police) take statements from a suspect who caused public disorder. (Photo: Provided)

Behind those alarming figures lies a painful reality: the vast majority of offenders are teenagers and young adults.

Instead of participating in healthy learning and recreational activities, many young people gather in groups, use face masks to cover their license plates, carry iron pipes, and then speed recklessly on the roads at night, disregarding the risk of causing accidents to themselves and other road users.

What is worrying is that the motives behind these reckless acts are extremely shallow. The children participate simply to show off, impress their friends, or film themselves doing wheelies, displaying weapons, and then posting it on social media to gain views and attention.

Behind those seemingly harmless likes and shares lie incitement and challenges, turning the virtual world into a "spark" that ignites tragedies in real life.

Notably, at the age of 13-16, many young people have a tendency to assert their individuality, are easily provoked, and like to show off, but they do not yet fully understand the legal consequences or the dangerous nature of their actions to society.

Social media has inadvertently become a catalyst. Numerous videos of street racing and brandishing weapons continue to receive encouragement from a segment of viewers. This misguided glorification fuels the "trend-following" mentality, leading many young people to mistakenly believe that breaking the law is a "trophy" or a way to assert their courage.

Furthermore, conflicts online can quickly lead to the formation of private groups designed to lure members into resolving them through violence in real life.

It would be simplistic to blame social media alone. The root of the problem lies in lax management, inadequate family education , and a lack of close supervision from adults.

Behind every incident, there's a glimmer of hope in parental attention, guidance, and control. When children gather late at night, use vehicles underage, or exhibit deviant behavior, the family must be the first to recognize the problem and take preventative measures.

In fact, the police force and Special Task Force 252 are patrolling key routes day and night to promptly detect and prevent violations.

However, the efforts of law enforcement agencies can only address the symptoms. No professional measures can replace the role of families and schools in educating young people's character, equipping them with a sense of law compliance, and guiding them towards correct life values.

Youth is supposed to be the best time for learning, experiencing, and nurturing dreams. But a single moment of impulsiveness, chasing after empty praise, or engaging in violent behavior can lead to devastating consequences, with the price paid not only being regret but also potentially harsh legal penalties.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/phap-luat/an-ninh-trat-tu/202605/ao-tuong-mang-ban-an-thuc-f8a5ef6/