Protecting children in cyberspace

"Because I haven't been allowed to use a phone, I often watch cartoons on TV. I really enjoy watching TV"; "I really like playing farming games on my phone. I like watching cartoons and entertainment channels." These are the shared experiences of Tran Minh Chau from Kim Tan ward and Pham Phuong Chi from Nam Cuong ward, Lao Cai city.

Children can easily access social media content through their phones.

Engaging games and entertaining videos on the internet act like a magnet, attracting children. However, not all online content is age-appropriate; children can be psychologically affected, easily deceived, lured, or drawn into immoral and illegal activities online.

Statistics show that currently 89% of Vietnamese children aged 12-17 use the internet, this figure rises to 82% for those aged 12-13 and increases to 97% for those aged 16-17. According to a report by the Ministry of Public Security , from 2020 to 2023, there were more than 400 cases of exploiting social media to lure and abuse children.

Therefore, many parents are worried and don't know how to allow their children to be exposed to technology while protecting them from online dangers.

Harmful content on social media has been flagged.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Chinh, from Kim Tan ward, Lao Cai city, shared: "My family runs a business, and during the summer break, we can't control what content and programs our children watch on TV and phones. This is a matter of great concern to my family."

Ms. Ngo Thi Kim Tan, from Bac Cuong ward, Lao Cai city, expressed her concern: "There are some programs on YouTube that are very nonsensical, pointless, and even dangerous for children. At home, we can manage them, but when we go to work, it's impossible to control them."

Therefore, each family needs to take the time to talk to their children about the benefits and harms of social media, encouraging them to participate in outdoor activities to limit their screen time. In addition to controlling and guiding children to use social media selectively, equipping them with the skills to recognize risks in cyberspace is essential.

Mr. Hoang Manh Linh, Deputy Secretary of the Lao Cai Provincial Youth Union, emphasized: "All levels of the Youth Union throughout the province are implementing solutions to disseminate information, educate, and raise awareness among parents, children, and society to protect children and promote healthy interaction in cyberspace through Youth Union and Young Pioneer activities; and organizing thematic talks on forums about appropriate behavior in cyberspace."

To protect children in the digital environment, Vietnam has enacted numerous legal regulations, including the 2016 Children's Law and the Cybersecurity Law. Recently, the Vietnam Information Security Association published a set of standards outlining the basic requirements for products protecting children online. These steps demonstrate Vietnam's efforts to create a safe online space for children.

Parents play games with their children at home.

Ms. Tran Xuan Hue, Deputy Director of the Department of Information and Communications of Lao Cai province, said: "We will closely coordinate with the education sector in finding the most effective solutions and measures, such as organizing workshops or compiling guidance materials so that children and parents have handbooks to protect themselves in cyberspace."

Social media is a double-edged sword; if used correctly, it can be a useful tool. Equipping children with knowledge, skills, and education on safe social media use is crucial. It's the "digital vaccine" for these young "digital citizens."

Thao Linh - Minh Dung

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