Should children be banned from using social networks?

(NLDO) - The two strongest teams entered the English debate final with the topic "Should the government ban children under 13 from using social networks?"

12 excellent teams from 6 universities in Ho Chi Minh City have just entered the final round of the inter-university English speaking contest "Inter-University English Challenge 2025", hosted by Ho Chi Minh City University of Law for the first time.

Speaking at the contest, Dr. Le Truong Son, Principal of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, said that the contest is meaningful towards the 50th anniversary of tradition and 30 years of the school's name in March 2026.

According to Dr. Le Truong Son, the "Inter-University English Challenge 2025" contest is not only an academic activity but also a connecting playground, where students have the opportunity to exchange, learn and demonstrate their English skills in a healthy competitive environment.

In the final round, 12 teams went through 4 rounds with increasing levels of challenge. In the final round, the Organizing Committee randomly drew a debate topic, then continued to draw lots to determine the support or opposition side for each team.

The two strongest teams, ATE (Ho Chi Minh City University of Law) and The Turbulencers (Vietnam Aviation Academy), entered the final round, together creating a passionate intellectual confrontation revolving around the topic "Should the government ban children under 13 from using social networks?".

On the support side, ATE argues that children are not yet capable of identifying harmful content and are easily influenced by online bullying, violent or negative information.

According to the ATE team, social media poses too many risks to children's mental health, so strict bans from the Government are necessary to create a safe space and limit negative impacts from the beginning.

Meanwhile, The Turbulencers objected, arguing that an absolute ban would only make children curious and seek access in unsafe ways, without adult supervision. The team emphasized that the problem lies in the way they use it. Instead of banning, a more effective solution is to educate , guide and equip children with digital skills, helping them access technology in a healthy and controlled way.

The first prize – Champion was awarded to Team ATE - Ho Chi Minh City University of Law). The winning team received a trophy, certificate and 4 million VND.

The best teams won prizes

In the final results, the first prize was awarded to Team ATE - Ho Chi Minh City University of Law; the second prize went to Team The Turbulencers - Vietnam Aviation Academy; the third prize went to Hoa Sen University, Ho Chi Minh City Open University. Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade won the most impressive team award.

"Inter-University English Challenge 2025" has become a memorable academic meeting place for English language students at universities. "The competition will continue to be developed and maintained annually, creating a playground for students to demonstrate that English is not only a communication tool but also a bridge of knowledge, integration spirit and humanistic values" - Dr. Le Truong Son emphasized.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/co-nen-cam-tre-su-dung-mang-xa-hoi-196251129065625863.htm