With a good moral foundation, teenagers will be able to "resist" bad behavior.

In the context of widespread internet, experts say that schools, families, individuals and groups need to closely coordinate to have appropriate and timely educational measures during the process of adolescents growing up.

Opportunities and challenges

The emergence of social networks such as Facebook, Zalo, TikTok, Instagram... reflects the inevitable development trend of society in the context of global internet coverage, becoming an effective tool. In 2023, a UNICEF survey showed that 82% of Vietnamese children aged 12-13 use the internet daily, while the figure for 14-15 year olds is 93%. Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs , Vietnamese children spend 5-7 hours a day on social networks.

Ms. Vu Thi Xuan (45 years old, Hanoi ) expressed her concerns and worries when her two children (one in grade 8, one in grade 2) are at home on summer vacation and depend on forms of entertainment on mobile devices and computers. She said that not only her family but many parents share the same concerns when their children access the huge information network on the internet without close control and supervision from adults, especially during the summer vacation.

Similarly, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Truong (40 years old, Hai Phong) is also concerned that his 9th grade son, who has been exposed to electronic devices since he was a child, may be negatively affected. He said: “My son has entered puberty, his thoughts have changed, I can no longer confide in him like before. Since he was a child, he often watched YouTube, now he has his own phone, and uses social networks every day. Parents are busy and may not be able to keep close watch on their children, I am worried that he will learn bad habits online and have incorrect perceptions.”

With the ability to connect everyone, anytime, anywhere, social networks have become a giant information network, a place where users can share their feelings, thoughts, and opinions. However, if they do not know how to use it or do not actively control the information, users can be drawn into negative and false information. In particular, teenagers are the most vulnerable to these negative impacts.

Speaking with Lao Dong, Associate Professor Dr. Le Huy Hoang, Deputy Head of the Department of Education, Central Propaganda Department, emphasized that the development of current technology both creates opportunities but also poses challenges in the process of educating children and controlling the information that children access every day.

“However, we should not exploit its benefits just because of the challenges. Schools need to orient, guide and raise students’ awareness of using the digital environment. Through that, students will have the skills to exploit the digital environment to serve their studies, develop themselves and adapt to new trends.

For families, educating children is more difficult because many parents do not know how to use technology and social networks effectively. Even parents themselves are the ones who indulge, do not have the awareness to proactively access the internet, and are negatively affected by the online environment. From there, it will be difficult to orient children" - Mr. Le Huy Hoang said.

Forming a foundation of ethics and awareness

The relationship between family - school - society in shaping personality and guiding behavior for adolescents is extremely important. In the context of widespread internet, students and adolescents access harmful information but do not have the skills or awareness to distinguish information, which will leave unpredictable consequences.

Schools need to educate and develop qualities in students such as patriotism, kindness, honesty, diligence and responsibility. From there, they will have a moral foundation and a sense of respect for the law. On the family side, parents need to closely monitor and discuss with their children about right and wrong, falsehoods, and views that are not in accordance with traditional customs that their children may face.

Sharing with Lao Dong, MSc. Le Dinh Quyet - Lecturer at Hanoi Law University, Senior Advisor at LVI Law Firm - affirmed that early education and propaganda help people under 18 years old to be aware of behavioral issues, thereby knowing how to handle legal situations, knowing how to protect their own legitimate rights and interests.

Mr. Le Dinh Quyet commented that it can be seen that teenagers have multi-dimensional, curious and dynamic personalities, but they are also easily influenced and vulnerable. Therefore, the surrounding environment is a combination of many negative and positive factors that can affect children's perception and behavior. The fact that adults have difficulty controlling the content that children access every day can cause them to lack direction, thereby forming bad habits and, more seriously, breaking the law.

Experts believe that schools, families, individuals and groups that are closely associated with adolescents also need to closely coordinate to have appropriate and timely educational measures during the process of adolescence's growth.

* International Youth Day was chosen by the United Nations General Assembly to be celebrated on August 12 every year, starting in 1999 to promote human rights and human development, especially of the young generation.

After 25 years, the role and voice of young people are increasingly valued and play an important role in implementing sustainable development goals. In Vietnam, young people currently account for the majority of the country's population, and this is the force that helps Vietnam to be in the "golden population" period. This shows that, more than ever, young people play an important role in building and defending the Fatherland in the period of industrialization, modernization and international integration.

* Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son - Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education - emphasized that youth are the future of the nation. Caring for youth is also caring for the bright future of the country.

However, one of the problems that young people today have to face and encounter is issues such as cyber violence, the impact of bad and toxic information on young people. Even crimes are young people committing dangerous acts to society such as murder, robbery, illegal drug trafficking... are increasingly alarming.

“We are very saddened by the negative phenomena and law violations of young people. Culture needs to take the lead, creating a system of moral regulation to overcome this situation,” said Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Son, we need to focus on building a healthy cultural environment, creating resistance for young people. In that environment, the media, especially social media, need to convey more messages about values, beautiful lifestyles and moral examples, condemn unhealthy behaviors, oppose offensive and inappropriate lifestyles; Youth unions and youth teams need to organize attractive and suitable movements and activities to attract the participation of young people.... VUONG TRAN

Source: https://laodong.vn/van-hoa-giai-tri/co-nen-tang-dao-duc-tot-thanh-thieu-nien-se-de-khang-duoc-cac-hanh-vi-xau-1379220.ldo