Help children build a "digital immune system".

In the digital age, children have access to the internet and technology from a very young age. With just a smart device connected to the internet, they can learn, access knowledge, interact, and explore the wider world. Digital technology opens up unprecedented opportunities for children to develop their abilities and skills, and gradually become global citizens in the future.

However, along with these benefits come numerous challenges and risks. According to a recent survey, 27.1% of children spend less than 1 hour a day using the internet; 47.9% use it for 1-3 hours a day; 18.8% use it for 4-6 hours, and some even use it for more than 10 hours a day. Notably, all children participating in the survey had experienced at least one online risk.

This reality shows that the pace of technological development is far exceeding the ability of many families, schools, and society to adapt. Many busy parents have given their children smartphones as a means of entertainment or as an impromptu "babysitter," without truly considering the content their children access.

Notably, many children have early access to the internet, connecting with the world through screens more than with family, friends, and the surrounding community. As face-to-face conversations become less frequent, and as sharing and understanding risk being replaced by virtual interactions, children are very susceptible to feelings of loneliness and a lack of emotional support, even in an environment that seems to be constantly connected.

To address this situation, the first step is to raise awareness among parents and caregivers about their role in supporting their children in the digital environment. Managing screen time is necessary, but more importantly, it's crucial to help children develop the skills to choose, receive, and process information correctly. Parents need to become companions and guides, teaching children to use the internet safely, responsibly, and respectfully.

Digital transformation is an inevitable trend and a major policy of the Party and State aimed at promoting rapid and sustainable national development in the new era. We cannot stand outside this trend, but we also cannot allow children to enter the digital environment without guidance, support, and necessary protective "shields" against negative impacts. Therefore, equipping children with digital skills, life skills, and self-protection capabilities in the online environment must be identified as an important and long-term task.

Together with families, schools need to promote digital skills, life skills, and self-protection skills education for students; making online safety and culturally appropriate behavior in cyberspace practical and relevant lessons. At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen experiential, cultural, and sports activities to help children balance the digital world and real life, developing harmoniously both physically and mentally.

At the macro level, regulatory agencies need to continue improving mechanisms and policies to protect children in the online environment; strengthen inspections and strictly handle all forms of child abuse. Technology companies also need to enhance their social responsibility, proactively develop tools to protect children, control content appropriate for each age group, and build a safer digital environment for future generations.

To achieve this, families, schools, and society must truly become three solid pillars in protecting and supporting children in the digital age. Close cooperation among these entities will help children develop essential skills, enhance their ability to avoid negative impacts in cyberspace, and thus develop comprehensively, confidently, and adapt well to the digital society.

The 2026 Children's Action Month, themed "Happy, Safe, and Confident Children in the Digital Age," not only focuses on physical health but also emphasizes building a strong "digital immune system" to adapt to the opportunities and challenges of the technological revolution. When each child is protected online, equipped with the necessary skills, and raised with the support of family, school, and society, this forms the foundation for building a high-quality workforce for the country's future.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/giup-tre-tao-he-mien-dich-so-1014328.html