Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Police: With just one strange text message, students can easily become victims

On the morning of October 20th, at Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted (Ho Chi Minh City), the Ho Chi Minh City Police, in coordination with the City's Department of Education and Training and many organizations, associations, individuals, and digital content creators, launched the campaign "Not Alone - Staying Safe Online Together".
The event was connected online to more than 900 points at secondary schools, high schools, colleges, vocational schools... across the city, attracting a large number of students, teachers and parents to attend.

Thousands of students from Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted excitedly watched the launch. Photo: Ngo Tung

Join hands to prevent online fraud and kidnapping crimes

In his opening speech, Colonel Bui Thanh Truc - Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Police Department said that the internet and social networks are becoming an indispensable part of students' lives, bringing many opportunities for learning, entertainment and creativity. However, along with that are many risks and traps, as cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated, taking advantage of the names of authorities, teachers or relatives to defraud, appropriate property and create scenarios of "online kidnapping".

"The reality is that just one strange message or unusual call, if not careful, can turn children into victims. This is a wake-up call that we cannot stand idly by. Safety is only truly achieved when we protect each other," Colonel Bui Thanh Truc emphasized.

Ho Chi Minh City Police officers share how to identify and respond to high-tech crimes.

From that reality, the campaign “Not alone – Together online safety” was launched to raise awareness and digital defense skills for teenagers, while mobilizing the participation of families, schools and the whole society in building a “safe shield” in cyberspace.

The Ho Chi Minh City Police Department is committed to closely coordinating with the Department of Education and Training, media agencies, and social organizations to detect, prevent, and strictly handle online fraud, manipulation, and kidnapping, contributing to building a safe and healthy online environment for young people.

Colonel Truc also sent a message to students: “Safety doesn’t come naturally – you need to proactively take control of it. Be cautious when sharing personal information, remain calm in the face of unusual requests, and especially – remember: you are never alone.”

Spread the message "Not alone" with education and KOLs

Accompanying the campaign, Ms. Huynh Le Nhu Trang – Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training – affirmed that this is a concrete action by the education sector in protecting students not only in schools but also in cyberspace.

The Department will carry out many synchronous activities such as: Organizing seminars on digital skills, defense skills and identifying abnormal online behavior; training teachers and administrators to detect early and support students at risk of being harmed. Along with that, establishing a school psychological support network, connecting school - family - society; encouraging students to create propaganda content, spreading the spirit of "Not alone".

Students confidently exchange with experts and KOLs.

Ms. Trang called on the entire education sector, parents and students to take action: “No one can build a safe online environment on their own. It is the responsibility of the entire sector, the entire society – and also the awareness of each young person.”

Notably, the campaign received support from well-known KOLs in the online community such as Mr. Ngo Minh Hieu (Hieu PC) – a cybersecurity expert, runner-up Thuy Van, and MC Quoc Khanh...

At the launch event, guests shared insights into real-world online dangers, how to identify and prevent online kidnapping tactics, and inspired students to proactively protect themselves, their friends, and spread a spirit of community responsibility.

Experts and celebrities in the community discuss with young people some methods to fight cybercrime.

The participation of influencers helps the message “Stay Safe Online Together” reach young people, becoming a communication campaign with profound educational and social significance.

At the end of the ceremony, Colonel Bui Thanh Truc emphasized: “Each student should be a safe friend for their friends. Each teacher, parent, and organization should together create a strong shield to protect the young generation – so that no one has to face danger alone.”

The campaign “Not alone – Together online safety” is not only a call, but also a commitment to action by the Ho Chi Minh City Police, the education sector and the digital creative community – together building a Safe – Positive – Responsible – Healthy online environment for future generations.