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| Protecting children online is not just about preventing bad behavior, but also about protecting the character and future of an entire generation of digital citizens. (Source: People's Representatives Newspaper) |
The current situation is alarming to anyone concerned about children's rights. According to statistics from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in Vietnam, between 2021 and 2025, authorities handled approximately 2,000 cases of child abuse each year, with nearly 20% of these cases related to cyberspace.
Forms of abuse are becoming increasingly complex and sophisticated, ranging from the cross-border dissemination of harmful cultural materials to psychological manipulation, incitement of negative behavior, and suicidal thoughts in children. Now, violence is no longer just physical beatings, but has transformed into acts of harassment, threats, isolation, or humiliation through virtual screens.
The anonymity and instantaneous spread of the internet have made digital violence unpredictable. A piece of misinformation, a satirical image, or an insult can reach millions of people in just minutes.
Unlike in the real world , these wounds do not disappear over time but remain permanently as "digital footprints," causing lasting psychological trauma.
The most significant obstacle here, and the biggest one currently, is the silence. Very few children are brave enough to admit they are victims due to fear and anxiety about being scolded or having their devices confiscated by their parents.
Meanwhile, many parents and teachers still lack technological knowledge and are unable to recognize the signs of online attacks on children. The disparity between the pace of technological development and management capacity also means that traditional protective measures often lag behind reality.
To protect children from the "storm" of digital violence, we need a fundamental shift: from "passive protection" to "active protection," providing "active immunity." Instead of waiting for consequences to occur before intervening, the community needs to equip children with a "digital vaccine"—that is, self-protection skills. Children need to be taught how to manage their privacy, identify harmful content, and know how to stop bullies.
Furthermore, the role of the family is irreplaceable. Parents should not simply forbid or abandon technology, but should become trusted companions. A culture of dialogue needs to be built, where children feel safe to share any problems they encounter online without fear of punishment.
On the government side, the Prime Minister signed Decision No. 468/QD-TTg dated March 23, 2026, approving the Program "Protecting and Supporting Children's Development in the Online Environment giai đoạn 2026-2030"; with the mission of supporting and promoting healthy and positive development of children, enhancing digital capacity in the context of national digital transformation, aiming to contribute to the formation of a generation of digital citizens of Vietnam in the new situation.
In addition, information points such as the National Hotline 111 or the VN-COP Network also need to be more widely publicized so that all children know where to seek immediate help.
Each of us adults is a link in the network protecting children. When one link is silent, a child may lose the opportunity to receive support. Protecting children online is not just about preventing bad behavior, but also about protecting the character and future of an entire generation of digital citizens. Let's work together to ensure that the online space truly becomes a place to nurture children's dreams, not a place to sow silent terror.
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/xay-dung-la-chan-so-cho-the-he-tuong-lai-395705.html
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