To improve children's well-being, education, and health, authorities at all levels have intensified efforts to protect children in the online environment, equip them with digital skills, and strengthen their ability to safeguard themselves against risks in cyberspace. These initiatives contribute to creating a safe and healthy environment where children can grow, thrive, and confidently embrace the opportunities of the digital age.

To ensure children can live in a safe, healthy environment and develop comprehensively, child protection, care, and education have long been identified as key priorities by Điện Biên province. With the involvement of the entire political system and society, a range of child-centered policies and practical action programs are gradually improving children’s quality of life, providing them with better opportunities for education, healthcare, and skill development in the digital era.

Currently, 100% of children under six years old are covered by health insurance. The full immunization rate exceeds 95% for children under one year of age and reaches nearly 96% for children under five. Meanwhile, child malnutrition and mortality rates continue to decline, reflecting the effectiveness of nutrition programs, scientific parenting guidance, and early childhood healthcare initiatives.

Trương Thị Lan Anh, Deputy Head of the Health Station in Pu Nhi commune, said: “We regularly work with village leaders and population collaborators to educate parents about child healthcare, full immunization, and malnutrition prevention. At the same time, we help families improve childcare skills to support children’s physical and emotional development. Many child support programs are also being implemented effectively.”

In 2025, Điện Biên collaborated with organizations such as the UNICEF, World Vision Vietnam, and Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation to deliver various support programs for disadvantaged children. Thousands of scholarships, school supplies, clean water facilities, nutritional assistance packages, and healthcare services were provided to children across the province.

Community-based initiatives promoting happy families, active citizenship, and intervention support for children at risk of abuse have continued to operate effectively. At the same time, significant investments have been made in education. The province currently has 430 schools serving more than 184,000 students. School facilities, boarding systems, sanitation infrastructure, and school health rooms are being progressively upgraded. Life-skills education and experiential learning activities have also been widely introduced. Notably, the construction of 15 inter-level ethnic boarding schools in border communes is creating new educational opportunities for children in remote and underserved areas.

Nguyễn Đức Hoàng Hà, a student at the Inter-level Ethnic Boarding School for Primary and Secondary Education in Si Pa Phìn, shared: “Studying in a better-equipped environment gives my friends and me more opportunities to learn, participate in activities, and develop skills. Our teachers teach us how to use the internet safely and protect ourselves online. We strive to study hard so that we can contribute to our families and hometowns in the future.”

As information technology and internet access continue to expand, children today enjoy unprecedented opportunities to learn, play, and develop themselves in digital environments. With an internet-connected device, they can study foreign languages, join online classes, access educational resources, and connect with friends.

However, alongside these benefits come numerous risks, including harmful content, cyberbullying, online scams, online child exploitation, excessive gaming, and uncontrolled use of social media.

The 2026 Action Month for Children, themed “Happy, safe children confidently moving forward in the digital age,” highlights society’s commitment to protecting and supporting children amid rapid technological advancement. Throughout June, various activities will be organized, including awareness campaigns on child protection, digital literacy training, online safety education, prevention of accidents and injuries, drowning prevention, and measures to combat violence and child abuse. Resources will also be mobilized to support children in disadvantaged, remote, and border areas.

Nguyễn Châu Sơn, Head of the Population and Children Division under the Department of Health, stated: “In the digital age, children are accessing the internet, social media, and digital platforms at increasingly younger ages. While this opens doors to knowledge and learning opportunities, it also exposes them to risks such as abuse and misuse of personal information online. Therefore, protecting children in cyberspace requires coordinated efforts from families, schools, and society as a whole. When children are properly cared for, protected, and equipped with essential skills, they will have the tools they need to develop comprehensively and move confidently into the future.”

Through sustained investments in child welfare, education, digital literacy, and online safety, Điện Biên is working to ensure that every child can enjoy a safe, healthy, and fulfilling childhood while developing the skills needed to succeed in the digital era.