In the digital age, it’s common for children to use devices like phones, tablets, and laptops. However, if not properly controlled, children’s screen time can negatively impact their health, studies, and overall development.

Khuất Thị Giang’s family, from Thanh Bình ward (Điện Biên Phủ city, Điện Biên province), has a daughter in grade 4 and a son in grade 2. During this summer, although her husband and she are busy working, they still make sure their children don’t spend too much time on devices. Their children, like many others, naturally spend time on smartphones and watching TV. To address this, Ms. Giang set limits on screen time, allocating only 1-2 hours per day for the children to use smartphones or watch TV. Additionally, she actively guides them on appropriate content, steering them away from harmful material. Moreover, the family encourages other activities like drawing or sports, promoting both physical and intellectual growth.

Giang shared: “We’ve set a rule that our children can use smartphones or tablets for only 1-2 hours a day when one of us is home. We also guide them toward positive entertainment content, like focusing on practicing English for their studies. In addition, we encourage extracurricular activities like painting or playing sports, which helps them stay active and develop their creativity while also limiting their screen time.”

Currently, the internet offers numerous learning and developmental opportunities for children. Online education software, knowledge and skills competitions, and platforms for discovering young talents are becoming increasingly popular. Many social media platforms also offer educational content through videos, fostering vibrant communities where knowledge is shared online. Furthermore, digital technology enables students to easily access information about international scholarships. However, alongside these benefits, using devices that connect to the internet also poses risks. Without proper supervision, children can easily be exposed to harmful content, such as inappropriate media, violent online games, or misinformation. Therefore, parental and teacher involvement is crucial to ensure children can safely and effectively use the internet.

Trịnh Thị Ngọc’s family, from Noong Hẹt commune (Điện Biên district), has two active, inquisitive sons. During the summer break, Ms. Ngọc and her husband decided not to enroll their children in extra classes, aiming for their kids to truly relax. However, the family still allowed their children to use technology, like computers and phones, for study and entertainment purposes.

Ngọc acknowledged the benefits of digital technology, noting how it helps children connect to an unlimited knowledge base, easily find study materials, and enhance their skills. But she also recognized the risks of early exposure to the internet, such as accessing unhealthy information, inappropriate media, or developing behavioral issues. Consequently, she set clear rules for her children: they can use devices for no more than two hours a day. She also encourages them to learn English through online videos and tools to improve vocabulary retention. Moreover, she regularly checks the children’s browsing history to monitor for any unusual activity. If needed, she sternly reprimands them and encourages involvement in healthy activities, such as sports, reading life skills books, or doing chores, fostering their physical and mental development.

The digital world offers numerous opportunities for learning and growth but also presents risks that can impact children if not managed correctly. Therefore, the role of parents in guiding and monitoring their children’s use of the internet and electronic devices is crucial. In addition to teaching their children how to use technology for effective study and entertainment, many parents today also use digital tools to track their children’s academic progress and manage their schedules in a scientific manner. They also collaborate closely with schools to equip their children with essential skills like communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving.

To effectively accompany their children in this digital age, parents must also proactively enhance their knowledge and skills in safe technology use. When parents have solid knowledge, they can help children identify potential dangers online and respond appropriately. On the other hand, without these skills, parents may struggle to guide their children in avoiding risks like sharing personal information, encountering fake news, falling victim to scams, online bullying, or engaging in other negative behaviors. Therefore, parents must be reliable partners in helping their children use digital devices safely and effectively.