Keeping children safe online

ĐBP - With the rapid development of digital technology, the online space has become a familiar environment for children to learn, play, and communicate. From online learning and information searches to entertainment on social media platforms, the internet offers children many opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills. However, along with these benefits come risks, including exposure to harmful content, exploitation, or online abuse.

Currently, it is common for children in many households to use smartphones or televisions to watch cartoons, study online, or play digital games.

Hoàng Thị Hồng Trang from Điện Biên Phủ ward shared: “My family has two children, one in grade six and one five years old. They love watching videos and playing games on the phone. I see that the internet provides many benefits, but without supervision, it also carries risks. So I regularly spend time guiding them to use devices responsibly, choose appropriate content, and talk to them about how to protect themselves on social media.”

Aware of these risks, provincial authorities have actively implemented measures to protect and support children online. The Department of Health has researched and developed programs, materials, and campaigns to promote children’s rights and responsibilities, and to prevent violence and sexual abuse. In coordination with local agencies, it has strengthened communication campaigns targeting children and caregivers, offering counseling and education for parents on child protection, abuse prevention, improving family communication, and fostering healthy behaviors and emotions in children.

Hoàng Thị Hồng Trang’s family in Điện Biên Phủ ward guides their children in searching for information safely online.

The Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has intensified inspections and monitoring of media activities, publications, and online content, especially at social media and internet service points near schools. It actively promotes awareness, detects, and handles online acts that exploit or harm children, while receiving reports on abusive images, videos, or content.

Additionally, educational institutions across the province have stepped up efforts to raise awareness and provide training on safe and responsible social media use for students. Schools integrate child protection education into curricula and extracurricular activities, and implement technical measures to monitor and filter illegal or age-inappropriate content.

Currently, 100% of educational institutions have created sections, videos, and images to educate students through social media, websites, emails, and text messages. Digital skills education is delivered through forums and school or community communication sessions, focusing on recognizing abuse, protecting personal information, and practicing respectful online behavior. Communication channels between schools, students, and families, via email, messages, and Zalo, allow timely monitoring of students’ thoughts and handling arising issues.

Life skills lessons at Thanh Bình Kindergarten are lively and engaging. Children enthusiastically observe illustrations on screens, learning to identify and respond to unsafe online situations through relatable, easy-to-understand stories.

Lê Thị Tâm, Principal of Thanh Bình Kindergarten, said: “Protecting children online is a key responsibility. The school focuses on educating and safeguarding children against internet risks. We work closely with parents to guide children in using technology safely and age-appropriately. Teachers incorporate life skills education and lessons on identifying and avoiding harmful content into daily activities. We also organize specialized sessions on abuse prevention and online child protection for teachers, contributing to a safe and healthy digital environment for children from an early age.”

Local media regularly promotes the child protection law, related regulations, and programs supporting safe, creative online interactions. Youth and student organizations at all levels implement campaigns and follow central and provincial policies on educating and protecting children online.

Nguyễn Châu Sơn, Head of the Population and Child Department (Department of Health), said: “As of June 2025, the province has more than 191,000 children under 16. to protect and support safe online interactions, authorities must continue promoting legal education to spread positive content and build a clean, child-friendly online space. At the same time, parents and teachers need training to strengthen child protection skills. Enhancing children’s digital literacy will help them recognize risks, respond safely, and handle online dangers, while early detection and prevention of harmful content contribute to a healthy digital environment and support children’s comprehensive development in the digital age.”

Minh Thảo
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