In Vietnam, where online learning has become commonplace, a growing social debate surrounds the exposure of youth to harmful content. Parents and schools are at odds over their responsibilities, struggling to find effective solutions.
According to a report by the Vietnamese media outlet Tuoi Tre on May 11, 87% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 use the internet daily, with many spending 5 to 7 hours online. Additionally, 74% of these youths access the internet during school hours. This trend suggests that digital devices have become essential tools for learning, leading to a situation where children are constantly connected to the internet.
Critics argue that this environment weakens parental control. One parent shared their struggle to limit screen time and keep phones out of bedrooms, only to find that assignments and supplementary learning are all conducted online, undermining their rules.
Concerns are particularly pronounced regarding the continuity of online classes and assignments. Parents worry that screens left open for learning easily transition into messaging and social media activities.
The debate over parental responsibility is intensifying. Some readers pointed out that many parents prefer to keep quiet and hand their children a phone. Another commenter remarked, "If the upper levels are not stable, the lower levels will inevitably be chaotic."
Conversely, others questioned, "In a situation where all school assignments and education are conducted online, who can manage the children individually?" Another comment highlighted, "The issue is not whether children use the internet, but whether adults are prepared to help them online."
There is also division over proposals to ban social media use for those under 16. Some argue that if adults are swayed by misinformation, how can children discern the truth? Others counter that teaching children to use these platforms correctly from an early age may be safer in the long run.
The proliferation of provocative content online is raising further concerns. Some popular Vietnamese YouTube channels feature videos with repeated profanity and threats, often categorized as 'online gangster' content. Some videos have garnered over 100,000 views within days of being posted. One channel boasts over 770,000 subscribers and has published more than 600 videos.
Additionally, content featuring dangerous motorcycle stunts, risky challenges, and skits mimicking debt collection is rapidly spreading, making it easy for youth to imitate.
Legal issues are also emerging. Tran Minh Hung, a Vietnamese lawyer, explained that Article 21 of Vietnam's Child Law protects children's privacy and personal information. He noted that disclosing sensitive information or images of children over the age of 7 without their consent and that of their parents or guardians could constitute a clear legal violation. He added that if content is deemed obscene, Article 326 of the Criminal Code may apply, as well as Article 155 if the intent is defamation or insult.
Calls for stronger technical measures are also being voiced. Some readers suggested specific actions, such as blocking access after 10 p.m. or automatically shutting down games after an hour of play. However, many believe that rather than imposing blanket bans on social media, it is more realistic for families and schools to establish guidelines and work together with children.
As digital environments have become essential for learning and communication, the question of how to protect children remains unresolved. There is an urgent need for societal discussions on the responsibilities and roles of parents, schools, and platforms in safeguarding youth.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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