Hanoi (VNA) - At a seminar in Hanoi on November 21𝐆, experts discussed the urgent need to protect children in cyberspace. They highlighted the high risks child💝ren face online and proposed measures to ensure their safety.

Dang Vu Son, Vice President of the Vietnam Information Security Association (VNISA), said, “We are living in an era of rapid digital technology development. Modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and Internet of Things (IoT) have become an indispensable part in learning, working, and entertainment.” However, alongside benefits, there are increasing challenges, particularly regarding information security, privacy, and the protection of children in cyberspace, he added.

According to Phan Thi Kim Lien, manager of the child protection programme of World Vision Vietnam, nine out of the 10 Vietnamese children use the internet everday. The digital environment is present in every aspect of life, offering both opportunities and risks to children’s development.

Lien recommended organisations and agencies strengthen collaboration to raise children’s awareness about cyber threats and teach them how to interact safely on social networks. She emphasised the need to work together to build a healthy online culture, promote positive values, and foster civilised internet usage habits for children. Sharing the same view, Dinh Thi Nhu Hoa, Head of Information Security Inspection Department under the Vietnam Cyberspace Emergency Response Centre, said the growing number of children using the internet has resulted in numerous risks. She pointed out typical cyber threats that can negatively impact children. Specifically, children may encounter inappropriate information sources, such as websites with harmful contents, or become victims of cyberbullying. “If not detected early, such information will adversely affect children’s psychology, physical health and behaviour,” Hoa said. One significant threat arises from parents sharing their children’s photos and personal information on social networks. This practice can lead to the spread and leakage of children’s private information, potentially resulting in negative consequences. Another risk is the overuse of the internet by children, which can lead to addiction to online games and social media. According to WHO statistics, approximately 70-80% of children aged 10-15 enjoy playing online games, with about 10-15% becoming addicted to games. Hoa further highlighted two other major risks to children on the internet: online bullying and being targeted for seduction, harassment, or coercion into illegal activities. She laid stress on the importance of coordination between organisations, agencies and enterprises in the work of protecting children in cyberspace. Such coordination is crucial and needs the Government’s special attention, demonstrated through legal documents clearly defining the responsibilities of organisations, agencies and enterprises in the work, Hoa noted. Experts underlined the significance of enhancing children’s self-protection skills in the current digital age.

The cybersecurity law (issued in 2015), the child law (2016), the information access law (2016), and the cybersecurity law (2018) all stipulate the responsibilities of individuals, organisations, and businesses in protecting children in cyberspace. The Prime Minister also approved a programme on protecting and supporting children to interact in the cyber environment in a healthy and creative manner in the 2021-2025 period. The programme highlights key priorities for protecting children in cyberspace: establishing and refining the legal framework; promoting education, awareness, and provision of necesssary skills for children to protect themselves in cyberspace; implementing technical measures and solutions; enhancing organisational structures and law enforcement capacity; and fostering international cooperation./.