Social networks are websites and apps that allow users and organizations to connect, communicate, share information and form relationships. Also, social media provides entertainment for its users, including children. However, the danger is that the threats exist in a new online environment children may not be familiar with. Hence, it is important for Da Nang to raise awareness about using social media sites safely among children.

Lieutenant Colonel Hong Minh Hien educated pupils of the Huynh Ngoc Hue Primary School how to stay safe online in April 2023. Photo: X.DONG

Potential risks of the internet for children

According to Dr. Le Thi Duyen, the Lecturer of the Department of Psychology and Education under the Da Nang University of Education, it’s important to note that the internet provides many benefits to its users, including children. Society has access to an unprecedented amount of information, and certainly benefits from allowing huge numbers of people to connect across the globe. However, using the internet certainly comes with its fair share of risks. These risks are amplified for children who don’t know how to navigate the web safely. Cyberbullying and other forms of peer-to-peer violence can affect children each time they log in to social media or instant messaging platforms. Cyberbullying is an unfortunately common experience for children who use the internet, and for teenagers in particular. Between instant communications like texting, social media platforms, and chat rooms, there are many ways your child can be bullied online by people they know in real life, as well as complete strangers. In addition, the internet is full of images, videos, and information that is graphic, sexual, or inappropriate for children to view. Even with features such as safe search, parental controls, and content filters, children frequently encounter harmful content. Children may easily fall for these scams, especially if they don’t know what to look out for; be sure to teach your child about common scams and what they can do to avoid them. Digital platforms have also been used as vectors for disinformation and conspiracy theories that have a harmful effect on children.

Most alarming is the threat of online sexual exploitation and abuse. Children can also be put at risk when tech companies breach their privacy to collect data for marketing purposes. Child-targeted marketing through apps - and the excessive screen time it often results in - can compromise a child’s healthy development.

Children are especially vulnerable to these risks, such as internet addiction, and their associated and real-world consequences, like anxiety and depression. Similarly, spending time online can affect children’s physical health too. It can cause or contribute to myriad issues, such as strained/blurred vision, neck and back pain, and high blood pressure.

When browsing the Internet, children and young people may be exposed to hate speech and violent content - including messages that incite self-harm and even suicide.

“The parents play an important role in teaching their kids how to stay safe online. In particular, the parents need to talk regularly with their children about the benefits and dangers of social networks. In addition, your child needs to trust that you respect their right to have privacy and a say in decisions about their life. The parents need to focus on teaching their children how to use social networks safely," remarked Dr. Duyen.

Enhancing online child protection

Lieutenant Colonel Hong Minh Hien from the Da Nang Police Department highlighted the significance of raising awareness about staying safe online among parents and their children, along with teachers. The focus is on working with the education and training sector, and social organisations to raise awareness and educate parents and their kids how to use the internet and social networks safely during their summer break. Extensive and timely awareness raising about the benefits and dangers of the internet helps children equip themselves with effective life skills, as well as enhance their resistance to negative effects of the internet.

Mrs Nguyen Thu Phuong, the Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Information and Communications said that a code of conduct for the city-based tech businesses was released in 2019 in efforts to protect children online. Accordingly, tech businesses were encouraged to develop their information technology products with healthy content, thereby creating a safe online environment for kids, and making sure that their products are suitable for children at different ages.

In July 2020, the department opened a support channel at the Da Nang Public Service Information Center, also called the city’s switchboard 1022 in an attempt to protect children in cyberspace. Furthermore, the Da Nang Public Service Information Center also signed a cooperation agreement with the Center for Social Services under the municipal Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to handle petitions and issues related to children.

“In the coming time, the municipal Department of Information and Communications will continue to raise awareness and equip children with digital skills and self-protection in cyberspace. In particular, focus will be on educating teachers and parents how to use the internet safely" said Mrs. Nguyen Thu Phuong.

Reporting by XUAN DONG – Translating by H.L