Amid the rush of traffic, a familiar sight once again left me unsettled: a child perched on a motorbike seat withs eyes glued to a phone screen. The bluish glow illuminated their young face, and they seem to be detached from the world around them—the vibrant streets, passing conversations, even the intimate family moments unfolding right beside them. At first glance, this might seem like a small slice of modern life, but it quietly serves as a warning about how technology is shaping the minds of our children.

Many parents justify giving their children access to smart devices by citing work demands or simply wishing for some peace and quiet. Such reasons, whether reasonable or not, may be somewhat acceptable in a controlled home environment. However, when a child is allowed to freely use a phone even in the midst of crowded traffic, it calls for deeper reflection on how this practice is shaping the child’s mind.

That scene, so familiar it has become normalized, deeply unsettles me as I recall the phrase recently chosen as Oxford's Word of the Year for 2024: "brain rot" — the deterioration of intellectual and mental well-being caused by overconsumption of frivolous or harmful digital content. This concept is not merely a phenomenon but a wake-up call about how we, especially children, are being swept away by the whirlwind of shallow information and digital waste.

For young children, "brain rot" is not a future concern but an imminent threat. Today’s children are born and raised in an environment surrounded by screens, and the virtual world is becoming an inseparable part of their lives. But what happens when this world is poorly managed? Short videos lasting only a few seconds, flashy yet hollow content, and frivolous trends designed solely for a quick laugh—all contribute to an endless stream of information, leaving no room for the mind to pause and rest. Digital technology doesn’t merely “steal” time; it encroaches on the fertile ground of imagination, where creative thinking and profound emotional connection should take root. Children are not only losing the joy of discovery but also sacrificing their intellectual potential.

Even more alarming is the fragile boundary between healthy information and harmful content in the digital space. With just one click, children can access age-inappropriate images and videos, ranging from violence and inflammatory language to distorted ideas about life’s values. Recently, many children have been drawn into trends such as drinking oversized sugary beverages, pouring ice water over themselves, or engaging in “pen-catching” challenges. Despite warnings from medical experts about serious health consequences and even the potential risk of death, some youths—either due to a lack of awareness or the pressure to stand out—recklessly follow these trends. This is no longer a mere potential risk but a harsh reality many parents have already encountered. Yet instead of addressing the issue and taking control, many adults continue to entrust their children to smart devices as a temporary solution for peace and quiet.

The question arises: How can we break this cycle? In the digital age, protecting children from the negative impacts of technology has become a global battle. Nations are gradually recognizing the dangers the virtual world poses to younger generations, and bold intervention measures are now being implemented.

Australia recently made a decisive move by passing a regulation banning children under 16 from using social media. This is not merely a legal document but a powerful statement about the responsibility of tech companies in safeguarding children. Under this policy, businesses are required to implement technical solutions to prevent underage users from accessing social media services. Companies that fail to comply face fines of up to nearly 50 million Australian dollars, a figure significant enough to compel major tech corporations to take the matter seriously.

In Vietnam, the approach is different but no less resolute. Recently issued regulations on electronic games have introduced specific time restrictions for users under 18 years old. Each account is limited to playing a single game for 60 minutes a day, with total daily usage capped at 180 minutes. This effort aims to curb gaming addiction and protect the mental well-being of children.

However, legal regulations are only a small part of a comprehensive solution. The role of families, schools, and society as a whole is crucial. Parents hold the most significant responsibility in shaping children's content consumption habits. This does not mean absolute prohibition—a rigid approach that often backfires. Instead, parents should accompany, guide, and curate appropriate content for their children. Children need to be taught how to distinguish between meaningful and trivial content, manage their screen time effectively, and understand that the real world outside still holds the most wondrous experiences.

Furthermore, society must work together to minimize the impact of "brain rot". Social media platforms need to take greater responsibility in content moderation, especially when it comes to younger users. Governments and educational organizations should develop awareness programs to help children and families understand the risks of uncontrolled technology use. The collective effort of society is key. Only when families, schools, educational organizations, and communities collaborate can we create a safe and healthy digital environment for children.

Reflecting on the captivated gaze of the child amidst the traffic that evening, I couldn't help but wonder: in that young mind, do the images on the screen truly hold more beauty and meaning than the ordinary moments around them? In today’s world, technology is an invaluable tool, but if not handled with care, it can easily turn into a sweet trap that drowns an entire generation. Children, more than anyone else, need to be protected from this trap—so their minds and spirits can grow fully. And each of us has a responsibility to protect the future generation from the risks of the digital world!

Reporting by HAM CHAU - Translating by HONG VAN