Protecting children from social media “junk”

Not only does it affect behavior, but constant exposure to false information can also erode awareness, damage personality, and leave long-term consequences, especially when children's awareness and self-protection skills are still limited.

Social media "garbage" infiltrates children's lives

“My 11-year-old child can tell the story of a streamer’s ex-lover, quote vulgar dialogue from a comedy clip online, but doesn’t know who Phan Boi Chau is,” said Doan Hoai Minh Trang, who lives in the OCT1-DN1 apartment building (Dinh Cong ward, Hanoi ).

In the digital age, social networks and smart devices have gradually become an indispensable part of children's daily lives. Not only are they exposed early, many children are also proficient in using digital platforms before entering first grade. Ms. Nguyen Hoang Anh, Operations Director of the Center for Family Health and Community Development (CFC Vietnam) commented: "Children today belong to the generation born in the digital age, exposed to technology from a young age but are not fully equipped with the skills and awareness to protect themselves in cyberspace."

On social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, etc., it is not difficult to find videos with vulgar language, unethical practices, promoting dangerous behaviors, and distorted thinking, and anti -education among young people. It is worth mentioning that the sensationalism and non-standard content makes it easy for such content to spread, even become a trend.

It is undeniable that digital technology brings many opportunities for children to access information, knowledge and global connections. However, without guidance from adults, social networks can easily become a place to sow the seeds of cognitive and behavioral deviations. “The question now is not “Should children use social networks?” but “How can children use the network safely, effectively and healthily?”, Ms. Hoang Anh emphasized.

Accompanying children in cyberspace

According to Ms. Nguyen Hoang Anh, to control, filter and orient appropriate content for children, the participation and coordination of the whole society is needed. Instead of banning, the important thing is to build an emotional connection with children, helping them trust to share, from which parents and teachers can promptly guide and support when necessary. “Children need to be listened to. When they feel understood, they will proactively share. That is a "soft shield" but extremely effective. A child can enter social networks with confidence and alertness if they receive trustworthy companionship from adults,” Ms. Hoang Anh said.

In addition to support from families and schools, equipping children with skills to use the Internet safely, identify inappropriate content, and educate them on digital ethics should be integrated early into the curriculum. At the same time, competent authorities need to strengthen coordination with social networking platforms in censoring, reviewing, and removing harmful content.

At CFC Vietnam, many educational programs and activities have been implemented to raise awareness and skills for children, teachers and parents. One of the outstanding projects is “Be internet awesome-Em ano than with Google”. In 2023, the project was organized for more than 660 primary schools in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City; more than 5,800 teachers were trained to teach safe and effective internet usage skills; more than 776,000 students benefited from the program.

In addition, CFC Vietnam has compiled and published the “Handbook for Safe and Effective Internet Use” with practical and easy-to-understand content for both students and parents. The book helps children take advantage of technology and learn how to identify and avoid harmful content on the internet. “Children do not need to be banned, but need to be empowered and equipped with knowledge to make the right decisions for themselves. We believe that every child deserves to grow up in a clean, healthy and positive internet space,” Ms. Hoang Anh shared.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/bao-ve-tre-em-khoi-rac-mang-xa-hoi-post878587.html