The Vietnam Child Protection Club in Cyberspace has reported that up to 40% of children feel unsafe, over 70% have had undesirable experiences while using the Internet, and 1% (approximately over 94,000) of Internet users aged 12-17 in Vietnam are victims of online manipulation and sexual abuse. The crimes largely involve seduction, manipulation, abuse, extortion, or human trafficking through online platforms. Vietnam is facing many complex challenges in protecting children in cyberspace. Cybercriminals are now thoroughly exploiting the anonymity of the digital environment to find, manipulate, and exploit child and adolescent victims.
The level of social media abuse is alarming. Vietnamese children start using the internet at a very young age. Nearly 17% of young people spend an average of 3-8 hours a day on social media, leading to a risk of declining academic performance and disconnection from real life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many online services emerged, such as online work, online meetings, online learning, online shopping, online entertainment, and even online religious mass. When the pandemic ended, social media use increased significantly. Some schools continued online learning during holidays and festivals to extend the time spent away from school. Some busy parents, when their young children cried, would often give them a smartphone to keep them occupied playing games and stop them from crying. Gradually, parents unintentionally led their children to become addicted to games. Sadly, it’s not uncommon to see some friends gathered together, but then everyone focused on their own smartphones. A small family, parents and child, go out for dinner after a long day of work and study without seeing each other. While waiting for the food to be served, each person is engrossed in their own smartphone!
Furthermore, the overuse of electronic devices can cause “virtual autism” (Screen Syndrome): exhibiting symptoms similar to autism (delayed speech, lack of eye contact, avoidance of interaction). In addition, “online kidnapping” is a sophisticated form of fraud that is on the rise in Vietnam, particularly targeting those aged 18-22. Criminals do not use direct force but employ psychological manipulation techniques to isolate victims. They instruct victims to go to a hotel or guesthouse, turn off their phones, and completely cut off contact with family and friends. Once the victim is “isolated,” the criminals seize the victim’s social media accounts or force them to record videos “seeking help” to send to relatives demanding ransom.
The Moral Harms of Social Media
Bishop Robert Barron, founder of the Word on Fire missionary organization in the United States, although actively using social media for evangelization, also strongly warns about the following serious harms: a. Culture of Contempt: Algorithms incite hostility, turning social media into fertile ground for attacks. He criticizes the fact that many people use social media to insult and tear each other apart, creating a “culture of contempt” that goes against charity and justice. b. Depression and low self-esteem: There is a strong link between screen time and depression rates, especially among young people. Constantly comparing oneself to others online easily leads to feelings of inferiority and insecurity about one’s appearance and self-worth. c. Isolation and detachment from reality: Real life is replaced by screens, leading to a breakdown in real-life family and social relationships. Social media cannot replace face-to-face meetings and communication. d. Fostering arrogance: The pursuit of likes and virtual attention creates mental distortion, giving rise to arrogance. Bishop Barron warns that without discernment and clear ethical purposes, people can easily lose themselves and their minds become hardened by the toxic effects of the internet.
Protecting young people online in Vietnam is an urgent task requiring close coordination between the law, schools, parishes, families, individuals, and digital technology platforms.
In recent years, Vietnam has made proactive efforts to protect children and young people from online harm. The government has issued and is gradually improving many important documents such as the Law on Children (2016), the Law on Cybersecurity (2018), and the National Strategy for Protecting Children Online. Regarding technical infrastructure, Vietnam has built and operated the National Child Protection Hotline – 111; established a specialized department for protecting children in cyberspace at the Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention Department, creating a platform for receiving, reporting, and processing information related to children online. However, in reality, many gaps still exist.
The debate over banning children’s use of social media in Vietnam is becoming a hot topic. Drawing lessons from countries that have tightened regulations, such as Australia and France, most experts in Vietnam propose a more balanced approach. Instead of an absolute ban, a minimum age requirement (such as over 13 or over 16 years old) should be established, along with strict account verification and parental consent. The World Health Organization recommends that children aged 2-5 should not spend more than one hour in front of screens per day. Platforms need to adhere to strict moderation algorithms to protect a healthy online environment for young users. The role of families and schools in digital skills education should be emphasized, teaching children how to master technology instead of being manipulated by it. Strengthening online safety education in schools is crucial to help students identify risks, use the internet intelligently, and cultivate civilized behavior in the digital space.
Parents need to proactively engage in conversations and communication instead of prohibition; establish technological solutions to manage screen time and guide content selection, controlling search filters. Set screen-time limits and establish appropriate monitoring measures. Parents should encourage children to participate in outdoor activities, play active games, and interact directly with family and the environment. Help children develop a balanced physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. If children show unusual signs (delayed speech, unresponsiveness to name calls, lack of eye contact), parents should take them to medical or psychological specialists for timely intervention.
Teenagers should be self-aware of protecting their personal data (not sharing location information, phone numbers, or sensitive photos); they should know how to use the “Report” or “Block” features when encountering bad people. They should receive training in human values, spiritual life, and spirituality.
The Church in Vietnam
The Vietnamese Church advocates that social media is an effective means of evangelization, while also issuing numerous warnings and pastoral guidelines to protect young people from negative dangers.
The Vietnamese Church points out the negative impacts of cyberspace that directly affect the physical, psychological, and faith health of young people. a. Psychological harm and spiritual pollution: Internet addiction increases the risk of depression, social isolation, and impaired real-world interaction. Pope Francis has warned against “spiritual pollution” and “media consumerism.” b. “The graves on social media”: Bishop Nguyen Van Kham uses biblical imagery to warn young people about virtual lifestyles, apathy, cyberbullying, and trends of insulting and offending each other’s dignity. c. The risk of abuse.
Specific principles of conduct: a. The “Good Samaritan” principle: Advising young people not to ignore the suffering of others online; and urging them to “say no” to negative comments, insults, and fake news. b. Positive behavior: Encouraging the spread of messages embodying Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. c. Self-reflection: Am I spending too much time on social media and neglecting my responsibilities to my studies, family, and prayer?
Pastoral activities in the Dioceses include establishing Offices for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable People. Digital transformation within Catechesis has involved integrating online safety into catechism lessons, strengthening active presence and building healthy digital content for young people, and issuing regulations and guidelines to direct catechists on how to accompany, maintain safe distances, and protect young people from deviant behaviors when interacting online. The Church emphasizes that parents and catechists are the most reliable “shields.” Parents need to set a good example for their children.
One concern raised in this article is the crucial role of parents in protecting adolescents. In Vietnam, families face numerous obstacles in protecting adolescents from abuse, ranging from awareness and cultural factors to skills. a. Psychological and cultural barriers: A sense of reluctance. Parents consider sex education a sensitive topic and avoid dialogue. Pressure to cover up: Fear of bringing shame to the family leads to silence when children are abused. Culture of obedience: Children are taught to obey adults, making it difficult for them to resist abusers, especially those they know. b. Lack of knowledge and skills: Vague understanding of concepts. Many parents cannot identify forms of emotional or online abuse. Poor technological skills: Parents do not know how to control and protect their children from abuse traps on social media. Lack of methods: Lack of skills in befriending children, causing children to be afraid and keep secrets. c. Economic and time pressure: Lack of time. Parents work long hours, leaving little time to supervise and share with their children. Child abandonment: Parents working far away send their children to elderly grandparents, parents divorce, creating loopholes for perpetrators to exploit. d. Barriers from the support system, difficulty accessing services: Psychological and legal counseling services in remote areas are very limited. Lack of trust in the government: Families fear lengthy processing times and information leaks that could further harm children. Parents need help overcoming these barriers so they can actively and proactively protect their children.
References
Bishop Robert Baron, “A Bishop’s Guide to Social Media”, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhwI0VFS8Ds
_____, “Bishop Barron on Social Media and the Catholic Culture of Contempt” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbLR4pUCW1Q
_____, “Bishop Barron Discusses Impact of Social Media, Isolation and ‘Longing for God’ Amid Bishops’ Initiative to Address Mental-Health Crisis”, https://www.ncregister.com/news/usccb-initiative-mental-health-bishop-barron
Bishop Nguyễn văn Khảm, “Những nấm mồ trên mạng xã hội” (“The graves on social media}https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lytAwpX9Q5g
“Australia tiên phong cấm trẻ em dưới 16 tuổi dùng mạng xã hội” (Australia is a pioneer in banning social media for children under 16) <https://nhandan.vn/australia-tien-phong-cam-tre-em-duoi-16-tuoi-dung-mang-xa-hoi-post929398.html> (10/12/2025)
“Chung tay bảo vệ thanh, thiếu niên trên không gian số” (Let’s work together to protect young people in the digital space) <https://baophapluat.vn/chung-tay-bao-ve-thanh-thieu-nien-tren-khong-gian-so.html> (16/05/2026)
Linh Thương/ VOV. VN “Hơn 94.000 trẻ vị thành niên ở Việt Nam là nạn nhân của xâm hại tình dục qua mạng” (Over 94,000 adolescents in Vietnam are victims of online sexual abuse)
<https://vov.vn/xa-hoi/hon-94000-tre-vi-thanh-nien-o-viet-nam-la-nan-nhan-cua-xam-hai-tinh-duc-qua-mang-post1246848.vov> (18/11/2025)
“Thúc đẩy trách nhiệm nền tảng trong bảo vệ trẻ em và thanh thiếu niên trên không gian mạng” (Promoting fundamental responsibility in protecting children and adolescents in cyberspace) <https://bocongan.gov.vn/bai-viet/thuc-day-trach-nhiem-nen-tang-trong-bao-ve-tre-em-va-thanh-thieu-nien-tren-khong-gian-mang-1761388698> (25/10/2025)
Thúy Nga, “Cấm trẻ em dùng mạng xã hội có thể làm gián đoạn hệ sinh thái học tập” (Banning children from using social media could disrupt the learning ecosystem) <https://vietnamnet.vn/cam-tre-em-dung-mang-xa-hoi-co-the-lam-gian-doan-he-sinh-thai-hoc-tap-2505602.html#> (12/04/2026).
Nam Phương, “Trẻ em Việt Nam sử dụng mạng xã hội 5-7 giờ mỗi ngày” (Vietnamese children use social media for 5-7 hours a day) <https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/tre-em-viet-nam-su-dung-mang-xa-hoi-5-7-gio-moi-ngay-20241004122731784.htm> (04/10/2024)
“Trẻ em Việt Nam sử dụng mạng xã hội ngày càng nhiều” (Vietnamese children are using social media more and more) https://vtv.vn/van-hoa-giai-tri/tre-em-viet-nam-su-dung-mang-xa-hoi-ngay-cang-nhieu-20230202120512126.htm> (02/02/2023).
“Tìm hiểu quy định của pháp luật về Bảo vệ quyền trẻ em trước những hành vi xâm hại” (Learn about the legal regulations regarding the protection of children’s rights against abuse) <https://dhcsnd.edu.vn/article/tim-hieu-quy-dinh-cua-phap-luat-ve-bao-ve-quyen-tre-em-truoc-nhung-hanh-vi-xam-hai > (08/04/2022)
Vũ Hữu Hiền, “Giáo hội, người trẻ và mạng xã hội”, (The Church, young people, and social media), < https://hdgmvietnam.com/chi-tiet/giao-hoi-nguoi-tre-va-mang-xa-hoi-44224> (12/12/2021)
Phương Đình Toại and Bishop Nguyễn Văn Khảm, “Phác thảo quy chế hướng dẫn việc bảo vệ trẻ vị thành niên và xử lý những cáo buộc liên quan đến việc lạm dụng trẻ vị thành niên và những người dễ bị tổn thương trong hội thánh” (Draft regulations guiding the protection of minors and the handling of allegations of abuse of minors and vulnerable individuals in the church), <https://hdgmvietnam.com/chi-tiet/phac-thao-quy-che-huong-dan-viec-bao-ve-tre-vi-thanh-nien-va-xu-ly-nhung-cao-buoc-lien-quan-den-viec-lam-dung-tre-vi-thanh-nien-va-nhung-nguoi-de-bi-ton-thuong-trong-hoi-thanh> (20/11/2024)