Lawmaker proposes studying smartphone ban for children under 16 in Vietnam

Speaking during discussions on amendments to the Law on Children, Pham Van Hoa, a deputy representing Dong Thap Province in southern Vietnam, suggested that the government mull over adopting such a restriction, following the example of some developed countries. news site VOV.vn reported.

"I think some advanced countries around the world have already implemented this measure," Hoa said.

"Could Vietnam do the same?

"The harmful effects of children's smartphone use are already evident, so I propose studying this issue."

The government had assigned the Ministry of Education and Training to lead the development of a comprehensive scheme to regulate smartphone and social media use at educational institutions, with measures tailored to different school levels.

For six years, regulations allowing students to use phones during lessons for learning purposes with teachers' permission have been a source of controversy.

In practice, many schools have introduced stricter measures, including collecting students' phones at the beginning of the school day.

However, some students still secretly use their phones under their desks to send messages or scroll through TikTok, even when schools have rules restricting their use.

Although physically present in class, they can become completely absorbed in social media, while disputes originating online have sometimes escalated into real-life fights immediately after school.

This raises questions over whether restricting phone use at school alone can address social media addiction when students return home.

Growing concerns over children's screen time

Children spending hours each day on smartphones and social media has become an increasingly worrying issue, prompting local authorities to propose tighter controls.

Earlier this year, the National Assembly's Committee for Culture and Social Affairs conducted surveys in several localities, including Dak Lak Province in the Central Highlands and Hung Yen Province and Hai Phong City in the north, on the implementation of policies and laws protecting children in cyberspace.

According to a report from Hung Yen Province, children's access to social media platforms has become widespread and increasingly frequent.

The proportion of children aged 11-16 who own or independently use smart devices has risen sharply since the COVID-19 pandemic, exceeding 85 percent in urban areas and over 65 percent in rural areas.

Children spend an average of two to three hours a day on these devices, with usage rising to five or six hours a day during weekends and summer holidays.

While online access offers various benefits, it also exposes children to considerable risks.

Criminals are increasingly targeting children with scams, blackmail and harmful content, while weak online controls expose them to violence and misinformation that can harm their development.

Excessive smartphone use can also harm children's physical and mental health, contributing to sleep disorders, psychological problems, hallucinations, and impaired eyesight.

The report therefore called for more detailed regulations and effective management measures to better protect children.

Calls for age-based restrictions

A representative of Hung Yen's Department of Education and Training acknowledged that social media could bring considerable benefits when used appropriately.

However, without proper guidance and adult supervision, children could face serious consequences.

The department's leadership proposed considering legislation to restrict children under a certain age, such as 16, from accessing social media platforms containing risky or harmful content.

The proposal highlights calls for stronger measures to protect children in the digital environment, combining age-based restrictions, parental supervision, and tighter management of smartphone use.