Vietnam launches national program to protect children online through 2030

In an interview with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Nguyen Thi Mai Thoa, a member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Society, referred to Decision 468, which outlines a program for the 2026–30 period on protecting children in the online environment.

The initiative focuses on prevention, early intervention, and coordinated oversight of children's online activities.

It marks a shift in approach from reactive measures to a more systematic effort to manage risks before harm occurs.

According to Thoa, the program prioritizes building a safer digital ecosystem for children by improving monitoring mechanisms, enhancing public awareness, and expanding access to tools that help families manage online use.

It also calls for closer coordination among government agencies, schools, parents, and technology platforms.

The move comes amid growing concern over the impact of social media on children, with experts warning that young users are increasingly vulnerable to cyberbullying, scams, online harassment, and other forms of digital harm. 

In some cases, children have been targeted by criminal groups exploiting gaps in supervision and digital literacy.

Authorities have acknowledged that many parents lack the knowledge or technical skills needed to guide their children's online behavior effectively. 

Devices and social platforms are often used as a way to occupy children, raising the risk of unsupervised exposure to harmful content.

Education is another focus of the program. 

While some schools have introduced lessons on online safety, these are not yet standardized or mandatory nationwide. 

The new plan encourages broader integration of digital safety education into the curriculum, alongside stronger collaboration between schools and families.

At the policy level, the program also aligns with Vietnam's broader efforts to address cybercrime, including international cooperation frameworks targeting online offenses involving minors.

Hoa emphasized that protecting children online cannot rely on any single group. 

Instead, it requires a coordinated response involving regulators, educators, parents, and technology companies, as well as greater awareness among children themselves.

The program is expected to serve as a foundation for future regulations and initiatives as Vietnam grapples with the challenges of a rapidly expanding digital landscape.