Vietnam Debates Proposed Social Media Ban for Under-16s, Focus Shifts to Digital Literacy

A proposed ban on social media for individuals under 16 in Vietnam has ignited a fierce debate across the nation. While proponents argue for the necessity of protecting minors from online harms, a significant segment of society, including experts and young users, is pushing back, emphasizing freedom of expression and the critical need for digital literacy education. Mr. Tran Van Duc, a 41-year-old father of three in Hanoi, grapples with his children's screen time, particularly during summer breaks. His eldest daughter spends her days engrossed in TikTok, obsessively tracking likes and posting videos. However, research also highlights social media's benefits in maintaining friendships for isolated children and fostering connections with relatives. Dr. Tran Thi Hong Thu, a former psychiatric hospital director in Hanoi, believes that restricting public posting and commenting can curb impulsive behavior, safeguard personal data, and alleviate the pressure to chase likes. She also points to the potential of such measures in preventing the spread of harmful user-generated content. Nevertheless, Dr. Thu cautions that restrictions alone do not guarantee absolute safety, noting the vast differences in cognitive abilities and developmental needs between a 7-year-old and a 15-year-old. She also raises concerns about algorithmic exposure to violent or toxic content, age misrepresentation, the use of adult accounts, and a potential shift to unmonitored platforms. Ms. Nguyen Thi Le Thuy, a child psychology expert, urges authorities to carefully reconsider the proposed ban, warning of potential conflicts with international standards and domestic laws, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Vietnam’s 2016 Law on Children. These frameworks guarantee children's rights to access information, express opinions, and participate in social life. Given that online communication is an integral part of modern education, Ms. Thuy deems a complete interaction ban highly impractical. Instead, she advocates for a societal focus on teaching digital literacy, equipping children with practical skills to identify risks and combat cyberbullying. Bui Nguyen Gia Bao, a 13-year-old student and child actor in Hanoi, actively posts content on his Facebook page, using social media to connect with fans and promote a positive learning mindset. His mother approves all his posts. As a youth student leader, Gia Bao also manages numerous personal connections independently, with parental guidance on resolving online issues responsibly. Gia Bao views social media as an essential "second world" for youth, facilitating learning and meaningful connections. He warns that strict interaction limits could provoke rebellious behavior, leading to age falsification and fake accounts, thereby complicating monitoring for parents and schools. Furthermore, he feels the proposal curtails young people's right to express views and showcase creativity. He suggests creating engaging educational programs instead of outright bans, enabling children to learn self-protection skills while enjoying their digital experiences. In Vietnam's one-party system, government regulations on citizen behavior and information access are recurring points of discussion. This proposed social media restriction highlights the ongoing tension between the government's interest in social stability and youth protection, and citizens' concerns for individual freedoms and rights. As Vietnam continues its economic growth, the future of its digital space will be an increasingly crucial topic, impacting youth development, information flow, and the nation's connection with the international community.