The message was highlighted during the launching ceremony of Vietnam’s Children’s Action Month 2026 under the theme “Happy, Safe Children Confidently Step into the Digital Era,” held in Quang Ninh province on May 27.

The event was jointly organised by Vietnam’s Ministry of Health and the Quang Ninh provincial government, reflecting rising concerns over the impact of digital technology on children’s learning, entertainment, and daily communication.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), nearly 90% of Vietnamese children aged between 12 and 17 are using the internet. While digital platforms create opportunities for learning, creativity, and connectivity, they also expose children to risks including cyberbullying, personal data violations, online fraud, exploitation, and abuse.

Against this backdrop, this year’s Children’s Action Month focuses not only on traditional child care and protection but also on equipping children with digital skills, self-protection abilities, and safe online behaviour.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan emphasised that children are at the centre of Vietnam’s human development strategy and the foundation of the country’s future.

As digital transformation accelerates, protecting children online has become an urgent requirement that demands coordinated efforts from families, schools, authorities, and society as a whole, she said.

According to the Vice President, millions of children should not enter the digital environment without self-protection skills or guidance from adults.

Digital literacy, life skills, and the ability to identify online risks should become an essential part of children’s education, she stressed.

In recent years, Vietnam has expanded a range of child-related policies, including tuition support for students, meal assistance programmes, and the development of boarding schools in disadvantaged areas.

However, alongside rapid technological change, child protection requirements are also evolving toward a more comprehensive approach that includes building safe and healthy digital spaces.

Taking the floor, Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Vietnam, praised the country’s efforts to promote children’s rights and online child protection.

She said children should remain at the centre of all technological solutions, while parents and caregivers also need greater awareness and digital knowledge to support children online.

Creating a safer digital environment for children is not only the responsibility of government agencies but also requires the participation of schools, technology companies, and communities, she said.

The goal is not only to protect children from online threats but also to ensure equal and positive access to technology, she added.

According to the Ministry of Health, nationwide activities will continue in the coming months to raise awareness about child protection, promote digital skills and online safety, and strengthen efforts against accidents, drowning, violence, and child abuse.

Support programmes for disadvantaged children in remote, border, and island areas are also expected to expand through greater social mobilisation.

As part of the programme, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan visited and presented gifts to children in difficult circumstances at the Quang Ninh Social Protection Centre.

Child protection, support programme in cyberspace approved

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed Decision No. 468/QD-TTg approving a programme to protect and support children in cyberspace for 2026–2030.