When technology becomes a tool, not a barrier to family bonds
VOV.VN - In today’s digital age, smartphones, tablets, and social media have become central to daily life, raising concerns that they may be driving emotional distance within families.
However, in the northern province of Son La, many families are demonstrating the opposite: when used thoughtfully, technology can serve as a powerful tool for connection, bridging generations and strengthening family bonds.
The family of Vi Thi Hong Hanh in To Hieu Ward, consisting of three generations living under one roof, has managed to maintain harmony and warmth despite differing routines and lifestyles.
“Every evening at 7 p.m., we put away our phones and switch off the TV. We have dinner together and talk about our day. Sometimes, we go through old family photos or play a board game,” Hanh shared.
She and her husband also prioritise outdoor activities and life-skills training for their children instead of letting them spend hours on screens. These moments not only enrich the children’s experiences but also offer valuable opportunities for parents to better understand and connect with them.
Similarly, 14-year-old Bui Ha Linh in Chieng An Ward finds joy in using the internet to bond with her parents. She often learns new recipes online with her mother or crafts DIY projects with her father using online tutorials.
“The internet isn’t bad—it depends on how we use it. When the whole family joins in, it’s even more fun,” Linh says with a smile.
Vu Thi Thuy Duong, Linh’s mother, says she believes in guiding rather than restricting her child’s use of technology.
“Rather than banning phones or internet access, I choose to sit with my daughter and guide her on how to use them responsibly, from setting strong passwords and protecting personal information to using social media in a positive way. I even encourage her to share stories and photos about our family so she can learn to express gratitude and affection,” Duong explains.
Schools in Son La have begun organising workshops and extracurricular sessions on topics like “Digital Safety,” “Communication Skills in the Digital Age,” and “Family Values – Connecting Across Generations.” These sessions aim to help students balance screen time with real-life interactions and teach them to use digital tools for learning and connection, not distraction.
Psychologist Nguyen Thanh Van from the Hanoi Family Counseling Center notes, “Children today are highly tech-savvy. If families know how to leverage this by engaging in positive digital activities, like making videos together, keeping a digital family journal, or playing educational games, it doesn’t just promote learning, but strengthens emotional bonds too.”
Strengthening family bonds in the digital age doesn’t mean rejecting technology, it means using it to bring people closer together. A thoughtful message, a video call to grandparents, or a shared online photo album can transcend distance and time, reinforcing connections between family members.
As artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and next-generation social platforms continue to evolve, the way families interact will also change. What matters most is that families hold on to the core values of love, empathy, and togetherness whether offline or online.
Dak Lak hosts Vietnam Family Day 2025
A ceremony to kick off the Vietnam Family Day 2025 was held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in coordination with the Dak Lak provincial People’s Committee in Buon Ma Thuot city on June 25 evening.
