The role of the press and media in protecting children online was a topic discussed at a workshop on information security for press and media, held by VNISA (Vietnam Information Security Association) and the AIS (Authority of Information Security) on October 23 in Hanoi.

Ngo Tuan Anh, deputy chair of VNISA and chair of the Vietnam Child Protection Club, cited a study pointing out that 40 percent of children using the internet feel insecure and more than 70 percent of children had unwanted experiences.

Under Disrupting Harm Vietnam, a project implemented by UNICEF (the United Nations Children's Fund), Interpol and Ecpat, about one percent of internet users in Vietnam aged 12-17 are victims of online sexual exploitation and abuse.

The figure of one percent seems low, but considering the Vietnamese population, this means that 94,000 children are facing problems.

VNISA said many press agencies have been actively discovering, denouncing and preventing child abuse. Many journalists have contributed to heightening society’s awareness about child protection on cyberspace.

However, there are still articles and publications that report unchecked information, thus violating regulations on children’s privacy. 

Elaborating on the impact the press can have on children, Phan Thi Kim Lien from World Vision Vietnam said in order to define if the positive or negative impact, it is necessary to follow the 9-principle approach, including inclusiveness; accessibility; protection of personal data; humanity; transparency; intellectual property; security; trust; sustainable development and environment protection.

The press helps children access education and training, accelerate the formation of standards in society, but it also may have a negative impact on children’s mental health.

The six most common risks for children as defined the World Vision include harmful content, risky actions, personal information, stereotyping, body insecurity and blaming.

Newspapers, when reporting attacks and fights, need to cover up images showing violence to minimize bad impact on children. In many cases, stories from media may lead to risks as children could imitate violent behaviors or try to commit suicide.

Experts warned that there will be more risks for children online, and therefore, it is necessary to promote and improve awareness of risks to better protect children.

Van Anh