Cyberspace is essential for children's development but presents significant challenges in ensuring information security, protecting privacy, and safeguarding young users online, insiders said.
A recent survey showed up to 83% of interviewed children use mobile phones, with 76% having smartphones. Approximately 81% of the respondents use social media platforms, 97% of them spending at least one hour per day on their phones.
According to experts, the use of smartphones and social media has become nearly unavoidable, making it difficult to regulate and control.
Parents and families should actively monitor their social media activities, establish support groups to share experiences in addressing online risks, offer accessible resources for assistance, and equip children with skills for safe and responsible online engagement, they added.
It is necessary to concertedly put in place solutions to protect children in online space, including building and perfecting the legal framework, raising the awareness of children and equip them with digital skills, optimising technologies, and boosting international cooperation, they noted./.
VNA