It is where they study, entertain themselves, search for information, make friends, express their emotions and build relationships.

However, alongside the wealth of knowledge and opportunities available online, the digital environment also contains numerous traps and harmful influences.

"We cannot help but be concerned about certain recent incidents and online trends, particularly groups such as 'I hate my parents'," Quan said.

"This is a phenomenon that both adults and children need to think seriously about. Young people must be warned that many predators may be lurking in such groups. They need to remain extremely vigilant and stay away from these dangers."

Drawing a comparison with everyday life, the cybersecurity official noted that young children are generally accompanied by adults when going out because roads and traffic present obvious hazards.

The online environment, he argued, contains dangers that can be just as serious.

Allowing children to navigate it entirely on their own can expose them to significant risks.

"We cannot leave our children alone in the vast digital ocean," he said.

According to Quan, protecting children online should go beyond blocking harmful activities or responding to violations after they occur.

More importantly, parents, educators and authorities must learn to identify unsafe situations early and equip children with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves.

Adults must also be willing to listen, provide guidance and accompany young people as they explore digital spaces, while society needs effective mechanisms to detect risks and offer timely assistance.

"We cannot protect children simply by telling them to stay away from the digital world or to fear every online connection," Quan stressed.

"The key is to manage risks and prevent harm, rather than avoid the internet altogether. Students should participate in the online world safely and never have to face its dangers alone."

According to the organisers, the 2026 campaign represents the next stage in an ongoing effort to strengthen online safety for young people.

In 2025, "Not Alone" focused on reassuring children and teenagers that support was available whenever they encountered problems in the digital environment.

This year's campaign moves a step further by encouraging safe and healthy connections from the outset, rather than waiting until difficulties arise.

Under the message "Connect Without Harm", the initiative promotes relationships built on mutual understanding, listening and protection.

It also seeks to teach young people how to recognise unsafe online interactions, when to disengage, where to seek support and why speaking up is important when something feels wrong.

Beyond raising awareness of online threats, the broader objective of "Not Alone 2026" is to develop a practical and effective child protection ecosystem.

Through this approach, children and teenagers will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and trusted support networks they need to engage with the digital world more confidently and safely.

Dinh Hieu