Vietnam launches ‘Not Alone’ campaign to combat online abuse

Authorities in Vietnam have launched the ‘Not Alone – Connection Without Harm’ campaign to protect children and teenagers from online threats, including cyberbullying, scams, and sexual abuse. The initiative is being implemented across multiple regions, including Ho Chi Minh City and Lam Dong province.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the campaign was launched at Mac Dinh Chi High School, involving over 3,000 students both in person and via livestream to thousands of schools. Participants shared personal experiences regarding the psychological impact of body shaming and online harassment, emphasizing the need for students to speak up and seek support.

In Lam Dong, the campaign focuses on equipping youth with skills to recognize and respond to digital risks such as privacy violations and threats. The program includes a competition to find ‘Digital Safety Ambassadors’ and the ‘5 Minutes with You’ movement, which encourages parents and teachers to spend more time listening to children to identify potential internet-related risks.