Vietnam social media groups titled 'Children hate parents' spark parental concern

Social media platforms in Vietnam are seeing a rapid rise in large groups titled “Con ghét bố mẹ” (Children hate parents) and similar names. These groups, which have grown from a few thousand to tens or even hundreds of thousands of members in a short period, serve as spaces where young people vent frustrations and express anger toward their parents.

Parents in Hanoi have expressed significant anxiety regarding the influence of these online communities. Concerns include the “echo chamber” effect, where children may feel validated in viewing parental guidance or boundaries as mere imposition, potentially hindering open dialogue within the family. Some parents report that their children, particularly those in middle and high school, have become more withdrawn or have been found interacting with these “toxic” digital spaces.

Observers suggest that the phenomenon may stem from common developmental tensions, such as parental pressure regarding academic performance, constant comparisons to peers, or a lack of emotional understanding from adults. The rise of these groups highlights a growing disconnect between traditional parenting styles and the digital social lives of modern adolescents.