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Vietnam youth face health risks from screen addiction and inactivity
Children and young people in Vietnam are facing significant health challenges due to excessive screen time and physical inactivity. At Children's Hospital 2, screen abuse accounts for 70-80% of the roughly 100 daily psychological consultations. Medical professionals report that overreliance on mobile devices as 'digital nannies' has led to severe language impairment, loss of social connection, and behavioral issues such as aggression and ADHD-like symptoms in children.
Beyond psychological impacts, excessive use of short-form videos and social media is disrupting sleep patterns and academic focus among young adults. Many report staying awake until the early morning hours, leading to fatigue and decreased concentration.
Simultaneously, physical activity levels among Vietnamese youth are critically low. Data from the World Health Organization indicates that 91% of girls and 82% of boys in the country do not meet recommended physical activity guidelines. Factors contributing to this sedentary lifestyle include academic pressure, urbanization, and limited access to playgrounds, increasing the risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases.
Entities
Children's Hospital 2 · Ministry of Health · Nguyễn Thanh Sang · World Health Organization
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] According to the World Health Organization, 91% of Vietnamese girls and 82% of Vietnamese boys fail to meet recommended physical activity levels. tienphong.vn
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Screen abuse accounts for 70-80% of the approximately 100 daily psychological consultations at the clinic. kienthuc.net.vn
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Ministry of Health's handbook states children require at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. tienphong.vn