A handbook on how to protect children from sexual abuse on the internet

We would never just let our children loose in a city. In effect, the same principle should apply for the internet. Even if the internet is a digital world, it is made up of and populated by real people. 

Handbook Netsmart
Handbook Netsmart 

Currently, the internet has become a natural part of children's everyday lives - a place where they play, meet friends and learn many new things. But parents and other significant adults - and the children themselves - need to be aware that the internet also implies risks.

With the aims of providing information for grown-ups on how to protect children from sexual abuse on the internet, the Embassy of Sweden, Save the Children in collaboration with the Department of Children under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs launched the book "Netsmart" on November 28 in Hanoi.

Victoria Rhodin Sandstrom, First Secretary, Head of Political Affairs of the Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam speaking at the launching ceremony.
Victoria Rhodin Sandstrom, First Secretary, Head of Political Affairs of the Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam speaking at the launching ceremony. 

"A UNICEF survey conducted in 2016 indicates that 74% of children and adolescents in Vietnam believe that they are in danger of being sexually abused or taken advantage of online and 75% of them would go to their parents or caregivers if they were threatened.

Parents themselves, however, continue to face a lot of difficulties to talk with their children on these issues, both the advantages and risks that children may experience when they are using the internet.", Victoria Rhodin Sandstrom, First Secretary, Head of Political Affairs of the Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam.

Delegates discussing at the event.
Delegates discussing at the event. 

Sharing point of view regarding this situation, Dragana Strinic, Country Director of Save the Children in Vietnam stated that: "We can not and we should not stop children from accessing and using internet but we could support and protect children from cyber risk. Parents and othẻ adults in children's close surrounding need to create environment where they will be able to talk to children about what they do or who they meet on the internet."

This handbook was prepared by psychologists and the police and also the personal narratives of people who have been subjected to abuse. It shows how parents and other adults can introduce conversations about internet use in different stages of children's lives: from early childhood to teen age. It also teaches children they can say no if something they don't like happens.

Download #netsmart:

http://resourcecentre.savethechildren.se/netsmart 

In Vietnam, the Law on Children came into effect in June 2017 to reinforce the commitment that the Government of Vietnam has for the UNCRC since ratifying the convention in 1990. Recognizing the benefits as well as the threats that have come with these digital technology developments, the Law on Children has a specific article (Article 54) on child protection on the internet.  
By Linh Bui

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