Vietnamese readers back artist's call to ban social media for under-16s

A strong wave of reader support is emerging for artist Thanh Bùi's controversial suggestion to prohibit social media use for children under 16 in Vietnam. Many readers have shared Bùi's sentiment that "humans existed for a very long time without social media," emphasizing the need for children to engage in real-world activities rather than constantly comparing themselves to virtual ideals online.

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Humans existed for a very long time without social media.

Readers like Van Bon and Hoài Thương echoed Bùi's stance, calling the ban "reasonable" and urging parents to lead by example. They argue that parents often hand over phones to children for their own convenience, then blame technology for negative impacts. Readers also pointed out the concerning trend of young teenagers, as young as 12 or 13, developing body image issues due to online comparisons, highlighting the "identity crisis" social media can induce.

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Banning social media for children under 16 is reasonable, but it must start with adults first.

The discussion extends beyond just banning social media, with readers sharing strategies for guiding children in the digital age. Kim Hương described explaining to her 13-year-old daughter that advertisements are a profession and not all influencer recommendations are truthful. She noted that her daughter now asks for her approval before making online purchases. Other parents emphasized the importance of being a "firewall" for children, teaching them to consult parents before buying anything online and using instances of being deceived as learning opportunities rather than reasons for scolding.

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Many parents are more addicted to their phones than their children. Artist Thanh Bùi is right, to teach children, adults must set an example first.