On April 25, 2025, the Department of Mothers and Children (Ministry of Health) issued an official document addressing the urgent need to strengthen the protection of children's privacy in the digital age. This move comes in response to growing concerns over the violation of children's rights as highlighted by various online newspapers and social media accounts that have recently posted articles and clips depicting incidents of violence and abuse against minors.
These reports, while instrumental in aiding authorities to swiftly address acts of violence against children, have also raised significant legal and ethical questions. The Department noted that some of these online platforms have not adhered to the regulations set forth in the Law on Children enacted in 2016 and the subsequent Decree No. 56/2017/ND-CP, which details specific provisions for child protection.
The document emphasizes that while the dissemination of information regarding child abuse can support law enforcement efforts, it is paramount that the privacy and dignity of the children involved are preserved. Article 21 of the Law on Children guarantees that children have the right to inviolability of their private life, personal secrets, and family secrets, which must be respected in all media representations.
In light of these concerns, the Department of Mothers and Children has urged the Department of Press, the Department of Radio, Television and Electronic Information, and other relevant agencies to ensure compliance with legal standards regarding children's privacy. They are also tasked with implementing measures to penalize those who violate these regulations.
Specifically, the document calls for a thorough examination of recent incidents, such as those occurring in preschool educational institutions across the country. Notable cases include a private kindergarten in Phuoc Chanh village, Que My commune, in Quang Nam province; the Thu Suong kindergarten group in An Binh neighborhood, Ba Tri district, Ben Tre province; and the May Dap Cau kindergarten in Bac Ninh city. These incidents have drawn public attention and further underscored the necessity of protecting children's rights.
The Department's official dispatch underscores that the media must balance the right to inform the public with the obligation to protect children's identities and personal information. Clause 2 of Article 54 of the Law on Children states that organizations and individuals managing and providing information and communication services must implement measures to ensure the safety and privacy of children online.
Furthermore, Article 33 of Decree No. 56/2017 outlines the types of private information that must be safeguarded, which includes a child's name, age, personal identification features, health status, family details, and educational information. Violations of these privacy protections can lead to serious repercussions for individuals and organizations alike.
As the Department of Mothers and Children takes a proactive stance, it seeks to foster a safer environment for children in both physical and digital spaces. The growing prevalence of child abuse cases in educational settings has prompted the Department to call for immediate action from local health departments to investigate these incidents thoroughly and ensure that violators are held accountable.
In recent months, there has been an alarming rise in reports of violence against children within preschool settings, leading to increased scrutiny and demands for stricter oversight. The Department's call to action is not only a legal requirement but a moral imperative to safeguard the most vulnerable members of society.
In conclusion, the Department of Mothers and Children’s initiative to strengthen the protection of children’s privacy is a vital step in addressing the dual challenges of reporting child abuse while ensuring the dignity and rights of minors are upheld. As society grapples with these complex issues, the collaboration between media, government agencies, and the community will be essential in creating a safer environment for children.
