Hanoi, May 18, 2025 – The talkshow “Teens Speak Up About Digital Safety and Digital Well-being, a collaboration between the Management and Sustainable Development Institute (MSD – United Way Vietnam) and TikTok, was successfully held in Hanoi. The event is part of a series of activities celebrating Vietnam Science and Technology Day (May 18) and the National Action Month for Children 2025.
The talkshow welcomed over 120 participants, including teenagers aged 13 to 16, parents, psychology and education experts, policymakers, representatives from digital platforms, and positive content creators. The event served as a multidimensional space for dialogue and connection, where voices of adolescents were respected and amplified. This allows for open discussion and joint solutions to promote a safe an healthy digital space that fosters responsible engagement.
Ms. Nguyễn Phương Linh, Executive Director of MSD, shared in her opening remarks:
“Today’s talkshow is a powerful testament to an important truth: Children and adolescents are not merely subjects in need of protection, but individuals with voices, perspectives, and the capacity to contribute to building a healthy, safe, and civil digital environment.
The digital world is not only a place for consuming information – it is a space where identities are shaped, communities are connected, and influence is spread. And Gen Z – the generation growing up with technology – deserves to be trusted, empowered, and guided with care.
With the SNET framework – part of our "Standard Digital Citizen” initiative – we believe that every young person can become someone who promotes online safety (Safe), uses techonology wisely (Netizen Smart), engages in positive personal development (Empowered), and takes collective actions for a better online community (Thoughtful & Together).
But to make that a reality, no one can walk this path alone. Families, schools, tech platforms, community-based groups and young people themselves must all commit and act together.
When all parties join hands, children will be able to make the most of the digital environment, unlocking their full potential and becoming changemakers for a safer, kinder, and more humane online space.”
Ms. KahnJi Siriprapa Weerachaising, Outreach and Partnerships Manager at TikTok, delivered her welcome remarks and shared TikTok's Guide for Teens and Parents, reaffirming the platform’s commitment to supporting young people, parents, and communities on the journey to build a positive and inclusive digital environment.
Mr. Đặng Kim Long, Public Policy Manager at TikTok Vietnam, provided insights on TikTok Safety measures and the platform’s ongoing efforts to promote digital well-being among young people.
The in-depth presentation on “Digital Well-being of Adolescents” by psychology expert Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Thành Nam shed lights on the real challenges teenagers face in today’s digital world — a space where they not only study and seek entertainment, but also shape their identities and build social connections. 
Ms. Nguyễn Thị Nga, Deputy Director General of the Department of Maternal and Child Health, delivered a piece on the role of parents in protecting and navigating online spaces with their children.
- Teenagers shared their experiences using social media and proposed new features such as an SOS button, mental health support chatbots, and advanced subtitles for deaf users.
- Parents shared their concerns and offered suggestions for tools and resources to help protect their children in the digital environment.
- Experts emphasized that digital well-being is not just about limiting “screen time” but about developing the ability to regulate emotions, recognize risks, and build a healthy personal identity.
- Content creators talked about making responsible content and building positive personal brands.
N.V., a student from class 5C for deaf children, shared feedback on how digital platforms can better support deaf users:
“Unlike other kids, we rely on subtitles to understand videos. So I hope the subtitle feature can be upgraded – for example, to easily switch between languages like Vietnamese and English. I also hope subtitles could be displayed in a slower pace so it’s easier for us to learn.
When registering an account, users could fill in basic information like name and any disabilities they might need support with. That way, deaf children could automatically be provided with subtitles to better access digital content.”
B.G.H, 14 years old, shared a message for parents: “On behalf of other teens, I’d like to share our message. I hope parents can take time to better understand teens' language, learn more about current TikTok trends and content, so that parents and children can have open conversations about various aspects of life. We also hope that parents will respect our privacy.”
The talkshow made a strong impression with practical recommendations from all stakeholders — helping shape policies, technologies, and educational approaches toward a more positive digital future for the younger generation.
