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Vietnam Proposes Muted Social Media for Under-16s, Allowing Viewing Only
Vietnam is considering a draft decree that would let children under 16 keep social media accounts but prevent them from posting, commenting, or reacting, requiring parental registration. The move is part of a global trend as countries like Australia have already enacted bans.
Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed a novel approach to protecting children on social media. Under a draft decree reported Friday, users under 16 would retain their accounts but lose the ability to post, comment, or react to content. Instead, accounts would be registered under a parent or guardian, who would monitor activity and screen time.
Deputy Culture Minister Phan Tam stated that the goal is not to ban or excessively restrict children's access but to ensure they engage in an age-appropriate environment. The decree has not been finalized and may be revised before adoption.
Separately, Vietnam is considering restrictions on gaming for under-16s, limiting play to 60 minutes per day per game and imposing the same parental registration requirement as social media.
The proposal adds to a growing list of countries restricting youth social media. Australia became the first to issue a ban in late 2025, aiming to reduce cyberbullying, addiction, and predator exposure. Other nations are also weighing similar measures, with Vietnam's muted approach representing a distinctive alternative.