“Not alone” in the virtual world

Recently, the phrase “online kidnapping” has appeared in the media, causing many people to look straight into the worrying reality: Many children are facing an unprecedented risk of being lured, manipulated, and even “kidnapped” right in cyberspace.

The dangers lurking around children are not only the dark shadows lurking on street corners, but bad guys can now approach them with just a few text messages, a few caring questions, and then gradually lead and bind them with invisible psychological and emotional strings.

The "Not Alone" campaign, which was recently launched by the Department of Cyber ​​Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention (A05, Ministry of Public Security) in coordination with other units on the morning of October 10, is a strong move to alert society that no child should be left alone in a virtual world full of traps and scams.

“Online kidnapping” does not happen by force, but by sophisticated manipulation. Bad guys can pretend to be friends to send messages to borrow money, can send trap links, but the most dangerous are those who act as confidants, patiently listening, praising, comforting when children are sad.

Once trust is planted, children can easily become prey. From mental dependence, they can threaten, control, ask for money, post sensitive photos or lure them into dangerous activities. Seemingly harmless clicks can leave lasting scars on young minds, causing many children to live in anxiety, low self-esteem, and even depression.

What makes many people feel the most is that the root cause of these incidents often stems from loneliness within the family itself. Parents are busy, children have a full schedule of extra classes, and face-to-face conversations are gradually becoming less frequent. In a house, members can sit next to each other but their minds are on separate screens. Notification sounds from social networks replace the sounds of asking and sharing. And when a child cannot find a listening ear in their parents, they will easily be attracted to "virtual friends" who are available 24/7. It is this gap in intimacy that has unintentionally opened the door for "online kidnappers" to enter.

The “Not Alone” campaign is therefore not only the work of the authorities. It is also a warning for every home. A safe society cannot rely solely on laws or technology, but must be nurtured by families that know how to connect and love. Parents need to learn how to be friends with their children, giving them the belief that anything can be shared, instead of judging or scolding. Family meals require more than a real presence: a listening eye, a sympathetic nod, a hug when the child is sad. That is a “soft but strong shield” that helps children stand firm against the storms of social networks.

On the other hand, the responsibility also belongs to the school and the community. Schools not only teach knowledge, but also equip students with digital skills and skills to deal with dangerous situations online. Social organizations and the media need to spread warnings and guide parents and children on how to identify scams. Authorities need to continue to crack down on cybercrime rings and handle them severely to deter them.

After all, the biggest danger is not just the bad guys out there, but letting children grow up feeling empty and lonely. A child who feels listened to and trusted will be less likely to be fooled by the sweet, empty words on the internet. A family that knows how to talk and share is the safest “fortress”. And a society is only truly strong when no one, especially the future buds, have to walk in the feeling of “alone”.

“Not Alone” is therefore not just the name of a campaign. It is a reminder of the responsibility of the whole community, but above all, a wake-up call for every parent: Spend time with your children, connect with your heart, so that your children do not have to seek companionship in the darkness of the virtual network. Only then can children grow up with peace of mind, confidently step out into the world, and never feel alone in real life or online.