Digital literacy for the silver-haired - Last article: Equip yourself with a 'digital vaccine' to prevent online fraud

Photo caption — Equip the elderly with a "digital vaccine" to prevent online fraud.

Overcoming fear and hesitation about technology

In the context of the strong national digital transformation, the elderly are one of the most vulnerable groups. The UNDP - PAPI 2023 report noted that people over 60 often face many difficulties in accessing digital services. Fear of technology, inferiority complex and the risk of becoming targets of online fraud are major barriers.

Faced with that situation, Ho Chi Minh City has launched the "Digital Education for All" campaign with the goal of "leaving no one behind", in which protecting the safety of the elderly in cyberspace is a key task.

However, the biggest barrier for the elderly is not the lack of equipment, but the mentality of hesitation and fear. Mrs. Quy (65 years old, living in Cho Lon ward) said: “Before going to school, I was very scared. I had never approached a computer before, so it seemed strange and confusing. At first, I was shy, thinking I was the only one like that, but unexpectedly, many elderly people were like me, just as confused.”

Mrs. Tran Thi Thuy (63 years old, Bay Hien ward) also sympathized: "In fact, it is very difficult for the elderly to access technology today. Sometimes, children and grandchildren only do it, but they work all the time, so we do not dare to ask for help, so we feel more and more backward."

Mr. Le Hong Triet (60 years old, Cho Lon ward) specifically described his fear: “Before joining the 'Silver Citizen' class, I only knew how to call acquaintances in my contact list. As for strange numbers, I absolutely refused to answer. Strange calls made me worried, afraid of being scammed, so I avoided them.”

According to Ms. Phan Bao Thy, Director of the "Silver Citizen" project, this is a common mentality of the elderly. "In addition to difficulties in memory or operations, uncles and aunts also face big psychological barriers such as fear of being cheated, fear of not being able to keep up with technology, so many people choose to stay away," said Ms. Bao Thy.

This fear is not without reason. “Sometimes the phone rings continuously, they offer products, tricking you into clicking on strange links. If you don’t know how to click, you will be scammed,” Ms. Thuy shared.

“In class, we have encountered many cases where grandparents were tricked into downloading the wrong application or clicking on strange links that revealed their personal information. Some grandparents lost their savings just because of one click. Therefore, teaching online safety skills is extremely urgent,” said Ms. Phan Bao Thy.

Faced with this reality, on October 11, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee officially launched the "Digital Education for All" movement for the 2025-2026 period. Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, emphasized: "If nearly 80 years ago, the 'Digital Education for All' movement contributed to eliminating illiteracy, today, we are together carrying out a new mission, which is to popularize digital skills for all people. That is the way for every citizen to confidently use technology, exploit digital knowledge and protect themselves in cyberspace."

According to Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, the goal of the movement is to help 100% of adults have basic knowledge about digital transformation, know how to use smart devices and essential digital platforms. "This movement is not an administrative campaign, but a nationwide campaign, helping each person become a core of digital transformation, understanding, doing and using immediately," Ms. Thuy added.

Responding to that policy, Mr. Pham Minh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City affirmed: “This is a nationwide movement for the sustainable development of the City in the digital age. 'Digital literacy for all' is a fundamental step to help people master technology, turn digital knowledge into endogenous strength, contributing to improving and enhancing the quality of life”.

Mr. Tuan also said that the movement focuses on raising awareness, digital skills and information security for students, workers and vulnerable groups. In particular, the elderly are the most prioritized group.

Seniors confidently master technology

To materialize the City's policy, classes like "Silver Digital Citizen" have made information security a focus. "We call it 'digital vaccine' with three very simple principles: slow down - check carefully - do not transfer money. As long as the money has not left your pocket, you are still safe. The calmer you are, the less risk there is," said Ms. Phan Bao Thy.

Mr. Le Hong Triet said he was once almost scammed by phone calls, but after attending the course, he learned about these scams and became more cautious. “They called to say I hadn’t paid my electricity and water bills yet, and when they threatened to cut off my power, I panicked. At that time, I was busy and easily listened to them. Luckily, now that I’ve taken the course, I know that those cases were all fake.”

He also shared: “After the course, I remember three things: slow down, check again, do not send personal information to strangers, do not click on strange links or websites. Now I feel secure, no longer afraid.”

Meanwhile, Ms. Thuy also excitedly said: “Through the course, I know how to distinguish between real and fake, read information carefully before clicking or replying to anyone. Thanks to that, I can avoid phone scams that I used to easily fall into.”

The most valuable thing that this movement brings is not only knowledge, but also a change in the mindset of the elderly. Many “silver-haired” students are now more confident. “Now, when anyone calls to threaten to cut off electricity or water, I just laugh. I know the government will never do that. With knowledge, I am more proactive, feel more secure and safe,” Mr. Triet said with a smile.

“Our goal is to help them have the basic skills to use technology confidently, safely and without fear of information theft or fraud. The important thing is that they feel they can still learn and still have value in the digital world,” Ms. Phan Bao Thy added.

Meanwhile, according to Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thuy, when each citizen understands and masters technology, that is the foundation for the sustainable development of the city.

From simple “Silver Digital Citizen” classes, hundreds of elderly people in Ho Chi Minh City are gradually being “injected with digital vaccines” - vaccines that help them become more confident, independent and safe on their journey to integrate into the digital age.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/binh-dan-hoc-vu-so-cua-nhung-mai-dau-bac-bai-cuoi-trang-bi-vaccine-so-phong-lua-dao-truc-tuyen-20251019143801907.htm