Legislative Gaps and Digital Vulnerabilities: Reconceptualizing Vietnam’s Legal Framework to Combat Online Child Sexual Exploitation

The rapid expansion of the internet and social media in Vietnam has significantly reshaped children's daily lives, offering both opportunities and serious risks. With over 96% of children online, cyberspace has become a critical environment for learning, interaction, and vulnerability. This paper examines the growing threat of online child sexual abuse in Vietnam, where perpetrators exploit anonymity and technological tools to manipulate minors. Despite ongoing government efforts, legal and institutional gaps remain, particularly in aligning domestic legislation with international standards. Through a review of current laws, statistical analysis, and comparative insights, the study proposes a multifaceted approach to prevention—including legal reform, digital literacy, platform accountability, and enhanced parental and institutional supervision. The findings emphasize the urgent need for coordinated legal, educational, and technological interventions to protect Vietnamese children in the digital environment and contribute to global discourse on online child protection.