While authorities are struggling with this pressing issue, the Institute for Social Development Research is undertaking necessary procedures to launch a sex education website – a topic that has sparked much debate.
Numerous Victims Speak Out
Not only is the website “gai…com” problematic, but many Vietnamese-language sex websites are emerging. Among them, not only those who are aware of these sites are affected, but even individuals who are unaware of their existence find their names, addresses, and phone numbers listed online to bait perverse individuals.
Mr. Nguyen Phuong Nam from Cong Vi (Ba Dinh – Hanoi) has been receiving crude solicitation messages for nearly a month now, inviting him to meet in extremely “sensitive” locations. When he inquired further, he discovered that his phone number had been posted on a website.
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The sex website gai…com |
Unfortunately, the messages arrive late at night when he is at home. Initially, his wife was understanding, but as the situation persisted, she grew suspicious. She believed it was due to his recent online chatting.
He mentioned that although his phone is a crucial work tool, he hasn’t dared to turn it on for several days. Despite filtering out many “suspects,” the couple could not identify who had posted his number on that pornographic site.
Similarly, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai from Cau Giay (Hanoi) expressed his dismay at frequently receiving messages from “gay” individuals. He was perplexed as to why this was happening to him. After investigating, he realized that his phone number contained two special digits favored by the LGBTQ+ community, which are considered conventional identifiers.
His girlfriend, Thanh Lan from Hoang Mai (Hanoi), also continuously receives provocative messages from numbers with those same two digits.
Many people initially receive sweet-sounding messages. As the correspondence continues, curiosity leads some into “loving” exchanges, making it difficult to decline invitations to meet. They only wake up to the reality when they realize it was a trap set by sex workers and gay individuals. Many street-based sex workers have transitioned to “surfing the net” and are now engaging in home-based solicitation via text messages.
Such incidents have left many frustrated, as they were unaware that their phone numbers had been posted online. It is only after receiving a few phone calls or messages that they realize they have been maliciously targeted. Unable to cope, many have resorted to changing their phone numbers.
Will a Sex Education Website in Vietnam Deter Sex Websites?
In response to the increasing presence of foreign domain sex websites targeting Vietnamese youth, which negatively impacts perceptions of sexuality, the Institute for Social Development Research is developing an official sex education website in Vietnam.
Dr. Khuat Thu Hong, Deputy Director of the Institute, stated that they are working on the website’s content, with plans to launch by the end of 2006. The domain name is also being selected to align with the website’s content and Vietnamese culture.
According to Dr. Hong, the website will provide scientific and healthy information about sexual health, reproductive health, and will address social issues of concern such as abortion, prostitution, AIDS, and sexually transmitted diseases. All this information will be systematically compiled based on scientific research or referenced from credible sources.
Dr. Hong emphasized that the website will serve as a correct and healthy information channel for those interested, unlike many “off-the-shelf” sex websites that are sensational and pornographic, causing societal discomfort. She also mentioned that the website will feature a “Q&A” section to answer questions from various demographics regarding sexuality and reproductive health.
Teenagers can acquire knowledge about sexual issues, while couples will find useful information about marital happiness and solutions to concerns regarding intimacy.
The establishment of a public sex education website is essential for young people to gain a proper understanding of these issues. However, in light of the harmful use of off-the-shelf websites by malicious individuals to create negative impacts on public opinion and disrupt the mental well-being of many, maintaining a healthy cultural environment must start with the awareness of every internet user.
