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Winner Announcement: "Pause to Protect" Creative Challenge

For a safer online space for Children and Young People

UNICEF Viet Nam

Winner Announcement — UNICEF Viet Nam

English
Tiếng Việt

UNICEF extends our deepest gratitude to all of you who actively participated, spread the word, and voted for the outstandingly creative entries.

Together, we are creating a safer digital environment!

Below are the winning entries of this challenge:

Graphic_1

Category A: Original Creation

Nguyên Bản_6 — Trần Lâm Bảo Nghi Doomscrolling The more we scroll, the closer we are to being doomed.

Category B: AI-Assisted Creation

Dùng AI_5 — Nguyễn Phú Cường This artwork envisions the smartphone as a mirror: when looking at the screen, we don’t just see information, but a real person on the other side. The pause button between the two faces represents a three-second moment of reflection to ask ourselves: Is what I am about to click safe? Is it true? Will it hurt anyone? Elements depicting suspicious links, hasty shares, and hurtful comments serve as a powerful reminder that a split-second tap can leave long-lasting consequences. Slowing down online means choosing mindfulness, kindness, and leaving no one behind.

Graphic_2

Category A: Original Creation

Nguyên Bản_4 — Nguyễn Hoài Bảo Anh The Internet opens up a vast world of knowledge, but it also conceals hidden risks behind seemingly harmless clicks. In my artwork, I depicted a student standing behind a 'Pause' shield, symbolizing that critical moment of choosing between acting hastily and pausing to think. The surrounding symbols represent the risks that any young person might face in the digital environment. I believe that safety starts not with technology, but with our own awareness. By simply slowing down for a few seconds to verify and reflect, we can protect ourselves and help build a more positive online space.

Category B: AI-Assisted Creation

Dùng AI_1 — Trần Xuân Sang There is no 'Pause' button on the Internet, but every one of us has a 'Pause' button in our minds. This artwork captures that decisive moment through the contrast between online temptations and risks, and a safe, positive digital environment. The message I want to convey is this: sometimes, the most powerful action isn't reacting quickly, but knowing when to pause. A few seconds of reflection today can protect us and spread kindness to our community tomorrow.

Graphic_3 — UNICEF Viet Nam

Nguyên Bản_8 — Nguyễn Thu An We live in an era where connections and conversations happen through an invisible digital wall, and everything is instantly accessible. As we grow so accustomed to social media, we often let our guard down. This leads us to carelessly click on suspicious links without considering the hidden dangers behind them. Through the imagery of a user standing before a 'Click!' button and the prompt 'Are you sure?', I want to convey a message: we should all take a few seconds to pause and think carefully before interacting online, protecting ourselves from unintended consequences.

Let's take a look at the top 30 outstanding artworks from this challenge:

Top 15 entries in Category A: Original

Nguyên Bản_1

The artwork captures the vital moment we take to pause and think. The white figure holding back its finger represents that exact hesitation—a 'pause' button granting us the time to reflect on our next move. The pulling hands symbolize the temptations and the pressure of urgency, rushing us into hasty actions we might later regret. Furthermore, the watchful eyes emphasize that we are never as safe online as we might assume; carelessly clicking on a link is all it takes to expose our private information. The 'pause' symbols imprinted on the wall serve as a constant reminder, while the title reflects this internal struggle—the hesitation and the push-and-pull between rushing forward and knowing when to stop.

Minh Duy

Nguyên Bản_2

PAUSE! In a sea of endless videos and posts, scrolling through our phones for hours on end has become a mindless habit. Algorithms constantly feed us engaging content, but not all of it is healthy or appropriate. Left unchecked, this can take a heavy toll on our mindset, behavior, and lifestyle. So, let's hit the 'pause' button on harmful content and set healthy boundaries for our social media use!

Cao Đỗ Thanh Tâm

Nguyên Bản_3

This artwork depicts a digital landscape flooded with captivating content, yet where the line between truth and fake news is blurred, often causing deep emotional harm. Amidst this overwhelming flow, sometimes the smartest and bravest thing we can do is to pause for a few seconds and reflect before posting a comment or clicking on a suspicious link. The 'pause' symbol in front of the computer serves as a powerful reminder that our online safety ultimately lies in our own clicks. Taking a second to slow down allows us to go further: to foster meaningful connections, spread positivity, and create a lasting, positive impact.

Nguyễn Vũ Thụy Vy

Nguyên Bản_4

The Internet opens up a vast world of knowledge, but it also conceals hidden risks behind seemingly harmless clicks. In my artwork, I depicted a student standing behind a 'Pause' shield, symbolizing that critical moment of choosing between acting hastily and pausing to think. The surrounding symbols represent the risks that any young person might face in the digital environment. I believe that safety starts not with technology, but with our own awareness. By simply slowing down for a few seconds to verify and reflect, we can protect ourselves and help build a more positive online space.

Nguyễn Hoài Bảo Anh

Nguyên Bản_5

The artwork illustrates an 'online vortex' fueled by an endless stream of notifications, messages, emotions, and digital content. At its core, the 'pause' button symbolizes the vital act of taking a few seconds to reflect before clicking, sharing, or responding. Set against the backdrop of a late-night workspace with elements being swept into the spiral, the piece conveys a powerful message: in our fast-paced and high-pressure digital lives, taking a moment to pause can help protect us and guide us toward making safer choices

Đào Trương Xuân Huy

Nguyên Bản_6

Doomscrolling The more we scroll, the closer we are to being doomed.

Trần Lâm Bảo Nghi

Nguyên Bản_7

I digitally hand-drew this artwork, drawing inspiration from the 'Pause to Protect' message to create two starkly contrasting halves. On the left, a crying, frightened child represents the dark corners of social media, illustrating how haste and impulsivity can lead to harm. The isolated girl, shadowed by cyberbullying and symbols of mockery, highlights the lurking dangers when we let our guard down. In contrast, the right side is a bright space, filled with the reassuring blue of safety. When we know how to reflect and slow down, the online world becomes a place where young people can happily connect and build a healthy shield to protect their personal information. At the center lies the 'Pause' button and a student raising a hand by the computer. This serves as a universal reminder: take a moment to pause before clicking on dangerous or suspicious content, so we can protect ourselves and shape a better digital world.

Nông Thái Bảo Hân

Nguyên Bản_8

We live in an era where connections and conversations happen through an invisible digital wall, and everything is instantly accessible. As we grow so accustomed to social media, we often let our guard down. This leads us to carelessly click on suspicious links without considering the hidden dangers behind them. Through the imagery of a user standing before a 'Click!' button and the prompt 'Are you sure?', I want to convey a message: we should all take a few seconds to pause and think carefully before interacting online, protecting ourselves from unintended consequences.

Nguyễn Thu An

Nguyên Bản_9

The artwork adopts a unique perspective from inside a computer screen. Colorful emojis and flashy notifications capture a schoolgirl's curiosity. As she reaches out to press the 'CLICK NOW' button, a miniature version of herself—representing her inner voice—appears holding a 'STOP' sign. Her moment of hesitation mirrors the crucial choices we all must weigh on the Internet. This piece conveys a vital message for the digital age: we must constantly remind ourselves of the hidden risks of clicking on suspicious links, opening unknown messages, or engaging with inappropriate content.

Trần Tuệ Linh

Nguyên Bản_10

Inspired by the concept of 'Pausing' and the personal experience of receiving unsolicited messages, this artwork promotes self-protection and spreading kindness online. The piece raises awareness about current digital threats, including data exposure, weak passwords, fake giveaway scams, and excessive screen time. It then guides viewers toward practical solutions: taking a 'Pause' to identify risks, secure accounts, and avoid public Wi-Fi. Through the metaphor of an 'Emotional Repair Shop' and the T.H.I.N.K. framework, the artwork calls on everyone to clear out negativity and join hands in building a safe, civilized digital environment.

Nguyễn Ngọc Hải An

Nguyên Bản_11

No description

Nguyễn Mai Gia Hy

Nguyên Bản_12

My artwork depicts a character reaching his hand into the digital world of controversy displayed through an electronic device. The protagonist’s hand turns pale/lifeless when it passes through the screen, emphasizing the moment he could become everyone else, not having second thoughts after liking. Through vivid colours, saturation, and blurring, I emphasize the overwhelming influence of social media. The dark figures represent people who like content and move on rapidly. In contrast, the main character pauses to consider the consequences of their actions, encouraging viewers to reflect on their online behaviour and protect themselves from misinformation and harmful influence.

Nguyễn Ngọc Bảo Anh

Nguyên Bản_13

The Digital Shield” was inspired by a very familiar reality: every day, just one touch on our phones can open up the whole world, but just one careless touch can also make us lose something valuable. Fake links, tempting messages, and unexpected notifications are often created to exploit human curiosity and haste. This artwork aims to spread the message: stay calm and pause for a few seconds before clicking on any link. That caution will become a “digital shield” protecting our personal information, accounts, and safety in cyberspace

Nguyễn Ngân Giang

Nguyên Bản_14

My artwork illustrates the digital risks we face and the crucial need for safe internet practices. The central character is a young girl pausing to reflect on the information she encounters in the digital world. She is surrounded by imagery of hackers, account theft, fake news, personal data, and artificial intelligence, representing various online threats. The newspaper featuring the words 'fake news' in red symbolizes a strong stance against misinformation. Through this piece, I want to convey a clear message: everyone must stay vigilant, verify information, and protect their personal data to help build a safe and healthy digital environment.

Quách Tú Anh

Nguyên Bản_15t

My concept stems from a personal experience. Now a young adult, the character in my story suddenly recalls their old social media accounts. Taking just a few seconds to look back, they immediately realize the digital risks they left behind through careless messages and inappropriate past posts. The final message I want to convey is this: learn to be mindful of your online behavior and manage your digital footprint as early as possible, before it becomes a source of regret.

Niizuma Nhật Hào

Top 15 entries in Category B: AI-Assisted Creation

Dùng AI_1

There is no 'Pause' button on the Internet, but every one of us has a 'Pause' button in our minds. This artwork captures that decisive moment through the contrast between online temptations and risks, and a safe, positive digital environment. The message I want to convey is this: sometimes, the most powerful action isn't reacting quickly, but knowing when to pause. A few seconds of reflection today can protect us and spread kindness to our community tomorrow.

Trần Xuân Sang

Dùng AI_2

This artwork uses the imagery of a chessboard on a smartphone as a metaphor for the ongoing battle between users and cyber threats in the digital space. The black pieces represent viruses, online scams, and data theft. In contrast, the white pieces symbolize digital literacy, critical thinking, fact-checking, and account protection. Through this compelling visual, the piece highlights a crucial message: by simply taking a few seconds to pause and think before clicking, users can avoid numerous risks and protect themselves in the digital environment.

Thiều Nguyễn Vĩ Dạ

Dùng AI_3

In this captivating digital world, we sometimes get so caught up in scrolling that we forget the value of what is right in front of us. I created this artwork as a gentle reminder: by simply taking a few seconds to pause before clicking a link, sharing information, or leaving a comment, we can avoid regrettable consequences. The puzzle pieces in my painting represent the diverse choices we face online. I believe that mindfulness and digital responsibility will not only help us protect ourselves but also contribute to building a safer, more compassionate digital environment.

Nguyễn Thùy Dương

Dùng AI_4

The 'Think Before You Click' poster has provoked deep reflection in me regarding safe internet practices. The image of a student pausing for a few seconds before touching their phone, coupled with the 'Pause' symbol, perfectly captures the essence of caution and mindfulness in the digital world. The left side exposes risks such as misinformation, phishing links, and hurtful comments, while the right side shines with knowledge, digital literacy, and a healthy online environment. The artwork's core message is clear: by taking just a single moment to think before we click, share, or comment, we can protect ourselves and help build a safer, more positive digital space for everyone.

Nguyễn Ngọc Thanh Phương

Dùng AI_5

This artwork envisions the smartphone as a mirror: when looking at the screen, we don’t just see information, but a real person on the other side. The pause button between the two faces represents a three-second moment of reflection to ask ourselves: Is what I am about to click safe? Is it true? Will it hurt anyone? Elements depicting suspicious links, hasty shares, and hurtful comments serve as a powerful reminder that a split-second tap can leave long-lasting consequences. Slowing down online means choosing mindfulness, kindness, and leaving no one behind.

Nguyễn Phú Cường

Dùng AI_6

Drawing inspiration from a traditional 'mousetrap', this artwork serves as a powerful metaphor for sophisticated online scams. The little mouse character represents young students who easily fall victim when letting their guard down against tempting bait. Through an engaging and relatable four-panel comic, the piece illustrates step-by-step how the habit of hasty clicking leads directly into digital traps. It then introduces a life-saving solution: the crucial '3-second pause'. The core message is clear: stay mindful, empathetic, and wise to safely navigate and master the digital space.

Đặng Đinh Tuệ Minh

Dùng AI_7

Through my own experience on social media, I realized that a single hasty click can expose us to misinformation, harmful content, or unintentionally hurt others. That is why I created this artwork featuring a schoolgirl raising her hand in a 'stop' gesture—a powerful reminder to think carefully before we believe, share, or comment. The stark contrast between the two sides of the painting represents the choices we make when navigating the digital space. My ultimate message is: 'Take a few seconds to pause today, to protect yourself and spread positivity to the community tomorrow.

Nguyễn An Khánh

Dùng AI-8

Concept: The artwork emphasizes the importance of self-protection and building a safe digital environment through the act of a "5-second pause."; Execution: Designed as a visual infographic poster utilizing a tech-blue color palette. I used ChatGPT to optimize the text for conciseness, drawing a clear distinction between cyber threats and the "4 golden rules" of digital security; Message: Digital safety is our shared responsibility. Always pause, think, and carefully assess before you click to protect yourself.

Tòng Thị Yến

Dùng AI_9

This poster conveys the message of taking a few seconds to pause before interacting online to protect ourselves and others. The central image features a person sitting before a door that opens to a peaceful natural landscape, symbolizing a 'quiet sanctuary' amidst the online information storm. On the left are digital risks such as misinformation, toxic comments, the pressure of comparison, and online conflicts. On the right are positive values like kindness, connection, learning, and empathy. The 'Pause' button reinforces the core message: slow down, think before you act, verify your sources, and share responsibly to help build a safe and healthy digital environment.

Huỳnh Minh Khang

Dùng AI_10

The artwork captures the critical moment a student stands before the 'share' button. Caught between two contrasting realities, the left side illustrates digital risks such as deepfakes, online scams, misinformation, cyberbullying, and data exposure. Conversely, the right side highlights protective actions: fact-checking, verifying sources, consulting trusted individuals, and reporting harmful content. The circular 'pause' symbol at the center reinforces a powerful message: taking just a few seconds to stop, verify, and think can protect both yourself and the broader community.

Phạm Thiên Minh

Dùng AI_11

This artwork was created to raise awareness about digital safety among students through the core message: 'Take a few seconds to pause and protect yourself.' The poster utilizes relatable illustrations, striking colors, and warning symbols to capture attention and ensure the message is memorable. Its content focuses on identifying unfamiliar messages, suspicious links, and the risks of online scams. Ultimately, the artwork emphasizes a vital message: simply by taking a moment to verify information before clicking a link or sharing personal data, we can protect ourselves and our community in the digital space.

Lường Thị Thanh Thúy

Dùng AI_12

Having personally experienced online harm, I deeply understand that taking a 'Pause' is the most crucial step in protecting ourselves. The 'PAUSE SHIELD' poster was born from a burning desire to awaken everyone to the overwhelming storm of misinformation. Through the creative lens of technology, I aim to depict a young generation that is resilient, vigilant, and empowered to master their own choices. The 'PAUSE' button serves as a sturdy shield, keeping us alert to lurking digital threats. Let's join hands to shape the digital world into a safe space of connection and compassion for all children.

Nguyễn Việt Trung

Dùng AI_13

Vietnamese youth are stepping forward together for a modern, connected, and digitally safe generation. Amidst the rushing currents of the digital era, this artwork emerges as a powerful, commanding pause that moves viewers at first glance. The figure of the youth with a raised hand serves as a beacon of reason, bravely standing firm against the storm of harmful content. Beyond its vibrant, motivational colors, the piece represents a beautiful intersection of digital citizenship and proud Vietnamese spirit. The call to action, 'Pause for a beat – Choose kindness,' transcends a mere slogan; it becomes a resounding voice. It not only awakens the youth to the threats of toxic information, but also inspires empathy and a collective desire to safeguard a healthy, positive digital space for our nation.

Nguyễn Minh Nhật

Dùng AI_14

First, I designed the artwork to be split in half: on one side, a 'rushed' character clicks on a suspicious link and shares misinformation, resulting in a hacked account. On the other side, a character sees the 'Pause' icon and safely closes the screen. Next, I transformed the Pause button into a sturdy protective door, blocking spam, malware, and toxic comments from reaching a young person. I also focused on a solution: when someone is about to type a hurtful comment, they press Pause, and their angry words turn into a flower or constructive feedback. A key highlight of my poster is the color palette: the stark contrast between warm tones (representing haste and danger) and cool blue tones (representing calmness and safety). Most importantly, the clever integration of the Pause symbol comes with a clear, simple message: 'A moment of haste, a lifetime of regret.'

Muối Dubai/Chiến Đo

Dùng AI_15

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