Phnom Penh — Cambodia marked Safer Internet Day 2026 with a national celebration on February 17 at the Royal University of Agriculture, bringing together government leaders, youth, educators, civil society, and technology sector representatives to promote safer and more responsible digital practices. The event was presided over by Sar Sokha, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Chairman of the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT).
The high-profile celebration was jointly organized by the NCCT and Action Pour Les Enfants (APLE Cambodia) in collaboration with key institutions, including the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, National Council for Children, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Information, and the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia. More than 2,000 participants attended, including children, young people, government officials, educators, civil society representatives, technology stakeholders, and members of the media.
Safer Internet Day 2026 in Cambodia focused on the theme “Safe, Ethical, and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)”, reflecting growing attention to emerging digital risks and opportunities. Organizers highlighted the importance of equipping children and young people with the skills needed to navigate the online environment safely, think critically, and engage responsibly in digital spaces.
The Safer Internet Day campaign, launched in 2004 in Europe, has since become a global movement observed in over 160 countries worldwide. In Cambodia, APLE, with support from the Royal Government of Cambodia, has coordinated the campaign since 2019 as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection in the digital sphere.
This year’s campaign aims to raise awareness among children and youth about responsible AI use, strengthen cooperation between government agencies, schools, technology companies, and civil society, and improve access to resources for families and educators. It also encourages open dialogue between adults and children about online experiences and supports the development of stronger child protection policies in Cambodia’s digital landscape.
Officials at the event emphasized that as internet use continues to expand, collective action remains essential to ensure a safer and more inclusive digital environment for all users, particularly children and young people.
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