Cambodia is taking a closer look at how children and teenagers access social media as the government considers introducing age limits for users. More than 30 national and international institutions gathered at the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications to examine possible policies, technical age verification methods and wider measures aimed at protecting minors online.
The discussion comes as social media becomes deeply embedded in everyday Cambodian life. Secretary of State Chhun Vat said Cambodia recorded more than 20 million internet users in 2025, with more than 79 percent using platforms including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn. With such widespread connectivity, policymakers are now weighing the benefits of digital access against growing concerns over cyberbullying, exploitation, privacy and other risks facing young users.
“Cambodia is moving toward a broader discussion about protecting children online as social media use continues to expand. Government ministries, international organisations and civil society partners are examining age limits, technical verification, platform responsibility and digital literacy as possible parts of a national framework. The challenge is not simply deciding an age threshold, but ensuring that any policy can work in practice. VPN use, privacy concerns and uncertainty around biometric verification could make enforcement difficult. At the same time, policymakers recognise that social media has genuine educational and communication benefits. The consultation therefore represents an effort to balance access to digital opportunities with stronger safeguards for minors, while identifying the policy and technical foundations needed for Cambodia’s future approach to online child protection.”
Cambodia Opens Discussion on Social Media Age Limits
The meeting at the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications brought together more than 30 institutions to examine policy options for setting an age limit for social media use in Cambodia. Participants considered experiences from other countries while looking at whether similar measures could be adapted to Cambodia’s social, educational and technological environment.
The discussions also went beyond simply restricting access. Participants examined the responsibility of social media companies to remove harmful content, the importance of improving digital literacy and the need for government agencies to coordinate their efforts to protect children online. This broader approach recognises that restricting access alone may not address all of the risks young people face on digital platforms.
Social Media Has Become a Major Part of Cambodia’s Digital Economy
The scale of Cambodia’s online population helps explain why the issue has become increasingly important. Chhun Vat said the country had more than 20 million internet users in 2025, while more than 79 percent were using social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn.
For businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations, this high level of social media participation has created an important digital marketplace for communication, marketing, education and customer engagement. Social platforms are also increasingly connected to professional networking and commercial activity, meaning any future regulation could have implications beyond children and families.
At the same time, widespread access makes online safety more difficult to manage. Young users can encounter harmful content, strangers, scams and other risks quickly, sometimes without parents or educators being aware of what they are seeing. The government’s current consultation therefore reflects a wider question about how Cambodia can continue expanding its digital economy while creating a safer environment for younger users.
International Experience Offers Possible Models
Officials are examining measures adopted in countries including Australia, France, Norway and the United Kingdom. These countries have introduced restrictions or measures designed to increase the accountability of social media companies.
However, Cambodia faces practical challenges if it chooses to introduce similar policies. Chhun Vat pointed to the possibility of users bypassing restrictions through VPNs, while questions also remain around the practicality and privacy implications of biometric age verification.
These issues illustrate why creating an age restriction is more complicated than simply setting a minimum age. Authorities would need to consider verification, enforcement, privacy and access while ensuring that legitimate users are not unnecessarily blocked. A policy that is difficult to enforce could create new challenges without delivering the intended level of protection.
Protecting Children Without Blocking Digital Opportunities
Tan Sodany, director of the Department of Information and Communication Technology Policy, acknowledged that social media provides useful opportunities for study and communication. For young people, digital platforms can provide access to information, educational materials and communication with others.
However, unmonitored access can also expose minors to cyberbullying, exploitation, data privacy risks and mental health issues. The challenge for policymakers is therefore to find an appropriate balance between protecting young users and preserving the legitimate educational and social benefits of digital technology.
This balance will be particularly important as Cambodia continues developing its digital economy. Schools, businesses and families increasingly depend on online communication, while young people are growing up in an environment where digital skills are becoming essential. Effective policy will need to address risks without unnecessarily limiting the positive uses of technology.
Platform Accountability Could Become a Bigger Issue
Another major focus of the discussions is the responsibility of social media platforms to address harmful content. Rather than placing the entire responsibility on parents, schools and individual users, the proposed framework could involve greater expectations for technology companies operating in Cambodia.
Removing harmful content, responding to reports and creating stronger safeguards for younger users could become important elements of future policy. For social media companies and businesses that depend heavily on digital platforms, regulatory developments in this area will therefore be worth watching closely.
Greater platform accountability could also encourage companies to strengthen their internal safety systems and improve transparency around content moderation. At the same time, regulators will need to consider how such requirements fit within Cambodia’s existing legal and technological framework.
Digital Literacy Remains a Key Part of the Solution
The consultation also places emphasis on digital literacy. This is significant because even with age restrictions, children may still encounter online risks through permitted accounts, shared devices or other forms of access.
Digital literacy can help young users recognise dangerous behaviour, protect personal information and make better decisions online. It can also help parents, teachers and other adults understand the risks facing children and provide more effective guidance.
For Cambodia, strengthening digital literacy could therefore complement any future age restriction rather than replacing it. A combination of education, parental awareness, platform responsibility and appropriate regulation may offer a more practical approach to online child protection.
Cambodia Moves Toward a Future Policy Roadmap
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications said the consultations will help identify policy gaps, assess technical feasibility and guide the development of a future roadmap. No final age limit was announced in the information provided.
The next stage will therefore be important. Policymakers will need to assess the findings from the consultation and determine which measures are technically workable, socially appropriate and effective in protecting minors.
For Cambodia’s growing digital economy, the debate is likely to extend beyond the question of what minimum age should be allowed on social media. It will also involve privacy, cybersecurity, education, platform accountability and the responsibilities of families, schools and technology companies.
Cambodia Faces a Delicate Digital Balancing Act
The government’s consultation marks an important step in Cambodia’s discussion about online child protection. With more than 20 million internet users and widespread social media participation, digital platforms are now deeply connected to communication, education and business.
Any future age restriction will need to address genuine risks while recognising the valuable role social media plays in modern life. The biggest challenge may not be setting an age limit, but building a system that can be realistically enforced while protecting privacy and maintaining access to legitimate digital opportunities. Cambodia’s decision will ultimately help shape not only how children use social media, but also how the country balances digital growth with online safety.