The article discusses the urgent need for media and information literacy (MIL) in Cambodia, particularly to empower vulnerable groups, including rural and indigenous communities as well as the LGBTQ+ youth, against disinformation, hate speech, and online fraud. Over 60 experts gathered in Phnom Penh in 2025 to explore ways to equip Cambodian youth with the skills necessary to navigate a digital landscape filled with misinformation, particularly heightened recently due to border conflicts.
Key concerns outlined include the limited digital access and skills of marginalized groups, which leaves them susceptible to scams and biased information. The DW Akademie defines MIL as comprising five core competencies: Access, Analyze, Create, Reflect, and Act, essential for engaging critically with media.
The MIL network aims to foster collaboration among various sectors—civil society, media, business, and government—to tackle these challenges collectively. Participants discussed practical strategies to enhance MIL, highlighting ten key recommendations:
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Accessibility of Digital Innovations: Develop user-friendly, free digital tools for media literacy that can be accessed even in remote areas.
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Integration into Education: Incorporate MIL into teacher training programs to establish it within formal education systems.
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Safe Spaces for Dialogue: Create inclusive student clubs for dialogue and peer learning about media challenges.
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Peer-to-Peer Training: Leverage local youth leaders to train their communities in MIL skills.
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Interactive Education Formats: Use theater and storytelling to make learning about MIL engaging and culturally relevant.
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Strong Partnerships: Establish cross-sector collaborations to effectively engage marginalized communities.
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Localized Content: Tailor MIL training to address the specific vulnerabilities faced by different groups.
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Influencer Engagement: Utilize influencers to promote MIL messages on social media, reaching youth where they are most active.
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Gamification: Implement playful learning approaches to make MIL education engaging and effective.
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Adaptability and Regional Learning: Learn from MIL experiences in other regions, especially in challenging political contexts, to strengthen resilience.
The conference underscored that ongoing efforts in MIL must be creative and adaptable to effectively combat the rise of disinformation in digital spaces, thereby fostering more informed and resilient communities.
