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Ghana Observes Africa Safer Internet Day 2026 with Strong Focus on Child Online Protection

Ghana will commemorate Africa Safer Internet Day on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, as part of a continent-wide effort to strengthen online safety, particularly for children and young people. The 2026 observance is being held under the theme “Together for a Safer Africa Online: AU Online Safety Policy in Action.”

The annual event draws attention to the growing risks children face in digital spaces and the urgent need for coordinated action by governments, families, schools, civil society organisations, technology platforms, and the media. With increased access to smartphones, social media, online gaming, and artificial intelligence-driven platforms, children are more exposed than ever to online threats.

According to the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), protecting children online is a shared responsibility that extends beyond regulatory bodies. Parents, teachers, caregivers, faith-based organisations, and community leaders are all key actors in ensuring that children are able to use the internet safely, responsibly, and confidently.

The 2026 campaign aligns with the African Union Online Safety Policy, which provides a framework for Member States to strengthen legal and institutional measures for child online protection. The policy promotes harmonised laws, public education, and stakeholder capacity building to address online harms such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, online harassment, sexual exploitation, privacy violations, and emerging risks linked to artificial intelligence and automated digital systems.

A central principle of the AU Online Safety Policy is the recognition of children’s rights to safety, privacy, and participation in digital environments. It also underscores the importance of placing the best interests of the child at the centre of digital policy, programme design, and enforcement actions. Member States are encouraged to develop practical strategies that combine prevention, education, reporting mechanisms, and victim support.

As part of Ghana’s observance, the Cyber Security Authority will lead intensified public awareness and education activities targeted at children in schools, churches, and local communities. These activities will focus on safe online behaviour, responsible use of social media, protection of personal information, and how to recognise and report online abuse.

The CSA has also urged parents and caregivers to engage more actively in their children’s digital lives by monitoring online activities, promoting open conversations about online experiences, and educating children on digital risks and responsible internet use.

Children, parents, and caregivers are encouraged to report any form of online abuse, exploitation, or suspicious online behaviour. Reports can be made by calling or texting 292, or via WhatsApp on 0501603111. Reports can also be made through trusted adults such as parents, teachers, or school authorities.

The Cyber Security Authority has reiterated that creating a safer online environment for children requires sustained collaboration and shared accountability. The Authority has called on all stakeholders to support the Africa Safer Internet Day campaign and to take practical steps toward building a safer and more inclusive digital space for Ghana’s children.

Africa Safer Internet Day is observed annually across the continent to promote awareness, education, and collective action on online safety, with a strong focus on protecting children and young people in an increasingly digital world.