Mechanisms for Preventing and Protecting Drug and Substance Use among Students at Schools in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Challenges and Solutions


Authors : Ros Sokphalkun

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4wrmav4x

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4f576f7t

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14831454

Abstract : The study on mechanisms for preventing and protecting drug and substance use among students at schools in Phnom Penh has three objectives. First, the study attempted to identify the status of drug and substance use among students at schools. Second, it tried to identify the engagement and challenges of students, parents, schools, competent authorities in preventing and protecting drug and substance use among students. Finally, it sought to determine the effectiveness of mechanisms of competent authorities, schools, and parents to reduce and eliminate the use of drug or addictive substances among students. This study is cross sectional conducted in 6 Khans of Phnom Penh Capital city of Cambodia – Chamkar Mon, Chhbar Ampov, Chroy Chanva, Dong Kao, Doun Penh, and Sen Sok Khan. 443 students from 6 schools participated in the survey and 65 individuals who were police officers, parents, and education staff for focus group discussion and in-depth interview. The statistical findings confirmed that the mechanisms to be implemented by schools and police forces were effective in reduction and elimination of drug or substance use. Public awareness and legal reinforcement were found as the most effective mechanisms among all else that schools and police forces were practicing. However, challenges were identified existing in the mechanisms of schools and of police forces. The study noticed the need for strong collaboration and participation from all stakeholders because it has better opportunities to reduce or eliminate the use of drug or addictive substances use among students.

Keywords : Mechanism, Prevention and Protection, Drug and Substance Use, Drug and Addictive Substances.

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The study on mechanisms for preventing and protecting drug and substance use among students at schools in Phnom Penh has three objectives. First, the study attempted to identify the status of drug and substance use among students at schools. Second, it tried to identify the engagement and challenges of students, parents, schools, competent authorities in preventing and protecting drug and substance use among students. Finally, it sought to determine the effectiveness of mechanisms of competent authorities, schools, and parents to reduce and eliminate the use of drug or addictive substances among students. This study is cross sectional conducted in 6 Khans of Phnom Penh Capital city of Cambodia – Chamkar Mon, Chhbar Ampov, Chroy Chanva, Dong Kao, Doun Penh, and Sen Sok Khan. 443 students from 6 schools participated in the survey and 65 individuals who were police officers, parents, and education staff for focus group discussion and in-depth interview. The statistical findings confirmed that the mechanisms to be implemented by schools and police forces were effective in reduction and elimination of drug or substance use. Public awareness and legal reinforcement were found as the most effective mechanisms among all else that schools and police forces were practicing. However, challenges were identified existing in the mechanisms of schools and of police forces. The study noticed the need for strong collaboration and participation from all stakeholders because it has better opportunities to reduce or eliminate the use of drug or addictive substances use among students.

Keywords : Mechanism, Prevention and Protection, Drug and Substance Use, Drug and Addictive Substances.

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