Child protection and child discipline can be a challenging and sensitive issue to discuss in some contexts. If an adult is punishing children in the same way that they were punished when they were growing up, it can be a complicated process to encourage them to modify their behaviour.

Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) NGO Save the Children Australia is ensuring that crucial conversations about child protection are taking place in Cambodia.

Save the Children Australia works in partnership with local Civil Society Organisation WOMEN (Women Organization for Modern Economy and Nursing) and the Commune Committee for Women and Children to influence change behaviour and reshape how parents discipline their children.

Through their program PraCTiSE (Protecting Children Through System Strengthening and Evidence), children are better protected and cared for. This is achieved through improved child protection systems and policies, service delivery on parenting without violence and social support services.

Saron, a fisherman in the Prey Veng province, is an active member active member of one of PraCTiSE's Positive Parenting Groups. He promotes messages to his community about positive parenting behaviours towards children.

Despite the social and logistical challenges the pandemic has posed, Save the Children Australia and its partners have trained and supported caregivers in parenting without violence and provided social services to children, offering referrals where required.

They have also strengthened the capacity of partner staff members, village volunteers and community social workers through mentoring and coaching on social services case management, positive parenting and child protection laws.