Student Protection Policy

Discover Your Possibilities (DYP) is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and respectful environment for all children and students under our care, at the DYP Learning Center and during any DYP activities in the community.

Our Commitment

DYP has a duty of care to protect the welfare of all children and students connected to our programs. We do not tolerate abuse, exploitation, neglect, violence, harassment, bullying, or any form of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Safeguarding includes both preventative actions (to minimize the chance of harm) and responsive actions (to ensure concerns are addressed appropriately).

Contents

Need to report a concern?

If a child/student is in immediate danger, seek urgent help first, then inform DYP leadership as soon as possible.

1. Purpose & Scope

This policy outlines DYP’s commitment to providing children and students under our responsibility with the safest possible environment. It applies to all DYP personnel (paid and unpaid) and any person or organization interacting with children/students under DYP’s care, including volunteers, visitors, partners, contractors, consultants, and trainers.

  • At the DYP Learning Center and DYP-led programs.
  • During outreach, travel, home visits, events, distributions, and partner activities where DYP is responsible.
  • Online or digital contact connected to DYP activities.

For information on how DYP collects, uses, and protects personal data in connection with safeguarding and all other activities, please read our Privacy Policy.

2. Governing Framework

This policy aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Cambodia acceded 1992) and supports the principle that all children have equal rights to protection from abuse and exploitation.

3. Key Definitions

Term Meaning in this policy
Child Any person under the age of 18 under the care of DYP.
Student Any person under or over 18 under the care of DYP (including those supported outside DYP at schools or partner programs).
Abuse Includes psychological, physical and sexual abuse, sexual harassment, bullying, exploitation, violence, neglect and substance abuse in the DYP environment.
Concern Any suspicion, disclosure, allegation, or observation that a child/student may be at risk of harm.

4. Core Principles

  • Best interests first: the safety and wellbeing of children/students is our highest priority.
  • Participation: we listen and respond appropriately to children/students, including communication needs related to disability.
  • Non-discrimination: DYP does not tolerate discrimination on any basis, including disability.
  • Consent and dignity: we respect privacy, culture, family engagement and lawful consent processes.

5. Protection

  • Safe supervision: avoid unnecessary one-to-one situations and ensure accountability (where practical).
  • Professional boundaries: maintain respectful relationships and appropriate physical contact.
  • Safe transport & off-site activities: only with authorized permission and appropriate oversight.
  • Substance-free environment: no work with children/students while under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs.

6. Zero Tolerance

DYP has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and (child) pornography / CSAM. Any form of abuse, exploitation, bullying, violence, neglect, or harassment is not accepted in the DYP environment.

7. Reporting a Concern

All staff, volunteers, partners, visitors, and children/students are encouraged to raise concerns immediately to protect children/students from harm.

How to report

  • Contact a DYP supervisor/administrator, or speak directly with DYP leadership.
  • If the reporter fears for their own well-being, they may contact any trusted person in the organization to support reporting.
  • DYP will treat reports seriously and handle them confidentially, as appropriate.

Good-faith reporting is encouraged. DYP does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

8. How DYP Responds

DYP will respond promptly and fairly. Our approach is child/student-centered and prioritizes safety, privacy, and dignity.

What you can expect

  • Immediate safety steps where needed.
  • Confidential assessment and appropriate internal review.
  • Referral to relevant authorities when required (e.g., national police, Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, or other child protection bodies), particularly in cases involving suspected criminal matters or serious harm.
  • Appropriate organizational action, which may include disciplinary action and/or ending partnerships where necessary.
  • Support for the affected child/student, including referral to medical and psychosocial assistance where possible.

9. Code of Conduct

Will…

  • Treat children/students with dignity and respect.
  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Use respectful language and supportive behavior.
  • Follow DYP guidance for supervision and activities.
  • Report concerns promptly and in good faith.

Will not…

  • Use physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological abuse.
  • Engage in grooming, exploitation, or harassment.
  • Ignore, hide, or discourage reporting of concerns.
  • Use alcohol/prohibited drugs in the DYP environment.
  • Share private learner information without lawful reason/consent.

10. Photography, Media & Online Safety

  • Consent: obtain appropriate consent before taking or using photos/videos of children/students.
  • Dignity: avoid humiliating or stereotypical images.
  • Posting: do not post children/student photos/videos on personal social media without DYP approval and consent processes.
  • Online contact: avoid personal direct messaging with children/students; any necessary communication should be for a clear program purpose and managed safely.

11. Safer Recruitment & Training

  • Screening: appropriate screening and reference checks for relevant roles.
  • Clear expectations: all personnel, volunteers, and partners are informed of this Student Protection Policy and expected standards.
  • Training: protection awareness training for staff and orientation for relevant volunteers/partners, as needed.

12. Governance & Review

  • DYP leadership is responsible for implementing and enforcing this policy.
  • Protection-related information is handled confidentially and shared on a need-to-know basis.
  • This policy may be updated as needed to reflect best practice, learning, and legal requirements.

13. Contact Information

To raise a protection concern related to DYP activities, contact DYP leadership immediately.

Discover Your Possibilities (DYP) Organization

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +855 78 255 773 

Address: Thlok Angdoung Village, Sangkat Sla Kram, Siem Reap Municipality, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia.

Related policies: Volunteer Policy • Privacy Policy