Kruy Bunhong, 19, second-year student at National University of Management

“In order to stop violence in our society, we should figure out what the main cause of it is. I think the cause of violence is illiteracy. Most illiterate people are not well-educated, and have not learned how to control their reactions in tense or complex situations. Often, it’s reported that when they are physically or emotionally hurt, they react violently. Obviously, as citizens, we do not have the power to arrest these people, but we can stop and prevent ourselves from engaging in violence.”

Khem Nika, 19, first-year student at Vanda Institute of Accounting

“As young Cambodians, we may not have much power to stop others from acting violently. However, we can make a difference by starting with ourselves. We can show the dangers of violence by joining and supporting programs and activities that raise awareness. Also, we can take up opportunities to volunteer for organisations, join campaigns, or participate in social work that aims at reducing violence in the community.”

Vit Chunny, 20, second-year student at Royal University of Phnom Penh

“In my opinion, I think that everyone in society needs to be more aware of issues of violence. We should learn from problems, and find solutions. Also, I think that if people focused more on being kind and keeping good relationships, there would be less violence. People should not be afraid to express themselves and address problems kindly, before it escalates into violence. Young Cambodians have a special responsibility to keep away from violence.”

Ly Socheata, 18, first-year student at Pannasastra University of Cambodia

“I think that, as part of the young generation, we do not have the ability to raise awareness of violence through mass media, government ministries, or other organisations. We should spend time watching and learning from the information that is out there. ​Also, we should learn lessons from the causes of violence, in order to avoid it from happening again. We can ​ spend our free time volunteering with charitable organisations to share our knowledge with other people​.”

Lim Sreykhim, 18, first-year student at International University

“I’ve noticed that violence is always happening in rural areas, especially in areas where people do not have access to education. Therefore, when problems or arguments happen, they don’t know any alternatives than resorting to violence. As young Cambodians, we should volunteer or involve ourselves in organisations that provide an education to these people. We can also form youth groups that could get together and teach people living in rural areas.”