A national dialogue is set to take place this afternoon focusing on the future of corporal punishment in schools, emphasizing the critical need to address the cycle of violence impacting children throughout Fiji. The event aims to engage various stakeholders, including teachers, parents, civil society organizations, and representatives from the Ministries of Education and Health. The dialogue will be hosted at the University of the South Pacific and will include an expert judge from Samoa who serves on the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child.
During this dialogue, Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women and Children, will present concerning statistics that reveal a substantial prevalence of violence against children. Citing research conducted in collaboration with both the University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University, Kiran stated that an alarming 80 percent of children in Fiji experience extreme corporal violence at home. She noted that incidents of violence are reported at 76 percent in urban areas and 80 percent in rural regions.
Kiran also pointed out the necessary skills and tools that teachers need to manage classroom challenges without resorting to corporal punishment. She warned that allowing corporal punishment in schools, particularly under stress, could lead to severe abuse as overwhelmed educators may resort to violence. Instead, there is a pressing need for effective parenting support, alongside teacher training, to cultivate a non-violent approach to discipline and ensure healthier educational environments.
The ongoing debate over corporal punishment has ignited wider discussions within the community, with calls for alternatives that prioritize children’s welfare. Critics, including Nilesh Lal, the executive director of Dialogue Fiji, have condemned the revival of corporal punishment as a dangerous regression, noting its potential to normalize violence and lead to adverse psychological outcomes for children.
The urgency of this dialogue is underscored by statistics revealing that five out of every six children in Fiji face abuse or neglect, making it imperative for the nation to explore constructive, non-violent disciplinary measures. As the community evaluates the implications of potential reinstatement, there is hope for a more compassionate approach to educating the youth of Fiji, fostering environments where children’s rights and well-being are at the forefront of educational practices. Encouraging positive parenting and effective communication within families and schools can pave the way for a nurturing ethos that supports the holistic development of children.