Corporal punishment has been highlighted as a detrimental practice hindering children’s ability to learn, a conclusion underscored by Permanent Secretary for Justice Selina Kuruleca during the National Conversation on Corporal Punishment in Fiji. Citing the World Health Organization’s 2022 Fact Sheet, Kuruleca explained that physical punishment redirects a child’s brain from a learning mode to a survival mode, effectively stopping their capacity to absorb new information.
When children are subjected to physical punishment, even if it’s light, their brains enter a state of alarm, continuing exposure to such methods can lead to adverse effects on their emotional and behavioral development. “Repeated often enough, that pattern breeds anxiety, mistrust, and aggression,” Kuruleca warned, echoing findings from extensive research that shows no long-term benefits of corporal punishment, which instead correlates with increased aggression and depression among children.
Kuruleca characterized the fear induced by corporal punishment as a significant barrier to effective learning. “What looks like discipline on the outside is, inside the brain, a shutdown of curiosity and trust,” she stated, emphasizing the urgent call for a shift in disciplinary practices. The World Health Organization has now classified corporal punishment as a critical public health issue, advocating for increased collaboration between health, education, and justice sectors to address the ongoing concerns effectively.
The debate over corporal punishment has intensified, as seen in recent calls from members of the Fijian Teachers Association advocating for its reintroduction in schools, proposing measures that contradict the current prohibition under Fijian law and international human rights frameworks. Voices from organizations such as Save the Children Fiji have condemned such calls, highlighting the illegality of corporal punishment under Fijian law and the considerable risk it poses to children’s safety and well-being.
Amidst a backdrop of alarming statistics showing that a significant percentage of children in Fiji experience abusive forms of discipline, advocates for non-violent approaches to discipline are hopeful that ongoing discussions will lead to a shift toward compassionate practices in education. Moving towards a model that respects children’s rights and emphasizes emotional and psychological well-being promises to create safer learning environments for future generations, allowing children to thrive without the specter of fear and pain associated with physical discipline. This transformation could cultivate a generation prepared to contribute positively to society, fostering a nurturing and supportive educational climate throughout Fiji.