The recently passed Education Act 2025 has implemented a comprehensive nationwide prohibition of corporal punishment across all schools, underscoring the government’s pledge to foster safe and respectful learning environments for children. This significant legislative change aims to protect students by eliminating any form of physical punishment and ensuring their well-being in educational settings.
As outlined in Section 73 of the Act, educators and school staff are expressly forbidden from utilizing any methods of physical punishment or cruelty against students. The law clearly defines corporal punishment as any disciplinary action involving physical force that aims to inflict pain or discomfort, regardless of its severity. In addition to this, the Act prohibits “cruel, inhumane, degrading or disproportionately severe treatment”, which encompasses belittling, humiliating, threatening, or ridiculing students.
The law emphasizes that no educator or school personnel may cause physical, mental, or emotional harm to a child, reinforcing the commitment to protect children’s rights in educational contexts. The introduction of this Act comes in light of ongoing discussions regarding children’s welfare and aligns with prior legislative efforts, including the Fiji Constitution’s mandate against violence, as noted by legal experts advocating for child rights. It reflects a broader initiative to develop a nurturing educational framework, free from abuse and violence.
Recent debates have highlighted the critical need for non-violent disciplinary alternatives, especially in response to some calls for the reinstatement of corporal punishment. Previous discussions from various stakeholders, including the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, have emphasized that physical punishment in schools is unconstitutional and detrimental to children’s dignity and well-being.
The movement toward positive discipline reflects emerging trends in educational policy and practices, recognizing that fostering respectful relationships between students and educators is essential for effective learning outcomes. By advocating for compassionate approaches, Fiji is taking significant strides toward establishing an educational system where children can learn and thrive without fear, paving the way for a brighter and more respectful future for the nation’s youth.
This proactive legislative measure embodies hope for transformative changes in not only Fiji’s educational landscape but also in the broader societal attitudes toward child discipline. As the country moves away from outdated punitive methods, it embarks on a path that prioritizes children’s rights and their holistic development.