Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Justice and a psychologist, has taken a firm stand against corporal punishment, highlighting its harmful impacts on children during the National Conversation on Corporal Punishment held in Suva. She expressed that physical punishment not only breaches legal protections but also negatively influences children’s neurological development, wiring their responses towards fear and aggression. This, she warns, could contribute to a continued cycle of violence as these children grow into adulthood.
Drawing from her background as a psychotherapist and former educator, Kuruleca explained that even minor forms of physical punishment can trigger a child’s danger response, which impedes their ability to learn. “When a child is struck, even lightly, the brain perceives danger, prompting a surge of cortisol and activating survival instincts. At that moment, effective learning ceases,” she stated.
Her concerns resonate with alarming statistics indicating that 81% of children in Fiji face violent disciplinary actions at home. Kuruleca cautioned that habitual corporal punishment conditions children to associate love with fear. This can lead to the development of violent tendencies in adulthood. Instead, she advocates for alternative disciplinary methods, drawing on Indigenous practices that emphasize restoration and understanding over punishment.
The issue of corporal punishment has come to the forefront, especially after community leaders like Mereseini Rika suggested its reintroduction in schools to combat rising behavior issues among children. However, this perspective has faced significant criticism from legal experts and child welfare advocates. Legal drafter David Solvalu pointed out that corporal punishment would breach Section 41 of Fiji’s Constitution, which protects children’s rights from violence.
Nilesh Lal, executive director of Dialogue Fiji, echoed Kuruleca’s concerns, asserting that corporal punishment is both abusive and counterproductive. He highlighted that such methods only serve to normalize violence and trigger aggressive behaviors, ultimately adversely affecting children’s mental health and academic success. Disturbing statistics show that five out of six children in Fiji report experiences of abuse or neglect, emphasizing the importance of seeking non-violent disciplinary approaches.
Kuruleca acknowledged the frustrations expressed by teachers who support corporal punishment, suggesting that under-resourced classrooms may drive their calls for physical discipline. She advocated for increased government investment in teacher training and counseling, enabling educators to adopt more effective, empathetic disciplinary methods.
Kuruleca’s advocacy represents a significant shift towards nurturing educational environments rejecting corporal punishment. The ongoing movement against physical discipline in Fiji signifies a growing commitment to prioritizing the rights and well-being of children, offering hope for future generations who can flourish in safe and supportive learning environments.