Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has voiced strong concerns over the long-term negative impacts of corporal punishment on children’s learning and well-being. Addressing participants at the National Conversation on Corporal Punishment held in Suva, Radrodro referenced a United Nations study involving over 10,000 students, which revealed that those subjected to corporal punishment scored, on average, 15 percent lower on academic tests and had 25 percent higher absenteeism rates than their peers who experienced non-violent disciplinary methods.
Radrodro emphasized that the stress and anxiety stemming from corporal punishment can severely hinder children’s concentration, breed fear, and lead to disengagement from their educational experiences. “The evidence is clear; corporal punishment may produce short-term obedience, but it comes at the cost of a child’s emotional well-being and academic progress,” he stated.
The Minister noted that while protections against violence and degrading treatment for children are enshrined in the Constitution and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, it is crucial to examine the underlying causes of behavioral issues among students. He highlighted that changing family dynamics, particularly the increasing influence of technology on children, has contributed to observable shifts in behavior.
To tackle these challenges, Radrodro indicated that the Ministry has established counseling centers and reintroduced school chaplains aimed at fostering spiritual and emotional growth among students. He called upon parents and communities to take a more active role in instilling discipline at home, underscoring the idea that educators should be nurturing mentors rather than mere enforcers of rules.
In echoing earlier discussions around discipline and child welfare, Radrodro appealed for continued open dialogue among all stakeholders to explore positive disciplinary strategies that support children’s development while avoiding violent measures. This proactive engagement holds promise for a transformative approach to student behavior management, ultimately fostering a more supportive educational environment.
The Minister’s initiatives build on an ongoing commitment to child protection and educational reform, reflecting a hopeful outlook for future generations in Fiji. By aligning practices with international human rights standards, there is potential for significant improvements in both the academic performance and emotional health of children in educational settings across the nation.