Corporal punishment has been marked as a harmful practice that undermines children’s learning capabilities, a concern highlighted by Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Justice, during the National Conversation on Corporal Punishment in Fiji. Referencing the World Health Organization’s 2022 Fact Sheet, Kuruleca pointed out that such physical punishment shifts a child’s mental state from one of learning to one of survival, thereby inhibiting their ability to grasp new information.
According to Kuruleca, any form of physical punishment—even mild ones—can trigger a state of alarm in children’s brains. Prolonged exposure to these punitive methods can have detrimental impacts on their emotional and behavioral development. She noted, “Repeated often enough, that pattern breeds anxiety, mistrust, and aggression,” affirming that extensive research indicates corporal punishment does not yield long-term benefits; instead, it is linked with heightened aggression and depression in children.
Kuruleca described the fear instigated by corporal punishment as a significant hindrance to effective learning, stating, “What looks like discipline on the outside is, inside the brain, a shutdown of curiosity and trust.” She appealed for a transformation in disciplinary methods, emphasizing the World Health Organization’s stance that corporal punishment is a pressing public health issue. The organization encourages enhanced collaboration between health, education, and justice sectors to effectively tackle this ongoing challenge.
The conversation surrounding corporal punishment has intensified, especially with recent advocates from the Fijian Teachers Association calling for its reintroduction in schools, suggesting measures that conflict with the existing prohibition in Fijian law and international human rights standards. Organizations such as Save the Children Fiji have condemned these proposals, underscoring the illegality of corporal punishment within Fijian laws and the substantial risks it poses to children’s safety and welfare.
In light of alarming statistics indicating that a considerable number of children in Fiji endure abusive disciplinary methods, proponents of non-violent disciplinary approaches hold onto hope. They believe that ongoing discussions will prompt a shift towards more compassionate practices in education. By fostering a model that prioritizes children’s rights and emphasizes their emotional and psychological well-being, there is potential to create safer learning environments for future generations. This shift not only aims to alleviate the fear and pain associated with physical discipline but also aspires to cultivate a generation that can positively impact society, fostering a nurturing educational climate throughout Fiji.