Corporal punishment is facing increasing scrutiny as a viable form of discipline for children, especially within contemporary educational contexts. Atelini Bai, a seasoned educator, expressed her staunch opposition to such disciplinary methods during the recent Education Bill public consultation in Lautoka.
Drawing upon her own experiences with corporal punishment, Bai called for a transformative approach that favors restorative justice in schools. “I say this with a lot of conviction. I was raised with corporal punishment,” she recounted, noting that she taught in schools where such methods prevailed during the late 1990s to early 2000s. In contrast, she pointed to a different experience in a restorative justice-focused environment from 2002 to 2013, where the absence of corporal punishment contributed to student success.
Bai also brought attention to the specific challenges faced by teenage parents within the educational system, questioning the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights about available support for these students. Through her advocacy, she encouraged a wider exploration of alternatives to corporal punishment. She highlighted the importance of adopting restorative practices that emphasize understanding and rehabilitation rather than punishment.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding the shift towards restorative justice signals a promising development in educational reform, aimed at creating supportive and nurturing learning environments for all students. As this important conversation continues, it is clear that the pursuit of compassionate and effective solutions will be essential in shaping the future landscape of education.