Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, a Supreme Court judge in Samoa and a former United Nations committee member on the Rights of the Child, has spoken out against corporal punishment, asserting that it ultimately breeds violence in adulthood. During the National Conversation on Corporal Punishment held recently, Justice Nelson emphasized that violent behaviors in adults often stem from childhood experiences of aggression and brutality. He believes that corporal punishment instills the notion in children that violence is an acceptable means of conflict resolution.
“Violent criminals are not born violent,” Justice Nelson remarked. “They become violent because they learn it, and who do they learn it from? They learn it from us, the adults.” He argued that whenever a child experiences or witnesses violence—be it at home or school—it further entrenches the belief that physical force can be used to control others.
Justice Nelson classified corporal punishment not as a method of discipline but as a form of assault. “Some parents call it smacking. I’ve always called it assault, because that’s what it is,” he stated, challenging the societal double standards that often justify physical punishment under the pretense of discipline. He pointed out that society would not accept physical aggression among adults but often rationalizes it when directed toward children.
This perspective aligns with ongoing discussions in nearby Fiji, where calls to reintroduce corporal punishment in schools have provoked significant backlash among child advocacy groups. Recent studies and statements echo Justice Nelson’s sentiments, emphasizing that physical forms of discipline can lead to long-lasting negative outcomes for children, including increased risks of mental health issues and perpetuating cycles of violence.
As many as five out of every six children in Fiji reportedly experience some form of abuse or neglect, raising alarms among child welfare advocates regarding the ramifications of normalizing corporal punishment. Organizations like Save the Children Fiji and various community leaders are united in their opposition to such practices, advocating instead for constructive, non-violent disciplinary methods that focus on emotional and psychological well-being.
The discussions surrounding corporal punishment present a critical opportunity for both Fiji and Samoa to reassess and reform disciplinary practices in educational systems and homes alike. By emphasizing positive discipline techniques rooted in respect and understanding, there is hope for cultivating environments where children thrive, free from fear and the damaging effects of violence. This collective effort reflects a growing commitment to uphold children’s rights and foster healthier communities across the Pacific.