Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, a Supreme Court judge in Samoa, is advocating for the integration of alternative discipline techniques into teacher training programs as part of a broader conversation on corporal punishment in schools. His remarks came during the National Dialogue on Corporal Punishment, where he expressed concerns about the reliance on physical punishment in educational settings, particularly in Fiji.
Justice Nelson emphasizes that corporal punishment is not an effective solution for dealing with unruly or violent student behavior. He recognizes the challenges teachers face in managing their classrooms but argues that they are often poorly equipped with non-violent strategies for addressing difficult situations. “We don’t train them in other forms of discipline. I believe we should. It should be part of teacher training courses to include other ways of handling problems in the classroom, including violent or unruly students,” he stated.
He argues that providing teachers with effective discipline tools benefits not only the students and the educators but also parents and the community as a whole. “You are there to teach them, not teach them to hit other people, or that violence is the solution,” he added, advocating for alternative teaching and parenting methods to foster a more positive educational environment.
Supporting Justice Nelson’s views, Selina Kuruleca, the Permanent Secretary for Justice, pointed out that the pressures of overcrowded classrooms and frustration often lead to calls for reinstating corporal punishment. She stressed the importance of investing in teacher training that emphasizes understanding children’s psychology, effective behavior management, and restorative practices.
Both Justice Nelson and Kuruleca underscored the need for non-violent discipline methods and comprehensive teacher training to cultivate a culture of respect and accountability in schools. They believe that educating children without instilling fear is crucial for their development.
This dialogue on discipline in schools ties into a larger debate occurring in Fiji, where recent calls for reinstating corporal punishment, like those made by the president of the Fijian Teachers Association, have met with widespread criticism. Advocates against corporal punishment highlight its correlation with increased antisocial behavior, educational challenges, and long-term mental health issues, thereby reinforcing the arguments presented by Justice Nelson.
The ongoing conversation about educational discipline is a hopeful sign that stakeholders in Fiji are committed to reforming approaches that prioritize children’s rights and well-being. As discussions continue, there’s optimism that the educational landscape can evolve to better support both students and educators in a nurturing, non-violent environment.