A concerned parent, Mereseini Rika, has recently called for the reintroduction of corporal punishment within schools during a public consultation on the review of the Education Act 1966, held at Tavua District School. Rika expressed alarm over what she perceives as escalating issues of “poor behavior” both at home and in educational environments. She lamented, “We have no power to influence changes because of the rights children have. Please include corporal punishment in the Act.”
This proposal has led to substantial pushback from legal experts and child welfare advocates. David Solvalu, a legal drafter, responded to Rika, indicating that corporal punishment would be unconstitutional under Section 41 of Fiji’s Constitution, which ensures children’s rights to be free from violence. Solvalu highlighted that the ongoing Denarau Declaration underscores a collective commitment to these principles, stating, “Fiji is very clear about no abuse or violence in schools.”
This call for corporal punishment revives discussions reflecting earlier commentary from community leaders like Netani Druavesi, the president of the Fijian Teachers Association. Druavesi’s advocacy has faced resistance from figures such as Nilesh Lal, the executive director of Dialogue Fiji, who has categorized corporal punishment as a form of child abuse. Lal emphasized that research consistently shows that such disciplinary measures are ineffective and can normalize aggression, ultimately leading to detrimental effects on children’s mental health and academic achievement.
Statistics paint a grim picture of child safety in Fiji, noting that five out of six children report facing abuse or neglect. Reports of child sexual abuse have also alarmingly surged, prompting community calls for healthier disciplinary methods that prioritize emotional and psychological well-being.
Chairperson Pravesh Sharma of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission has also condemned any move towards reinstating corporal punishment, asserting that it contradicts constitutional rights and international obligations such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
While the debate surrounding corporal punishment is contentious, it offers a critical opportunity for Fiji to reassess its approach to child discipline and education. Encouraging discussions around non-violent behavioral management methods could foster a more nurturing educational environment, benefiting future generations.
This dynamic discourse suggests a collective aspiration to create a more compassionate and understanding framework for child discipline in Fiji, which could ultimately lead to healthier, more supportive educational settings where children can thrive both academically and emotionally.
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