Fiji survey finds 80% of children subjected to violent discipline, prompting calls for reform
A UNICEF-backed survey conducted by the Fiji Bureau of Statistics through the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS Plus 2024-2025) finds that 80 percent of children aged 1 to 14 experienced some form of violent discipline in the past month. The report also shows that 68 percent faced psychological aggression and 59 percent experienced physical punishment, while 17 percent experienced non-violent discipline. The survey covered more than 2,000 consenting households across urban and rural areas between mid-2024 and April 2025.
Violent discipline is defined to include severe physical actions such as hitting, slapping, shaking, or spanking with a hard object, with more extreme forms targeting the face, head, or ears or involving repeated beatings. Psychological aggression encompasses shouting, screaming, or name-calling, while non-violent discipline includes methods that do not involve physical or psychological harm.
Disparities across communities are evident. Violent discipline was reported more in rural areas (about 80 percent) than in urban settings (around 76 percent). Female children were slightly more affected than male children (82 percent vs. 78 percent). The poorest households faced the highest risk, with about 89 percent reporting violent discipline compared to roughly 61 percent in wealthier families. Grandparents were identified as the main enforcers of discipline (about 67 percent), followed by other relatives (64 percent) and biological parents (59 percent).
Context and implications
The findings reinforce longstanding concerns about child well-being and the normalization of punitive discipline in parts of Fiji. They echo earlier discussions about cultural and regional variations in attitudes toward discipline and highlight the strong link between poverty, geography, and exposure to violence. The data align with a growing international emphasis on protecting children from all forms of violence and on promoting non-violent, constructive methods of guidance.
Toward solutions
The survey presents a foundation for targeted action. Key pathways being discussed by experts and advocates include:
– Expanding parental education programs that teach non-violent discipline techniques and positive behavior management.
– Engaging grandparents and other relatives as partners in parenting education to shift household norms.
– Integrating child-protection messaging into schools, healthcare settings, and community centers.
– Providing accessible resources and counseling to families, including hotlines and local workshops.
– Investing in monitoring and follow-up surveys to measure progress and guide policy adjustments.
Possible positive trajectory
Despite the troubling statistics, there is broad recognition of the need for reform and a real opportunity to shift norms. With coordinated action from government, communities, and development partners, Fiji can move toward safer, more nurturing environments for children, reducing long-term mental health risks and supporting healthier educational and social outcomes.
Key takeaways for readers
– 80% of children 1-14 experienced violent discipline in the past month; non-violent discipline remains far less common at 17%.
– Rural areas and the poorest families bear the greatest burden; grandparents are key disciplinarians in many households.
– There is strong potential for positive change through parental education, community engagement, and non-violent discipline initiatives.
What to watch next
– Updates on the rollout and participation in non-violent discipline programs, especially targeting rural and low-income communities.
– Follow-up surveys to track changes in attitudes and practices among different ethnic groups and regions.
– Government and NGO collaboration indicators, including funding levels for child-protection campaigns and family support services.
Overall, the report serves as a clear call to action: by prioritizing education, family support, and community-based interventions, Fiji can reduce violence against children and foster safer, more supportive environments for the next generation. A hopeful path lies in turning awareness into sustained, practical change.
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