A Fiji-based voice with decades of ministry experience is urging a joint push by government and churches to re-examine the country’s laws on disciplining children. Reverend Sanaila Rakulwai Bici, a lecturer at the Methodist Lay Training Centre who has served as an ordained minister for 42 years, argues that the current framework—where children can report their parents for physical punishment—has contributed to growing behavioral problems and social ills. He notes that some parents have even been jailed for disciplining their children, while others fear correcting them. According to him, discipline guided by biblical teaching should aim to help children learn from their mistakes, not to hurt them, and a collaborative effort is needed to safeguard Fiji’s future wellbeing.
Reverend Bici’s call comes amid a national debate about how best to discipline children within homes and schools. He stressed that discipline, when anchored in compassion and instruction rather than fear, can be constructive and protective of children’s dignity. He urged government leaders, faith-based groups, schools, and communities to work together to address these challenges and ensure children grow up in safe, supportive environments.
Broader evidence underscores the urgency of this conversation. Data and voices across Fiji point to the pervasive issue of violence in child-rearing and education. Police statistics show hundreds of cases linked to child abuse in recent periods, reinforcing concerns raised by rights advocates about children’s safety and wellbeing. Human rights bodies have consistently argued that corporal punishment violates children’s rights and that Fiji, as a signatory to international agreements, must protect young people from all forms of physical or mental violence.
The discussion is further nuanced by recent findings from national surveys. Results from the Fiji Bureau of Statistics’ Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys indicate that a substantial portion of households still view physical punishment as a necessary component of child-rearing, even as many children experience violent discipline. For instance, large shares of iTaukei households are reported to hold this belief, while Indo-Fijian households show markedly different patterns. Rural areas, particularly among iTaukei communities, report higher incidences of violent disciplinary practices. These statistics highlight the complexity of change, showing cultural and regional variations in attitudes toward discipline and the urgent need for widespread education on non-violent approaches.
The stance of policymakers and advocates mirrors the data. The Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection has highlighted the high prevalence of violence against children and urged broad-based education for parents, especially younger ones who may lack guidance from extended families. Rights commissioners have condemned punitive measures as unconstitutional and at odds with Fiji’s commitments under the Constitution and international law, pushing for reform that prioritizes safe, respectful, and supportive environments for learning and growth.
Amid the debate, there is renewed attention on practical paths forward. Several voices emphasize constructive discipline over punishment: training for teachers in positive behavior management, parental education programs, and community campaigns that promote non-violent methods. Some scholars and students have called for regular assessments of how discipline is applied in schools and homes, along with clear safeguards to ensure children’s rights are protected while addressing behavioral issues. The overarching goal is a healthier, more nurturing environment in which children can learn, thrive, and form healthy relationships as they grow.
A hopeful note runs through these discussions: Fiji can align faith, law, and community efforts to cultivate parenting and teaching practices that are firmly rooted in care and effectiveness. By fostering collaboration among churches, government agencies, schools, and families, and by investing in awareness and practical non-violent discipline strategies, Fiji can move toward a future where children are protected from violence and empowered to develop to their full potential.
Summary
A veteran religious leader in Fiji calls for a cooperative review of child-discipline laws, arguing that current rules enabling reporting for physical punishment contribute to behavioral and social problems. The move sits within a broader national debate about corporal punishment, with rights groups, government officials, and civil society advocating for non-violent, constructive discipline. National survey data and crime statistics underscore the urgency of reform, while experts suggest concrete steps like teacher training and parental education to foster safer, more supportive environments for Fiji’s children. The overall tone is hopeful, emphasizing collaboration and child-centered approaches to discipline.
Additional comments for the article
– Consider including a short sidebar with practical steps for readers: how parents, teachers, and faith groups can access non-violent discipline resources; contact points for counseling or parenting programs; and updates on any legislative review processes.
– Acknowledge cultural and regional differences in discipline practices and highlight how reform efforts can be tailored to local contexts while upholding universal child rights.
– If possible, follow-up with quotes from educators, parents, and students to provide a broader spectrum of perspectives on what non-violent discipline looks like in everyday life.
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