A recent survey has revealed that a significant majority of Fijians, over half, support the return of corporal punishment in schools, sparking a nationwide dialogue on child discipline. Shairana Ali, the chief executive officer of Save the Children Fiji, highlighted the survey findings during a National Conversation on Corporal Punishment at the University of the South Pacific, emphasizing the need for greater education and awareness in Fiji regarding this contentious issue.
Ali pointed out that the results indicate that deeply rooted attitudes towards violent discipline remain prevalent in the country. The discussions arose from consultations by the Education Act Review Commission, where a concerning 60 percent of participants favored retaining corporal punishment under Fiji’s Education Act. In response to these findings, Paula Manumanuitoga, general secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA), has advocated for the reinstatement of corporal punishment as a measure to manage worsening student behavior.
However, Ali has strongly opposed this viewpoint, asserting that the promotion of positive discipline methods is crucial. She emphasized, “We need to move decisively towards non-violent, respectful discipline.” Save the Children Fiji remains committed to collaborating with parents, schools, and community leaders to promote initiatives aimed at teaching non-violent disciplinary methods.
The calls for corporal punishment have ignited fierce debates among different segments of the population, with many advocates warning against the potential cycle of violence that such practices would perpetuate. Critics argue that corporal punishment could negatively impact children’s mental health and academic performance, highlighting that a significant portion of Fijian children already face neglect or abuse.
Reports indicate that five out of six children in Fiji experience some form of abuse or neglect, further emphasizing the urgency of fostering a dialogue dedicated to non-violent disciplinary approaches. Additionally, evidence suggests that children subjected to corporal punishment may face long-term consequences, including antisocial behavior and difficulties in forming healthy relationships in adulthood.
Experts, including those from the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, have condemned any push for reinstating corporal punishment, citing the violation of children’s rights as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. As this debate continues, there remains hope that a focus on compassionate, constructive disciplinary practices can lead to a positive cultural transformation, ensuring children in Fiji grow up in an environment that nurtures their well-being and respects their rights.
The ongoing discussions point towards a collective aspiration in Fiji for educational environments that prioritize emotional and psychological well-being, potentially leading to a society where children can thrive without fear of violence.
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