Authorities are investigating a man whose harsh teaching methods aimed at helping two children learn to count have generated widespread outrage. The situation gained attention after a video surfaced on Facebook, showing the man aggressively instructing a young child, causing the child visible distress and tears. A second video has also emerged, reportedly depicting the same man exhibiting similar abusive behavior towards a toddler.
As of 5 p.m. yesterday, the first video had drawn significant attention, accumulating 956 reactions, 351 comments, and more than 60 shares, with some individuals shockingly defending the man’s actions. In response, police confirmed that the individual from the video is being questioned, and an investigation is currently underway. Local authorities are dedicated to ensuring justice for the young victims involved.
Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has vehemently condemned the incident and has vowed to take stronger measures to shield children from abuse. She announced that her ministry will collaborate with law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the matter, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
“Our ministry is aware of the video circulating on social media that depicts violence against very young children,” Minister Kiran stated, highlighting the alarming statistics that indicate approximately 72 percent of children in Fiji have faced some form of violence, be it physical, emotional, or sexual, often occurring in environments that should be safe, such as homes and schools.
She acknowledged a disturbing trend of violent parenting methods that stem from an intense desire to educate, which have regrettably become normalized. “Though parents may act out of a passion for their children’s education, such extreme measures can lead to long-lasting trauma, negatively impacting children’s learning experiences,” she pointed out.
The minister emphasized the need for educational initiatives aimed at promoting healthy parenting practices, particularly among younger parents who may not have the support of extended families. “Our ministry is working on campaigns to inform parents about positive parenting techniques, recognizing signs of violence against children, and understanding preventive measures,” she said.
Kiran underscored that every child in Fiji deserves to grow up in a nurturing and safe environment, free from fear and harm. She has reached out to families, community leaders, educators, and citizens to join the effort in creating a safer environment for the country’s children.
This incident, while deeply troubling, opens the door for critical discussions about child welfare and the importance of nurturing parenting practices. It serves as a reminder that protecting the well-being of children is a collective responsibility and necessitates societal change.
In summary, the investigation into abusive teaching methods highlights a broader issue of child abuse in Fiji, prompting calls for reform and greater awareness around healthy parenting. The ministry’s initiatives could pave the way for a safer future for children in the country, fostering an environment where they can thrive without fear.
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