Authorities are conducting an investigation into a man accused of employing abusive teaching methods on two children, a situation that has triggered nationwide outrage. The controversy began after a Facebook video emerged, capturing the man aggressively instructing a young child to count, which resulted in visible distress and tears from the child. A second video allegedly shows the same individual repeating this treatment on a toddler.
As of yesterday at 5 PM, the initial video had garnered significant attention online, with nearly 1,000 reactions, over 350 comments, and more than 60 shares. Disturbingly, some responses appeared to justify the man’s actions. The police have confirmed that they are questioning the individual featured in the videos as part of their ongoing investigation, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring justice for the affected children.
Sashi Kiran, the Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, has publicly condemned the incident and vowed to take stronger measures to shield children from violence. She stated that her ministry is actively collaborating with law enforcement to address the situation. Commenting on the incident, Kiran noted that the recent footage has amplified concerns regarding the prevalence of child abuse in Fiji, where statistics reveal that around 72 percent of children have experienced some form of violence, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
She further highlighted that many of these incidents occur in potentially safe environments such as homes and schools. Kiran pointed out that extreme parenting methods, which often stem from an intense desire to educate, have unfortunately become too common, underscoring the need for awareness regarding the lasting detrimental impacts of such trauma on children’s learning.
To combat this issue, the minister emphasized the importance of educational initiatives aimed at promoting healthy parenting practices, especially among younger parents who may lack support from extended families. “Our ministry is developing campaigns to educate parents about effective practices and to clarify what constitutes violence against children,” she stated. She reiterated that every child in Fiji deserves to grow up in a nurturing and secure environment, free from fear.
Kiran called upon families, community leaders, educators, and the public to collectively foster a safer atmosphere for the country’s children, inspiring hope for a future where child welfare is prioritized.
This incident underscores the importance of open dialogue about child-rearing practices and the responsibility of adults to ensure a safe learning environment for children. The proactive response from the government indicates a commitment to addressing these issues and fostering a culture that prioritizes the well-being of children, which is a positive step toward brighter futures for all young citizens.
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