Parents in Tailevu and Nausori are urgently calling for action against rampant bullying and theft affecting their children at local boarding schools. Their concerns have grown following the Ministry of Education’s announcement that nine senior students were expelled from a prominent Tailevu school for committing acts of corporal punishment against younger students. Reports detail horrifying incidents of physical assaults, thefts from dormitory chests, and even students having their feet burned while asleep.
While some disciplinary measures have been taken, parents argue that these incidents reveal a deep-seated culture of bullying that persists despite previous warnings. One parent who withdrew their son from one school articulated their horror at how normalized such behavior has become, saying that stealing and physical punishment are considered acceptable.
Further compounding the issue, the Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, emphasized the necessity for parents to engage more actively with their children. He reiterated that while the police will act to enforce the law, the responsibility to guide youth lies predominantly with families. Teacher unions have also voiced that the escalating situation warrants urgent intervention from school administrations. They deem the rise in bullying as being “out of control” across all schooling levels.
The Fiji Teachers Union’s General Secretary, Muniappa Goundar, has echoed these concerns, stressing the need for immediate reinforcement of child protection policies and greater support for victims. The Fijian Teachers Association’s General Secretary, Paula Manumanunitoga, has noted that bullying is pervasive in various educational institutions and emphasizes the collaboration required between parents and teachers to curb this distressing trend.
Similar incidents of bullying and violent behavior have recently garnered attention in other boarding schools, sparking concerns over student safety across the nation. Parents remain hopeful that with concerted efforts from educational authorities, law enforcement, and community stakeholders, a safer educational environment can be established for all students, free from fear and intimidation.
This reflects a shared hope for positive change, emphasizing the need for regard and respect in educational settings, enabling the youth to thrive in a supportive atmosphere.
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