“Parents Urged to Take Action Against School Bullying”

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called on parents to take a firmer stance with their children to ensure adherence to laws and norms while in school, following a recent bullying incident at Queen Victoria School (QVS) that led to nine senior students being expelled. As an alumnus of the school, Rabuka emphasized that such behavior must not be tolerated, as it can have far-reaching negative consequences for students and the school community as a whole.

Recalling his experiences from a different era, Rabuka noted that bullying was significantly less common during his time in school. He stated, “In our era, we managed conflicts at the student level. If a senior student attempted to bully a junior student, repercussions from peers were likely.” This reflects a shift in school culture that Rabuka is keen to address by urging parents to maintain a stricter approach to their children’s behavior and upbringing.

Rabuka’s remarks resonate with broader concerns about student discipline and safety in educational institutions. Earlier discussions had highlighted the importance of parental involvement in foster better academic performance and overall student well-being, as echoed by Education Minister Aseri Radrodro. The minister pointed out a concerning trend in academic performance and called for increased parental engagement and discipline to ensure students focus on their studies.

The Prime Minister’s concerns come on the heels of previous allegations of bullying and illicit drug use at QVS, sparking calls from various leaders, including Education Minister Radrodro, to improve the school’s environment and uphold its long-standing reputation for excellence in education. The community is now looking for collaborative solutions involving parents, teachers, and former students to create a culture of respect, accountability, and safety within educational settings.

This collective effort demonstrates a hopeful path forward, suggesting that with active engagement from all parties, significant improvements in school culture and student behavior can be achieved. As stakeholders unite to combat bullying and other forms of misconduct, there is potential for a positive transformation at Queen Victoria School and institutions across Fiji.