A Year 13 student from Marist Brothers High School has recently raised concerns regarding corporal punishment and teacher conduct in Fijian schools. The student presented his views at a public consultation held by the Fiji Law Reform Commission in Suva, focusing on a comprehensive review of the Fiji Education Act of 1966. He pointed out that despite the school’s founder’s disapproval of corporal punishment, he believes it would be beneficial for teachers to receive specialized training in administering such discipline.
The student highlighted the potential negative emotional impact of teachers’ actions on students, indicating that inappropriate comments or behaviors from educators can discourage attendance and negatively affect students’ mental well-being. He stressed the necessity for teachers to undergo regular training and evaluations to enhance their interactions with students and to foster a more supportive learning environment.
This call for reconsideration of corporal punishment aligns with ongoing discussions in Fiji about the implications of such practices within educational settings. Similar sentiments were recently expressed by a concerned parent, Mereseini Rika, who advocated for the reinstatement of corporal punishment due to perceived rising behavioral issues among students. However, this proposal has faced significant backlash from legal experts and child welfare advocates who argue such punishment is unconstitutional and harmful, explicitly violating children’s rights under Fiji’s Constitution and international agreements like the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Research has consistently shown that corporal punishment can lead to increased antisocial behavior and academic challenges among children, suggesting a need for alternative disciplinary methods that promote non-violent and supportive educational environments. The alarming statistics indicating that a significant majority of children in Fiji experience abuse or neglect further emphasize the urgency for schools to move away from punitive measures towards a more compassionate approach to student discipline.
As these discussions continue, there is hope for positive reform in how discipline is addressed in Fiji’s educational system. Advocating for constructive disciplinary practices prioritizing emotional and psychological well-being could pave the way for a healthier, nurturing environment where students can thrive both academically and emotionally.
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