Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has emphasized the importance of stricter parenting as a means to combat the growing issue of bullying in schools, particularly in light of a recent incident at Queen Victoria School (QVS). In this incident, nine senior students were expelled for bullying junior students, prompting Rabuka, an alumnus of the school, to reflect on how bullying was managed during his own time there.
Rabuka highlighted that in the past, students resolved conflicts among themselves, where there were social consequences for senior students if they bullied their juniors. He criticized the current lack of accountability and urged parents to instill values in their children before they enter the school environment. “Once they go to school, they’re free agents, but there are certain values that we can inculcate into the students before they go to school,” he noted.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro reinforced this message by stating that any form of corporal punishment or violence in schools is strictly prohibited. He expressed a commitment to fostering parent involvement in children’s education, which he believes is essential for better academic performance and student well-being.
This incident has reignited discussions about student discipline and the overall cultural environment at QVS, with calls for collaboration among parents, teachers, and former students to create a safer atmosphere. The community’s collective effort is aimed at rebuilding a culture of respect, responsibility, and safety in educational settings.
There is hope that with these initiatives in place, Queen Victoria School can address these challenges head-on, restoring its reputation as a nurturing environment for students, where they can thrive free from fear and aggression. The emphasis on a collaborative approach suggests that positive change is possible, paving the way for a brighter educational future in Fiji.
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