Teachers in Fiji Call for Urgent Protection Policy Amid Rising Student Aggression

The Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) is advocating for the implementation of a teacher protection policy from the Education Ministry due to a worrying rise in aggressive behavior from students towards educators. FTU president Muniappa Goundar highlighted that while only four incidents of student aggression were reported over the past three years, two of these occurred within the first three months of 2025.

Recent alarming incidents include an assault on a teacher in Nausori, who was attacked in the school car park by a student, and a kindergarten teacher who was slapped by a primary school student while aboard a bus. These events prompted Mr. Goundar to urge for immediate action to establish stricter policies addressing students’ violent behaviors. He expressed that such aggression is detrimental to educators who are tasked with nurturing students’ growth.

Goundar called for clear consequences against such violent actions, emphasizing the importance of conflict resolution mechanisms and behavior management training for both students and teachers. His advocacy for a teacher protection policy has been ongoing since 2023, and discussions with the Education Ministry and relevant stakeholders have lasted over two years. He stressed the necessity of prioritizing teachers’ safety and underscored the urgency for policy implementation, especially in light of increasing incidents of aggression.

Additionally, this initiative aligns with concerns raised by parents regarding student safety in schools, as demonstrated in parallel discussions about bullying and aggressive behaviors in educational environments. Similar calls for action have been made as community members aim to foster a more secure and nurturing atmosphere within schools.

The growing awareness around these issues brings hope that collaborative efforts from educational authorities, local governments, and community leaders can lead to significant improvements not only in teacher safety but also in the overall learning environment for students, encouraging a culture of respect and understanding.