FIJI must urgently reform outdated disciplinary practices that harm children and perpetuate a cycle of violence.
That’s the outcome of a national conversation on corporal punishment.
“Engaging in discussions about corporal punishment can be challenging, but they are necessary since they pertain to how we treat the adults of tomorrow—our children,” said Supreme Court Judge of Samoa and former Member of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson
Expanding on the concept of corporal punishment, he said Violent criminals are not born violent; they learn this behaviour from the adults around them.
“Children are like video cameras; they observe and imitate behaviours, whether right or wrong. Every time a child witnesses or experiences violence, they learn that violence can be a solution to problems,’’ he said.
“As adults, we know that violence does not resolve issues. The current state of the world illustrates that violence only begets more violence. We, as adults, must recognise the role we play in teaching children these destructive lessons.’’
Justice Vui said many parents referred to corporal punishment as discipline or smacking when the act was more accurately described as assault.
“An assault is any infliction of pain or force on another human being without their consent. If adults inflict such treatment on one another, it is classified as a criminal offence, yet when it occurs to children, it is often rationalised as acceptable discipline,’’ Vui said.
“This mindset needs to change.
“Research indicates that corporal punishment is ineffective and harmful, yet many still rely on it due to traditional beliefs.”
Reflecting on his experience, Vui said he grew up in a violent household and, unfortunately, mimicked this behaviour when raising his children.
It wasn’t until his young son hit him back in a discipline-related incident that he reflected on his actions, which prompted him to reevaluate his parenting style, realising that adults are perpetuating a cycle of violence that should not be endorsed.
He said educators needed to be supported in managing classrooms effectively, as they currently face numerous challenges without being equipped with alternative disciplinary strategies.
“To address the culture of corporal punishment in Fiji, legal reform is crucial. Current laws permit corporal punishment in schools and households, with vague terms like “reasonable punishment” leading to varied interpretations.
“Changing the law is the first step, but it must also be enforced, which poses a significant challenge.”
While there were differing opinions on corporal punishment, he said there was a collective agreement on the harm caused by domestic violence.
“By framing corporal punishment as a contributor to this societal issue, we can encourage individuals, including educators, to rethink their approaches,’’ Vui said.
“This reframing can facilitate the implementation of legal reforms and public awareness initiatives, making the work to eliminate corporal punishment more attainable.”
Vui said merely discussing the negative aspects of corporal punishment without action would cause the situation to worsen.
“By making legal changes, enhancing public perception, and better preparing teachers for classroom challenges, Fiji can emerge as a leader in this important issue within the Pacific region,” he said.
The National Conversation on Corporal Punishment was organised by the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection – Fiji, with support from UNICEF, and was hosted at the University of the South Pacific.