Of the 28 applications received for school accidents resulting in injuries and $181,500 paid out for those serious injuries since January 2019, seven applications valued at $36,000 were paid for injuries as a result of assault to pupils in schools.
Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji (ACCF) CEO Parvez Akbar said since January 1, 2019, the Commission had received a total of 384 notifications and 168 applications for school accidents resulting in injuries.
He said from the applications received, the Commission identified examples of school assaults, and included:
- pupil losing his teeth after being punched by another pupil;
- pupil punched by his classmate when he confronted him for taking his stationery;
- pupil punched by his classmate after passing a remark in the classroom;
- pupil intentionally tackled by another student;
- pupil punched in the stomach while wanting to wash his hands;
- pupil throwing stones at another pupil causing injuries to the latter;
- pupil poked in the eye during an argument over a toothbrush;
- senior pupil pushing a pupil while he was running in front of rooms;
- student sustaining a fractured arm when pushed down a slope;
- student injured when he was tripped and fell while running for his home line; and
- student injured a knee when a group of pupils pushed him.
Mr Akbar said all forms of bullying, including physical, verbal and cyber bullying must be addressed, irrespective of where the bullying took place – in schools or workplaces.
He said it was important that there be consequences for individuals who bully others.
“The consequences need to be proportionate to the circumstances and can include a combination of disciplinary action and skills development. Schools should develop and implement robust bullying prevention and response policies,” Mr Akbar said.
