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.