THE Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) is urging the Education Ministry to implement a teacher protection policy in the wake of the increase in reported cases of student aggression towards educators.
FTU president Muniappa Goundar said the union recorded four such incidents in the past three years. However, within the first three months of this year, two cases had already been reported.
In a recent incident, a teacher from a prominent school in Nausori was allegedly assaulted by a student in the school car park. Another case involved a kindergarten teacher who was slapped by a primary school student while travelling on a bus.
“We do not condone such acts of students assaulting teachers,” Mr Goundar said. “This is becoming common now, and it needs to stop.”
He emphasised the need for stricter policies to address student aggression, calling for clear consequences for violent behaviour.
Mr Goundar also urged the ministry to introduce conflict resolution mechanisms and behaviour management training for both students and teachers.
“Students, they are the ones being educated or imparted knowledge by these teachers.
“And if they put their hands on these teachers, our society then is becoming so sick.
“I would suggest the ministry implement more strict policies against student aggression.”
Mr Goundar said since 2023, the union had been advocating for the introduction of a teacher protection policy.
He said the issue was raised as a resolution during the FTU’s annual general meeting in Labasa, while discussions with the ministry and other stakeholders had been ongoing for two years.
“It is high time the ministry implements this.
“These incidents are increasing, and our teachers need their safety to be prioritised.”
Mr Goundar also called for the involvement of other stakeholders, including the Human Rights Commission and relevant NGOs, to draft and eventually formalise the policy.
Meanwhile, Davuilevu Methodist High School, where one of the incidents reportedly occurred, confirmed the matter but declined to comment because it is currently under police investigation.
