The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection yesterday convened the National Conversation on Corporal Punishment, bringing together key representatives from the education, justice, psychology, and faith sectors to discuss effective, evidence-based approaches to child discipline in Fiji.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran highlighted the growing challenges faced by teachers across the country, particularly in classrooms where students come from diverse backgrounds and bring differing values and behavioural norms.
“Every year, we hear of the challenges faced by our teachers as they work with students from varied backgrounds,” Minister Kiran said.
“This National Conversation provides a platform to explore the options available to our educators — to consider what support systems are needed to help them manage our children better, and to collectively reflect on an important question: Is corporal punishment the answer?”
Ms Kiran reassured educators that the Ministry recognises their commitment and is working to strengthen child protection systems to better support both teachers and families.
“To all our teachers — we hear you. You care for and nurture our nation’s children every day, and we are here to support you,” she said.
“The Ministry encourages you to refer children who need behavioural management support, and their families, to our Child Protection Officers, who can provide comprehensive, wrap-around support services.”
