FORMER parliamentarian Niko Nawaikula has said Fiji’s Constitution does not explicitly prevent parents from disciplining their children through corporal punishment, unless it amounts to degrading treatment.
Mr Nawaikula made the comments during a Ministry of Policing and Communications consultation on the proposed counter-narcotics law, responding to a community question raised during earlier discussions in Nausori.
“The Constitution recognises children’s rights, but it also talks about parental rights,” he said. “It does not say corporal punishment is prohibited. Restrictions only apply when it becomes serious or humiliating.”
He added that legal boundaries on corporal punishment would likely be determined through court testing.
“If a child reports to the police, the judge will decide whether the act was acceptable or not.”
House of Sarah representative Josevata Waqalala emphasised that drug prevention requires strong family involvement and community engagement.
“Parents play a major role in shaping young people. Discussions like these highlight the need to strengthen family guidance while ensuring children remain protected under the law.” Mr Waqalala also noted the broader social implications, citing links between family guidance, drug prevention, and other public health concerns such as HIV/AIDS.
