The Fiji Teachers Union claims there are cases of students being beaten by teachers in schools.
Save the Children’s Fiji revealed to FBC News, that corporal punishment in schools tops list for child abuse cases in Fiji.
FTU General Secretary – Agni Deo Singh claims even though corporal punishment was banned in 2002, there has been no decline.
“We are aware of isolated incidents where there has been some reports made and the authorities have taken appropriate action.”
Singh says alternative measures should be used to discipline students.
“Procedure and methods have been given by the Ministry of Education involving counselling, it also involves involving parents and school heads…so teachers are advised to follow these procedures.”
Those teachers who continue to hit students can even lose their jobs.
“It also is a high risk to the teacher in terms of facing legal actions and possible prosecution and termination from the profession.”
Calls are now being made for the Education Ministry to be more vigilant.
