15-year-old Hosanna Waqairapoa is concerned that the provision on moderate chastisement in the Constitution Amendment Bill could allow teachers, fellow students and family members to punish children.
Speaking during the consultations in Nakasi, Waqairapoa says the proposed clause states that she could be subjected to moderate and lawful chastisement.
She questioned what the words "moderate" and "lawful" mean.
Waqairapoa says the provision could be used to justify the abuse of children by parents, teachers, fellow students and others who exploit them.
She says there have been numerous reports of children being subjected to physical and sexual abuse.
Waqairapoa who is a Saint Joseph's Secondary School student further says that many cases of child abuse have been reported in the past year alone, and she fears that including a provision for moderate and lawful chastisement in the Constitution could create further opportunities for children to be abused.
The 15-year-old highlighted the importance of Christian principles, saying they should encourage people to respect, care for and love one another, particularly children.
However, she stressed that Christianity should not be forced upon anyone, as religious belief must be a matter of personal choice.
She says forcing someone to become a Christian through the law would be meaningless and contrary to Christian teachings.
