There is a distinction between anger and discipline - Usamate

With the issue of corporal punishment being discussed widely in many circles, Opposition MP Jone Usamate says that we should be mindful that Fiji has signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and it can have an impact on us.

The Fijian Teachers Association, during their Annual General Meeting, had called for the reintroduction of corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure for students with deteriorating behaviour.

While speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, Usamate says his generation would believe that the removal of corporal punishment is the sole reason as to why students' behaviour has deteriorated.

He says corporal punishment can sometimes emotionally scar us, and its impact can have ramifications on the rest of our lives.

He also says for Christians, the Bible tells us to use the rod, but use it sparingly; however people should understand that there is a distinction between anger and discipline.

The Opposition MP says the Education Ministry should promote good practices of maintaining student discipline, as he understands that there are some families that never hit their children, but the children are well disciplined.

Usamate says he cannot really say if his children were more disciplined than he was because of the different experiences they had.

He adds that the discussion on corporal punishment is also being talked about in religious circles, but we will need the advice of experts in this area.