60% back corporal punishment in school

Education Feature

60% back corporal punishment in school - FTA

By Iliana Biutu

23/01/2026

60 percent of respondents support retaining corporal punishment in schools, according to the Fijian Teachers Association during its submission to Parliament on the Education Bill.

Following a resolution passed at its 2025 Annual General Meeting, FTA made a submission on Section 73 to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights during the review of the Education Bill.

FTA General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga says the figure emerged during the Education Act review, where respondents supported corporal punishment under strict conditions, including limiting its use to heads of schools only.

Manumanunitoga says the Association raised concerns about increasing behavioural and disciplinary issues in schools, as well as rising teacher stress levels.

He adds that some teachers are receiving treatment from St Giles Hospital, a claim Manumanunitoga says was later supported by figures.

He says the FTA does not support a total ban on corporal punishment, arguing that the use of reasonable force is allowed under the 2013 Constitution.

Manumanunitoga adds that corporal punishment is supported by biblical teachings and forms part of indigenous Fijian culture.

The Association also raised concerns about external influence in shaping national laws and stressed that decisions affecting schools should reflect local values and realities.

Insert: Manumanunitoga on international laws 22nd Jan 26

Manumanunitoga adds the FTA has called for wide national consultations, including villages, settlements and communities, before enforcing any law banning corporal punishment.

The FTA also stated that if corporal punishment is removed from the Constitution, it should be replaced with an alternative legislation that would act as a deterrent against student misconduct.

The Association will make a separate submission today to the Standing Committee and is prepared to provide further details if required.