Inspire Pacific Co-founder and Program Director Ben Morrison says corporal punishment should be reintroduced however, there needs to be a level of education and discipline that is not abusive.
While responding to a question during fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan on the calls made by some on the re-introduction of corporal punishment in schools due to several cases of students misbehaving, swearing at teachers, and their involvement in drugs, Morrison says we must have dialogue and conversation, especially with the younger children to understand their issues and consequences and be supportive to make the right choices.
Morrison says there is very little patience and tolerance as parents mostly end up beating children for their mistakes or wrongdoings.
He says punishment is not about beating children for their mistakes but about helping them understand the consequences, which can be done in the right way.
Meanwhile, Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran says we need a society that has patience, dialogue and values, which shows a better direction as children mostly need support from their families and loved ones during the most difficult times when they look for shelter.
Kiran further says there are issues with abuse of time whereby parents are more active on social media and social functions rather than spending time with their children.
She says beyond corporal punishment, we need to create patience and love as a community towards our children and rethink the society and legacy in which we want to live.
You can watch the full Straight Talk interview on our facebook page and YouTube channel fijivillage.
