Teachers have been reminded that they are forbidden to give detention to students, says Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts, Mahendra Reddy.

Mr Reddy gave the reminder after concerns were raised by some students and parents who claim that some teachers were still doing this.

It was also noted that some students who missed school were put on detention.

The minister said an alternative to detention was counselling, if students misbehaved.

“If teachers happen to find students misbehaving in their classes, they should not give them detention, but take them for counselling with the school’s counsellor or even take them to the school principal for counselling,” Mr Reddy said.

Mr Reddy is urging parents and students to report to the Ministry of Education should they come across similar cases for an investigation to be conducted.

“Concerned students and parents should raise this issue with the Ministry of Education if they face these issues,” Mr Reddy said.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

Feedback:  ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj