Proposed law: $2000 fine or jail time for parents who don’t send kids to school

Parents in Fiji could face up to one year in jail or a $2000 fine if they fail to send their chil­dren to school, under a proposed law now before Parliament.

The proposal, contained in the Ed­ucation Bill, has drawn strong con­cern from education experts and teachers who say the penalties are too harsh for struggling families.

The Education Commission told the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights that the punishment should be used only as a last resort.

Commission chair Professor Vijay Naidu said parents should first be warned and given a chance to ex­plain why a child has missed school.

"The penalty is too harsh," he said.

He said the Bill already included a process where the permanent sec­retary investigates absences, directs parents to enrol children, and seeks a compulsory education order from the courts.

Fijian Teachers Association general secretary Paula Manumanuitoga also raised concern over the proposed $2000 fine, saying it would add pressure on families already struggling with the cost of living.

“We recommend $1000 instead. Many parents are already struggling,” he said.

The debate comes as the Government continues its back-to-school assistance programme, which gives $200 per child to families with a combined household income of less than $50,000 to help with school costs. Despite this, the Ministry of Education has observed some parents still failing to send their children to school.

Under the current Education Act, compulsory schooling runs until age 15. This aligns with the Employment Relations Act, which sets the legal working age at 16.

The commission also raised concerns about gaps in the system, including the lack of clear support for teen mothers, working youth, and children outside formal schooling.

While the Bill aims to improve school attendance, stakeholders say it must balance enforcement with fairness for families under financial pressure. .