Violence cases hits Fiji’s primary schools

Violence is emerging as a bigger problem in Fiji’s primary schools than in secondary schools, while drug-related offences are more prevalent among secondary students, the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council (NSAAC) says.

NSAAC acting chief executive officer Josua Naisele said the trends highlighted the need for stronger intervention, leadership and support to address behavioural and substance abuse issues among students.

Mr Naisele revealed the figures at the Fiji Head Teachers Association 43rd Annual Conference at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort in Denarau, Nadi, yesterday.

“The violence trend is a big issue now because when we compare the violence in primary and secondary schools, there is more violence in primary than in secondary,” he said.

“While there are more drugs in secondary than in primary schools.”

Mr Naisele said violence accounted for about 16 per cent of offences committed by students in schools, compared with drug-related cases at about 1.3 per cent overall.

“When we come to violence, it's about 16 per cent of the total offences that have been committed in school by students.”

He said common forms of violence included bullying, swearing, slapping and punching.

Social media-related offences were also increasing, with cases rising from 249 in 2023 to 316 in 2025.

“The common types of social media issues are cyberbullying, pornography, fake accounts, and grooming,” he said.

Drug-free schools

Mr Naisele urged head teachers to take a stronger leadership role in preventing substance abuse and protecting students.

“We are trying to go through a policy now, which is called the drug-free champion policy, where we would like the head of schools to be champions and advocate schools to be drug-free.”

He said schools needed clear procedures for dealing with cases involving drugs, alcohol, vaping, violence and child protection.

Mr Naisele also stressed the importance of protecting the mental health of teachers and students as schools confront growing challenges.

“The most important thing is good mental health. Make sure you, your teachers and also the students have good mental health.”

He said schools should not be expected to tackle these issues alone and called for greater collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations and communities.

“So you are not on your own. There are people around that can support you.”