Viral video of head boy damaging school property sparks outrage

A viral video showing a school head boy allegedly damaging a classroom ceiling fan has prompted Education Minister Aseri Radrodro to call on parents to take greater responsibility for teaching children discipline and respect.

The video, which circulated on social media yesterday, shows a student in uniform climbing onto a desk and twisting the blades of a ceiling fan before switching on the classroom lights and fan.

The incident is believed to have occurred at a school in the Northern Division last Friday, after the student completed his final Year 13 examination paper.

Mr Radrodro condemned the behaviour, saying discipline was not the responsibility of teachers alone but a collective effort involving parents, guardians and the wider community.

“Teach respect first from home. The vanua and parents must teach children respect and good behaviour before sending them to school,” he said.

The Minister said the Ministry of Education became aware of the incident through social media and was awaiting an official report from the school and district education officers to establish the full circumstances.

"Formal investigations are part of the process that we will undertake,” he said.

He reminded parents of their responsibility to ensure their children behaved appropriately at school.

"Parents, you have a duty of care to students to ensure that when they come to school, they do not misbehave in the manner highlighted in the video.

School confirms damage

School principal Kamlesh Prasad confirmed that school property had been badly damaged.

Mr Prasad said a report had been submitted for further action.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that a police team visited the school yesterday.

She said the matter would be dealt with internally by the school management committee.

Parents urged to take responsibility

Fiji Teachers Union general secretary Muniappa Goundar also condemned the student's actions, urging parents to spend more quality time with their children and teach them respect for public property.

“Do parents think that school has to do every role a parent must have done from home?

"Schools are not here to teach you simple things. Parents, please do your job from home as a parent. Teach them civic responsibility, discipline and respect for public property.”

Mr Goundar said parents had an important role in developing children's behaviour before they entered the classroom.

Former student Alan Tuinasoni, who attended the school from 1981 to 1986, expressed disappointment over the incident.

Mr Tuinasoni said students during his school years respected their teachers and maintained discipline.

He called on the school committee to take appropriate action to prevent similar incidents.

"The student needs to be counselled and brought to the attention of their parents," he added.