Bullying in Schools: Crisis Gets Worse

Something must be done-immediately.

That is the urgent plea from parents whose children have fallen victim to relentless bullying and theft in boarding schools across Tailevu and Nausori.

Their outcry follows the Ministry of Education's confirmation that nine senior students from a prominent Tailevu boarding school were expelled for inflicting corporal punishment on junior students.

The shocking incidents include theft from students' wooden chest boxes, physical assaults under the cover of darkness, and even burning victims' feet with toilet paper as they slept.

Earlier this year, the head boy of another well-known Tailevu boarding school was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm.

Teacher unions are now urging school heads and management to take control of the escalating crisis instead of merely reacting after the damage is done.

Parents speak out

Two parents from a leading Tailevu boarding school voiced their frustration, saying bullying remains deeply entrenched despite repeated warnings from school authorities.

"The culture of bullying is so ingrained that senior students believe they have the right to punish others however they see fit. Expelling a few students doesn’t stop it—others simply take their place,” one parent said.

A mother, who withdrew her son from the school due to persistent bullying, expressed outrage at the normalisation of such behaviour.

“I am disgusted that bullying is seen as a norm. Stealing from younger students and physically punishing them is considered acceptable—it’s shocking,” she said.

Another parent, whose son attended a well-known Nausori boarding school, shared a similar ordeal.

“My son was constantly bullied, robbed, and even had his feet burned by senior students. It’s heartbreaking to see nothing being done to stop it,” the parent said.

School heads refused to comment and referred all queries to the Ministry of Education.

Efforts to reach Minister Aseri Radrodro and Permanent Secretary Meli Nacuva were unsuccessful.

Police weigh in 

Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu is urging parents to take a proactive role in guiding their children.

“Families—mothers, fathers, guardians—talk to your children,” Mr Tudravu said.

“We are the law enforcers, not counsellors. If parents don’t do their part, we will do ours—fair and square.”

Teacher unions demand action 

The Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) has also raised alarm over the rise in bullying, describing the situation in boarding schools as “out of control.”

General Secretary Muniappa Goundar stressed that bullying has escalated across all school levels.

“Bullying happened before, but never to this extent. It is now widespread in all schools,” he said.

He urged the Ministry of Education to strengthen child protection policies and ensure victims receive proper care.

“There are not enough counsellors in schools. This must be addressed urgently,” he added.

The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) echoed these concerns.

General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga warned that bullying must not be tolerated at any level, including tertiary institutions.

“Bullying is happening everywhere and to anyone. Parents must work with teachers to combat this issue before it spirals further out of control,” he said.

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