Fulaga villagers call for return of corporal punishment, cite discipline concerns

Villagers in Muana-i-Cake, Fulaga, in the Lau Group, have called for the reintroduction of corporal punishment, citing what they describe as growing challenges in raising and disciplining children under current laws.

The call was made during the first round of submissions to the Constitution Review Commission, led by chair Sevuloni Valenitabua, which visited the village yesterday.

Villager Samioni Tagilesu told commissioners that parents are struggling to maintain authority in their homes, claiming legal protections for children have weakened traditional disciplinary practices.

“Today, when we try to discipline our children, they tell us we have no right,” Mr Tagilesu said. “They say the law protects them, and as parents we are left powerless in our own homes.”

He said the issue is becoming more visible in the village, where some children are increasingly influenced by peer pressure and are no longer listening to elders.

“We are seeing changes in behaviour,” he said. “Children are answering back, refusing to do chores, and sometimes getting involved in things that are not right. Before, respect was taught and understood.”

Mr Tagilesu referred to Fiji’s 2013 Constitution, which includes a Bill of Rights guaranteeing protections for children. Article 41 states that children must be protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation and all forms of violence, including cruel or degrading punishment.

However, he said the law, while well-intentioned, does not reflect the realities faced by parents in rural communities.

“We are not asking to harm our children,” he said. “Some parents are afraid. They worry that if they discipline their child, it could be reported or misunderstood. That fear is affecting how children are raised.”

Villagers said traditional values of respect, obedience and community responsibility are being eroded.

“In the past, children respected their elders and followed instructions,” Mr Tagilesu added. “Now we are facing a different situation, and we need support from the law to guide our children in the right way.”

The Constitution Review Commission acknowledged the concerns and will continue consultations across the country, gathering views before making recommendations on possible changes to the Constitution.