No Right to Hit Another: Rabuka

A leadership position does not give any child the right to hit another.

That is the strong message from Prime Minister and former Queen Victoria School (QVS) scholar, Sitiveni Rabuka, following reports of bullying in Fiji's boarding schools.

Last week, nine QVS students were sent home after physically assaulting year 9 and year 10 students, reigniting concerns of bullying in the school.

Distressed parents of the victims have spoken out, calling for an end to such violence.

Speaking as a former QVS student, Mr Rabuka said bullying was not tolerated in his time.

"In our days, we kept it at a student level," he said.

"If a senior bullied a junior, that senior would have to answer to his own peers. Now, it seems even that control is lost."

He urged parents to take a more active role in shaping their children's values.

"We need to teach them that discipline does not mean violence," he said.

"My great-granddaughter is a class prefect, and she tells me she struggles with students not listening. I keep reminding her that no matter what, she cannot hit anyone."

Mr Rabuka stressed that teachers must be more vigilant, and parents must instil in their children the understanding that no one has the right to hit another.

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