Outrage from public over child abuse video
Minister pledges action to end violence against children.
Sunday 05 January 2025 | 13:30
A screenshot of a Facebook viral video, showing a man allegedly aggressively teaching a young child to count.
Photo: Facebook
Police are questioning a man whose abusive teaching methods, aimed at making two children learn to count, have sparked outrage across the nation.
The incident came to light following the viral spread of a Facebook video, showing a man aggressively teaching a young child to count, leaving the child visibly distressed and crying. A second video has since surfaced, allegedly showing the same man repeating the abuse on a toddler.
By 5pm yesterday, the video had amassed 956 reactions, 351 comments, and over 60 shares, with some shockingly condoning the actions. Police confirmed that the man in the video is being questioned in connection with the alleged abuse, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are committed to ensuring justice for the affected child.
Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has condemned the incident and pledged stronger action to protect children from violence. In a statement, she confirmed that her ministry is investigating the matter alongside law enforcement.
“The Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection is aware of a recent video circulating on social media depicting an incident of violence against very young children,” Ms Kiran said.
"Our director for children is looking into the matter with the help of law enforcement agencies.”
The disturbing footage has raised grave concerns about the prevalence of child abuse in Fiji.
Alarmingly, recent statistics reveal that approximately 72 per cent of children in Fiji have experienced some form of violence, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Many of these cases occur in homes, schools, and communities environments that should be nurturing and safe.
Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Sashi Kiran
“Alarmingly, recent statistics reveal that approximately 72 per cent of children in Fiji have experienced some form of violence, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse,” Ms Kiran said.
“Many of these cases occur in homes, schools, and communities environments that should be nurturing and safe.”
Ms Kiran acknowledged that violent parenting methods, often rooted in an overzealous desire to educate, have unfortunately become commonplace.
“Parents, in their zeal for educating children, sometimes resort to extreme methods,” she added.
“However, such trauma can have a lasting detrimental effect on children and their learning.”
The minister stressed the importance of educational initiatives to promote healthy parenting, particularly among younger parents who may lack support from extended families.
“Our ministry is working on campaigns that educate parents about good practices, and what constitutes violence against children, as well as how to prevent it,” the minister said.
"Every child in Fiji has the right to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, free from fear.”
Ms Kiran has called on families, community leaders, educators, and citizens to join in creating a safer environment for Fiji’s children.
Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj
