Suva school fights spark police probe, discipline debate

Two prominent schools in Suva are at the centre of renewed bullying concerns after a video of a classroom fight went viral online.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident.

The video, which circulated on social media, shows two students fighting inside a classroom.

A now-deleted Facebook post claimed one of the students had been bullied daily and eventually fought back.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that a report was lodged at Totogo Police Station in Suva by the school’s principal, and initial information gathering is underway.

A second incident has also emerged.

A Year Nine student at another prominent Suva school allegedly threw an aluminium water bottle at a fellow student, causing a head injury that required stitches. Police are aware of this case.

The two separate incidents have reignited calls for the return of corporal punishment in schools.

Fijian Teachers Association general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga said the previous Bainimarama government removed corporal punishment without providing an alternative, leaving teachers vulnerable to legal action when disciplining students.

“It’s going to continue unless the Government does something about it,” Mr Manumanunitoga said.

“The majority, the voice of the people, is saying ‘bring it back’. So, what are the authorities doing?”

Fiji Teachers Union general secretary Muniappa Goundar stopped short of supporting corporal punishment, instead calling for more school counsellors and improved teacher training.

“We need more counsellors in every school to help children understand the importance of being in school rather than resorting to violence,” Mr Goundar said.

Fiji recorded more than 25,000 cases of school violence in 2024, with 90,000 bullying incidents reported in primary schools over the past three years.

The Ministry of Education maintains a zero-tolerance policy on bullying.

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has previously warned that officers could be stationed in schools if bullying persists.

No response from police was received by press time.

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