THE Education Ministry is not considering re-introducing corporal punishment in schools.
Ministry permanent secretary Dr Brij Lal confirmed this to The Fiji Times as efforts were intensified last week to end the violence between secondary students in Suva.
"There is no more corporal punishment as ruled by the court," Dr Lal said.
In a statement, he urged students involved to focus on their studies instead of retaliating.
"Nothing good comes out of quarrels, fights and retaliation.
"Let's come to some form of reconciliation, put aside all differences, forgive one another and treat each other as friends," said Dr Lal.
He said there were better things to focus on like external exams, class projects and tests in order to divert attention from street fights and brawls.
On the same note Dr Lal urged teachers to impart virtues and values to students and teach them integrity, morality and responsibility.
"Teachers, it is your responsibility to impart values and virtues to your students not only in words but also in action.
"You should be modelling responsible behaviour and respect for one another — students take their cues from you." He pleaded with parents to spend quality time with their children and warn them against unruly behaviour.