On the front page of The Fiji Times for Friday, November 29, several significant stories are highlighted. An investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has delved into the contentious association between former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, and Zhao Fugang, owner of Yue Lai Hotel.
In addition, there is an active police investigation to discern if the child of a former Grace Road Church member had the right to a Fiji passport, which allowed her to leave the country shortly before an inquiry into alleged human rights abuses was set to commence.
Furthermore, a World Bank review assessing Fiji’s health sector projects that per capita health spending could increase by up to 250% by 2050. The report, which will officially launch in Suva today, emphasizes rising concerns regarding noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) that are costing Fiji approximately $591 million each year, including both direct healthcare expenses and productivity losses.
In a related discussion, Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya has expressed grave concerns about the detrimental effects of excessive screen time and pornography, labeling them as “new drugs” that are leading to addictions among both children and adults in Fiji. Referring to a recent bill in Australia aimed at banning social media for individuals aged 16 and under, she stressed the urgent need for protective measures like that in Fiji.
Tabuya highlighted that many children are being left unsupervised with phones, which not only keep them preoccupied but also distract parents themselves. The Ministry, in conjunction with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has conducted a gender analysis of the Online Safety Act set to launch next month, with plans to strengthen laws for the protection of Fijians against online harms.
The conversation shifts to the alarming educational outcomes, with over 6000 students failing their Year 8 exams, potentially linked to the distractions from mobile phones and the internet. This raises crucial questions about whether children are getting enough physical activity, engaging in meaningful relationships, and understanding cultural values.
The article calls for an introspective look at parenting and societal values regarding technology use and its impact on the younger generation. It echoes a broader challenge that encompasses physical and digital realms, urging for immediate consideration and action from families and the government alike to mitigate these pressing issues.
In a hopeful note, there is a potential positive change on the horizon if society collectively acknowledges and acts upon these concerns over digital addiction. Open discussions on parenting and technology usage could foster healthier habits in children, steering them toward more balanced lives filled with physical activity, social interactions, and a deeper appreciation for community and tradition. The proactive steps taken today could pave the way for a brighter future for Fiji’s youth.
Leave a comment