The inaugural meeting of the Taskforce on Social Media Deferment took place in Suva today, signaling the beginning of efforts aimed at postponing children’s access to social media until they reach the age of 16. The Taskforce is chaired by Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya and Minister for Communications Ioane Naivalurua, who emphasized that this initiative is not about banning social media but rather about protecting children during their critical developmental years.
“The focus is on delaying access, not outright prohibition,” the Ministers remarked, as discussions centered on how to shield young people from online risks while allowing families and educators adequate time to prepare children for responsible digital behavior.
The Taskforce comprises essential agencies including the Online Safety Commission, the Fiji Law Reform Commission, the Ministry of Communications, the Fiji Police Force, and the Ministry of Information. During the meeting, members explored various approaches for Fiji, considering legislative options and gaining insights from Australia regarding social media age restrictions. They also discussed the necessity of study visits to investigate international best practices.
A crucial element identified was the need for extensive public consultations to allow parents, young individuals, educators, and community members to voice their opinions directly. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to submit a Bill to Parliament later this year that will establish a minimum age of 16 for social media access, asserting that strong public engagement will be fundamental to this process.
This initiative aligns with the Office of the Prime Minister’s mandate and highlights what the Government views as a collective national responsibility to foster a safer digital landscape for children in Fiji. This proactive approach aims to strike a balance between the benefits of digital engagement and the necessity of safeguarding young minds from potential online dangers. As this initiative progresses, it holds the promise of enhancing child safety in the digital realm while promoting responsible internet usage within communities.
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