Fiji Faces Rising Teen Pregnancy: Digital Age Pressures Spur Calls for School Sex Education

In the first half of this year, Fiji saw eight children under the age of 15 becoming mothers, with a further 481 girls between 15 and 19 also giving birth during the same period. Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, shared these statistics, emphasizing the social issues pushing young girls into early sexual activity. Ravunawa cited social media, easy access to pornography, a decline in family time, and peer pressure as key contributing factors.

Reflecting on his own childhood, Ravunawa lamented the drastic changes in society influenced by globalization and the digital age, which he believes have led to the erosion of traditional values. He expressed concern that technology is distancing families, as parents are often unaware of their children’s online activities and who they engage with virtually.

In response, Ravunawa called upon parents and community leaders to actively guide the youth and restore family values that once closely knit communities. This sentiment echoes a broader call for comprehensive sexual education and awareness programmes. Previous reports have highlighted the critical need for effective sexual health education, with statistical evidence showing approximately 1,000 teenage pregnancies annually between 2016 and 2019, prompting a push for curriculum revisions to better address current challenges faced by youth.

Additionally, related concerns have been raised about increasing teenage pregnancy rates and health risks faced by young mothers. Advocacy groups continue to emphasise the urgent need for access to sexual health education in schools. This collective effort aims to equip the younger generation with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions regarding their sexual health, thus reducing the prevalence of teenage pregnancies and fostering more responsible behaviors.

By addressing these issues, Fiji aspires to nurture a healthier future for its youth, promoting positive community development and social change regarding sexual health and reproductive rights.