Fiji is contemplating a significant policy change aimed at protecting children in the digital landscape by proposing to restrict access to social media for individuals under the age of 16. The initial discussions took place during the first meeting of the Taskforce on Social Media Deferment in Suva, which gathered key stakeholders to explore measures for enhancing online safety for children.
The Taskforce, chaired by Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya and Minister for Communications Ioane Naivalurua, includes representatives from various organizations, such as the Online Safety Commission and the Fiji Law Reform Commission. They emphasized that the goal of this initiative is not to impose a blanket ban on social media but rather to delay children’s access until they are more mature.
Drawing on experiences from Australia regarding age restrictions on social media, the Taskforce deliberated on multiple approaches, including potential legislation and study visits to gather insights from international best practices. They also highlighted the importance of public consultations to engage directly with the Fijian community, incorporating feedback from parents, educators, and youth themselves.
Ministers Tabuya and Naivalurua committed to introducing a Bill to Parliament later this year, outlining the plan to establish a minimum age of 16 for social media access. This initiative is backed by the Office of the Prime Minister and is seen as a collective effort to foster a safer online environment for the younger generation. By prioritizing children’s safety online, Fiji aims to navigate the challenges posed by social media usage while ensuring that the voices of its citizens are heard in shaping this important policy.
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