The Fiji Police Force is urging parents and guardians to feel more at ease discussing topics often regarded as taboo, as it is crucial for children to receive important information from trusted sources. Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa emphasized the growing concerns about children’s involvement in adult-like behaviors, which has led to increased rates of teen pregnancies and minors being charged with sexual offenses.
ACP Waqa stated that the Fiji Police Force supports the concerns expressed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health regarding social issues impacting young children. He encouraged parents to provide consistent guidance to their children. “We need to become comfortable discussing taboo subjects because if these conversations don’t start at home, children will seek information from other sources,” he said.
He highlighted the vital role of the family structure in addressing significant issues facing Fiji’s youth. “Change begins at home. All stakeholders have consistently stressed the importance of closely monitoring children’s activities to prevent regrettable outcomes,” ACP Waqa added.
He also mentioned that the police often notice an uptick in reports of missing teenagers during school holidays and the Hibiscus festival, which is frequently linked to a lack of communication among family members. “Strict supervision can protect children from associating with the wrong crowd and getting involved in situations that could adversely affect their lives and futures,” he noted.
With a comprehensive strategy being implemented to combat the illicit drug trade, ACP Waqa warned that children are likely to become targets for drug dealers. “Concerns about minors being used to sell drugs should be taken seriously, as dealers often target places that are popular with youth and children,” he explained. He added, “Those involved in drug distribution are willing to go to great lengths to make money, disregarding the innocence of children.”