The Fiji Police Force is urging parents and guardians to engage in open discussions about sensitive topics, as children need to receive critical information from trusted sources.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa made this appeal, expressing growing concerns about the involvement of youth in adult-like behaviors, which have led to increased rates of teenage pregnancies and juvenile charges related to sexual offenses.
ACP Waqa stated that the Fiji Police Force shares the worries highlighted by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health regarding these social issues. He stressed the importance of parents consistently counseling their children on these matters.
“We must become comfortable discussing topics that are often viewed as taboo; if this guidance does not come from parents or guardians, children will seek information from other sources,” he noted.
He underscored the crucial role of family in addressing the significant issues facing Fiji’s youth. “Everything begins at home. All stakeholders have emphasized the necessity of closely monitoring children and their activities to prevent regrettable circumstances,” he added.
ACP Waqa pointed out that police typically experience an increase in reports of missing teenagers during school holidays and the Hibiscus festival, often linked to inadequate communication between parents and their children.
“Careful supervision is essential to protect children from associating with the wrong crowd and becoming involved in situations that could adversely affect their lives and futures,” he explained.
As efforts to combat the illicit drug trade gain traction, ACP Waqa warned that children may become prime targets for drug dealers.
“Concerns about the exploitation of children for drug distribution should not be underestimated, as dealers often seek out popular locations that attract young people,” he cautioned.
He added, “Those engaged in drug distribution will go to great lengths to make money, often at the expense of innocent children.”