The Fiji Police Force is urging parents and guardians to engage in conversations about topics that are often considered sensitive, as it is crucial for children to receive important information from trusted sources. Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Mesake Waqa highlighted the rising concerns regarding children’s involvement in adult-like behaviors, which have led to issues such as teenage pregnancies and juveniles facing sexual offense charges.
ACP Waqa stated that the Fiji Police Force shares the worries expressed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health concerning the social issues affecting young children. He emphasized the need for parents to consistently guide and counsel their children.
He remarked, “We must become comfortable discussing taboo issues; if children do not hear it from their parents or guardians, they will seek information from other sources.” ACP Waqa stressed the vital role of family in addressing significant challenges facing the youth in Fiji.
“Everything begins at home. All stakeholders have consistently underscored the importance of closely monitoring children and their activities to prevent regrettable situations,” he added.
He pointed out that there is often an increase in reports of missing teens during school holidays and events like the Hibiscus festival, attributing this trend to a lack of communication. “Proper supervision is essential to protect children from being influenced by the wrong crowd and to prevent them from getting into situations that could negatively affect their lives and futures,” he explained.
As efforts to combat the illegal drug trade gain traction, ACP Waqa noted that children are likely to become targets for drug dealers. “It is critical to take seriously the concerns about children being exploited for drug trafficking, as dealers will target popular areas frequented by juveniles and young people.”
He warned that those involved in drug distribution and sales will go to great lengths for profit, showing no hesitation in exploiting innocent children.