Miss Fiji Ailava Samuels has urged Fijians to embrace kindness and propagate love, emphasizing that online abuse is an escalating issue within communities. Speaking at the World Safer Internet Day event in Nadi, Ms. Samuels highlighted concerning statistics from the Fiji Online Safety Commission, which reveal that more than 544,000 Fijians have engaged in social media platforms as of October 2025.
“This illustrates that our citizens are rapidly adapting to the digital landscape, and it is imperative that we respond swiftly to establish safe online environments,” she stated. Ms. Samuels emphasized that a striking 61 percent of individuals who experience online abuse are women, with Facebook being the source of 57 percent of reported incidents.
“These figures represent real people behind the screens—individuals with emotions, aspirations, and vulnerabilities,” she remarked. She cautioned that the ramifications of online bullying and scams could adversely affect the mental health, financial security, and future opportunities of the youth.
As influential leaders and role models, she called upon everyone to advocate for responsible online behavior, encouraging young individuals to pause and reflect before engaging online and to stand against hate in digital spaces. Ms. Samuels appealed to Fijians to support those who have been affected by digital harm and to cultivate communities characterized by compassion and respect.
Her message serves as a vital reminder of the importance of kindness in the rapidly evolving digital world. In a time when online interactions are increasingly common, fostering a culture of empathy and understanding can create safer, more supportive environments for everyone.
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