Unsafe online trends linked to TikTok live battles in Fiji are drawing sharp warnings from officials and experts, who say explicit language, provocative dares, and risky stunts pose real dangers to young viewers and could tarnish the country’s digital reputation on the world stage.
Content creators are at the center of the debate. Shania Singh emphasizes that creators carry a heavy responsibility because they are shaping attitudes for a global audience. She notes there is a fine line between seeking attention online and begging in public, and she urges creators to consider the impact of their actions. “You know it’s a fine line between begging on the street and begging on the internet for money, things like that, um, how you behave. You need to understand there are a lot of young people watching you whether you like it or you don’t,” Singh said.
Musician and fellow content creator Vly Navoka echoed the sentiment, underscoring that while social media is a right, it comes with a duty. He warned that Fiji faces international scrutiny if content sets negative examples for impressionable audiences. “I think the important thing for people to know when you’re on social media is, yes, you have the right to say and do whatever you want, but the main thing is you also have the responsibility to be careful of people that are watching you. Because it’s not only Fiji; the whole world is watching our country,” Navoka said.
Public safety bodies and the online safety establishment are pressing for clearer accountability and safer digital spaces. Online Commissioner Filipe Batiwale reminded the public that his agency does not police the online space, but works to promote online safety through awareness and education. Complaints about breaches—ranging from the non-consensual sharing of intimate images to other harmful behaviors—are referred to the Fiji Police for investigation when necessary. “We are not the police. We do not police the online space. Our role is very clear. We promote online safety through awareness and education, and we also receive complaints when the communication principles are breached, and we work with the Fiji police force in investigating breaches or any allegations of criminal activity that allude to cyber-porn or intimate photos being shared without consent,” Batiwale explained.
To strengthen digital literacy, the Online Safety Commission is rolling out Swipe Safe, a mobile app funded by UNICEF and supported by the Education Ministry. The program is designed to equip young Fijians with tools to engage online safely, responsibly, and respectfully. Batiwale warned that without such education, the online environment could become increasingly toxic and normalize harmful behaviors for younger audiences.
A common thread across these discussions is the gap in formal training for Fiji’s growing number of content creators. Singh, Navoka, and other voices advocate for workshops and mentorship programs that guide emerging creators toward ethical practices and sustainable careers. The overarching aim is to prevent risky stunts and harmful trends while fostering a healthier, more constructive digital ecosystem.
Experts point to a broader push needed to protect youth and Fiji’s digital standing. Calls for wider public awareness and stronger partnerships between government, educators, and content creators are intensifying. The Online Safety Act of 2018 remains a key reference point, with ongoing discussions about legislative reform to bolster enforcement and platform accountability, including the prospect of cross-border cooperation with regional partners to curb online harms that migrate across platforms and borders.
Context from recent Fiji safety initiatives shows a multi-pronged approach. The Online Safety Commission has highlighted the need for responsible reporting and careful handling of platforms’ tools, stressing that reporting the right way can trigger investigations without amplifying harmful content. The Fiji Police are increasingly involved in investigations into online harm, including hate speech, incitement, and intimate-image abuse, and there is ongoing collaboration with the Commission to create safer digital spaces.
What you can do now
– Do not engage with or reshare harmful posts.
– Block or leave pages and groups that promote hate or harassment.
– Use official reporting tools on platforms and file complaints with the Online Safety Commission when appropriate.
– Verify information before sharing and avoid amplifying content that could harm others.
– If you are under 18, involve a parent or guardian when lodging formal complaints.
– Seek support from helplines or victim services if you are targeted by online abuse.
Editor’s notes for editors and value-added context
– Consider including direct quotes from officials to emphasize urgency and nuance.
– Add practical tips for readers on verifying information, reporting abuse, and supporting affected individuals.
– If possible, highlight recent prosecutions or successful deterrents to illustrate tangible outcomes.
– Weave in regional comparisons to show how cross-border cooperation is shaping policy and enforcement.
– Feature a follow-up with a positive-but-realistic profile of young creators who have built safe, sustainable online careers through mentorship and structured training.
A hopeful path forward
Despite ongoing challenges, authorities stress that a collaborative approach—combining education, stronger laws, and responsible platform practices—can preserve the benefits of social media while reducing harm. With Swipe Safe expanding digital literacy and continued partnerships among government, educators, and creators, Fiji aims to cultivate a safer online culture that protects youth, respects privacy and dignity, and upholds the country’s positive digital reputation.
Summary for readers
Fiji is intensifying its focus on online safety as creators, policymakers, and safety bodies push for education, accountability, and responsible digital citizenship. Through programs like Swipe Safe and ongoing legislative reforms, the aim is to empower young Fijians to navigate online spaces safely while supporting creators to pursue ethical, sustainable online careers. The overarching message is that responsible online behavior benefits everyone and helps maintain a constructive digital environment for Fiji’s youth and communities.
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