Fiji’s Minister for Women and Children, Lynda Tabuya, has proposed the possibility of a ban on social media for children under the age of 16. This suggestion comes in light of a continuing rise in cases of child neglect, notably linked to unsupervised children with access to smartphones.
Tabuya highlighted that daily reports indicate more instances of child neglect compared to child abuse, underscoring a concern about the amount of screen time children are exposed to without adequate parental supervision. She pointed out that the situation has prompted Australia to introduce legislation aimed at limiting social media access for minors, which they hope to have implemented by the end of next year.
In her remarks, Tabuya emphasized the importance of parental involvement in overseeing their children’s online behavior. She believes Fiji could indeed benefit from similar regulatory measures to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive screen time on youth well-being. Currently, many children reportedly engage with screens more than they do with homework and studies, which raises concerns about their productivity.
Alongside these measures, the government is also considering restrictions on certain social media platforms and adult content websites. Tabuya’s statements reflect a proactive approach to safeguarding children’s interests in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
This initiative could pave the way for healthier screen habits among children, encouraging increased family engagement and a more balanced lifestyle that prioritizes both education and well-being.
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