Fiji is contemplating a potential ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, as suggested by the Minister for Women and Children, Lynda Tabuya. She highlights the concerning trend of child neglect, with numerous cases reported daily, indicating that many children are left unsupervised with their smartphones.
Minister Tabuya pointed to a recent initiative by the Australian government, which has proposed legislation to limit social media access for minors. She believes that Fiji could adopt similar measures to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive screen time on children’s health and productivity.
“The Australian government has just introduced a law in parliament, aiming to have it enforced by the end of next year,” she noted. Minister Tabuya stresses the importance of parental involvement in monitoring their children’s online activities before establishing widespread social media regulations at the national level.
She asserts that high screen time is detrimental, often surpassing the time children dedicate to studying and completing homework. The government is also considering banning specific platforms like Telegram and adult content websites to safeguard the youth.
Tabuya stated, “Children are becoming unproductive due to the excessive amount of screen time they are exposed to.” She emphasized that many reported cases involving children stem from neglect rather than abuse, which raises alarms about the supervisory roles parents play regarding their children’s digital engagement.
This initiative represents a proactive approach by Fiji to protect its children from potential dangers of excessive screen time while encouraging parents to take an active role in their children’s online experiences. By considering such measures, Fiji could pave the way for healthier digital habits among the youth.
In summary, as concerns grow over child neglect linked to unsupervised smartphone use, the potential for a social media ban for children under 16 may help foster a safer and more productive environment for the youth in Fiji.
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