The issue of screen time and pornography has emerged as significant concerns in Fiji, being referred to by the Minister for Women, Lynda Tabuya, as “new drugs” that have become addictions affecting both children and adults. Minister Tabuya voiced her concerns about the content on social media platforms that young people are engaging with.
Highlighting an initiative in Australia, where a bill is being considered to ban social media usage for individuals aged 16 and under, Tabuya emphasized that similar measures might be beneficial in Fiji. “It is a start,” she remarked, asserting that both excessive screen time and pornography pose serious challenges in the modern age, comparable to traditional substance abuse.
She noted that the ministry has been receiving a greater number of neglect reports compared to child abuse cases. A growing number of children are reportedly left unsupervised, often with access to phones while parents are similarly distracted by their devices. Tabuya stressed the need to enhance the family unit and home environment, advocating for collective community efforts to strengthen family bonds.
Moreover, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the ministry is set to unveil a gender analysis of the Online Safety Act next month. Tabuya urged the necessity of empowering the cybercrime unit and the Online Safety Commission with more robust laws to ensure the protection of Fijians online. She pointed out that current privacy laws sometimes hinder efforts to prevent cybercrime, calling for revisions to the Telecommunications Act and the Crimes Act to explicitly address and deter offenses such as child pornography.
This initiative reflects a growing awareness of the importance of online safety and child protection, indicating a potential shift in legal frameworks to better serve and safeguard vulnerable populations in Fiji.
With these developments, there is hope for a more secure online environment for children and families in Fiji, as the community rallies to address these pressing social challenges. Enhancing family engagement and promoting responsible digital behavior can make strides toward creating a healthier environment for future generations.
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