A troubling trend has emerged involving a young primary school student in Nadi who has been discovered trading nude images and videos for money and other incentives. This alarming situation was brought to light by Alice Fong, Divisional Counsellor West from the Ministry of Education, during a women’s conference hosted by the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji at Gurukul Primary School in Lautoka.
During her address, Fong highlighted the pressing need for parents to actively monitor their children’s interactions with mobile devices and social media. She pointed out that the challenges parents face today have increased dramatically compared to previous decades.
Fong revealed issues she has encountered while visiting schools in the Western Division, noting the prevalence of a social media app called Telegram, where young individuals exchange explicit content for monetary rewards, gift cards, or even new phones. She identified the youngest victim she had encountered as a primary school student who was engaging in these activities.
Additionally, Fong expressed concerns about young girls not arriving at school but instead opting for joyrides, often traveling from Nadi to Lautoka. She urged parents to be vigilant and engage in conversations about the potential dangers associated with such behaviors.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro echoed these concerns, emphasizing the critical role parents play in guiding their children. He lamented the worrying trend of students exchanging explicit material for goods, stating the importance of collaboration between parents and educational authorities to ensure children’s safety and well-being.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Sakeo Ganivatu also addressed the issue, encouraging parents to be proactive in monitoring their children’s mobile phone usage. He criticized a societal tendency where adults often engage in their own activities while neglecting to supervise their children, potentially leading to harmful outcomes. Ganivatu underlined the significance of parental involvement in shaping their children’s behavior and development.