Bula
On November 29, The Fiji Times highlighted three significant stories on its front page. An investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has brought to light a controversial connection involving former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, and Zhao Fugang, owner of Yue Lai Hotel.
In another pressing issue, police are currently examining whether the child of a former Grace Road Church member was lawfully entitled to a Fiji passport, which enabled her to leave the country with her father just hours before an imminent investigation into alleged human rights abuses was set to commence.
Additionally, a World Bank review of Fiji’s health sector indicates a potential rise in total per capita health spending of up to 250 percent by the year 2050. This review, set to be launched in Suva, touches on critical concerns surrounding noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which are expected to cost Fiji nearly $591 million annually in both direct and indirect expenses, including lost productivity.
Amidst these alarming reports, Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya expressed serious concerns regarding screen time and pornography, labeling them as “new drugs” fostering addiction among both children and adults in Fiji. She emphasized the urgent need for strategies to safeguard the younger generation from harmful social media content, referencing a bill in the Australian Parliament aimed at banning social media for individuals aged 16 and under as a starting point.
Tabuya pointed out the growing trend of children being left unsupervised with mobile phones, as parents often use devices to occupy them. This, she believes, leads to significant issues regarding neglect and the overall well-being of children. The ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is working on a gender analysis of the Online Safety Act, which is expected to be unveiled soon.
The implications of children’s device usage on their overall development warrant serious reflection. With over 6,000 students failing their Year 8 exams, there may be a correlation between mobile phone addiction and educational performance. Tabuya’s remarks raise critical questions about whether children are engaging with nature, forming meaningful relationships, and developing necessary life skills.
The challenges lie in addressing these issues and making concerted efforts to foster healthy habits among youth. Efforts to engage children in outdoor activities, sports, and direct communication within families are essential in tackling this modern dilemma.
The article serves as a reminder of the need for a collective commitment to prioritize children’s well-being, urging parents and guardians to reflect on their roles in shaping a healthier future for the next generation.
In summary, this multi-faceted report underscores pressing concerns regarding political and social accountability in Fiji, expressing a hopeful call to action for parents and policymakers to combat the detrimental effects of technology addiction.
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