The Coalition Government has made its borrowing history transparent, revealing that it has borrowed $850 million since assuming power until July 2024. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, presented this information to Parliament, noting that the funds were entirely allocated toward capital expenditures outlined in the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 budgets.
In another development, the Standing Committee on Justice, Law, and Human Rights has received a proposal to ban mobile phone ownership for individuals under 18. This suggestion emerged during consultations regarding Child Care and Protection, Child Justice, and National Disaster Risk Management Bills.
During these consultations in Labasa, committee chairman Ratu Rakuita Vakalalabure highlighted that the proposal was discussed in several communities across the West and North, where there is growing concern about the influence of mobile phones on children. This recommendation has sparked considerable debate among communities and aims to limit children’s access to inappropriate online content.
Advisory councillor representative Deepak Chand emphasized that parents and guardians should back this measure, given the alarming accessibility children have to harmful sites. He pointed out that raising the legal age for certain activities reflects ongoing worries about youth safety, stressing the importance of balancing safety with opportunities for young people.
This discussion comes on the heels of a report revealing that nearly 100 students in Nadi were implicated in offering sexual services on the dark web. Ministry of Education Divisional Counsellor Alice Fong disclosed this information at a women’s conference in Lautoka, indicating that many students were using social media platforms to share explicit content.
As the debate on mobile phone ownership for minors unfolds, it is essential to consider various perspectives. Critics argue that while mobile phones are vital in today’s society and can serve educational purposes, many parents successfully navigated their youth without them. Others advocate for a protective approach to shield children from online threats.
This conversation also addresses the broader implications of internet usage. While mobile devices and the internet provide significant educational advantages, they can also pose risks if misused, particularly with the emergence of artificial intelligence, which complicates the landscape.
Moving forward, it is crucial to devise strategies that prioritize children’s safety while leveraging technological benefits. Input from parents, educators, and policymakers will be vital to create practical and effective solutions.
While the proposal to limit mobile phone ownership is still being evaluated, it has prompted essential discussions surrounding child safety and digital ethics. Engaging in these dialogues and exploring constructive solutions will be vital in safeguarding and empowering youth in an increasingly complex digital world.