A primary school student in Nadi has become the youngest known victim involved in the exchange of nude images and videos for money and other benefits. This alarming information was disclosed by Alice Fong, the Ministry of Education’s Divisional Counsellor for the West, during a women’s conference held at the Gurukul Primary School in Lautoka on Saturday.
Fong highlighted the urgent need for parents to be aware of their children’s online activities, emphasizing the significant impact of mobile phone content on young minds. She noted that the challenges parents face today have increased dramatically compared to previous decades, citing social media platform Telegram as a particular concern where minors are trading photos and videos for cash, prepaid credit, and even smartphones.
According to Fong, this troubling behavior has warranted intervention from both the Ministry of Education and local police. She also raised concerns about young girls who are not attending school as intended, instead opting for outings and joyrides.
To combat these issues, Fong urged parents to engage actively with their children and instill good values. She reinforced that it is never too late for parents to take charge of their children’s upbringing and to act as positive role models.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro expressed his deep concern about the situation, reiterating the importance of parental involvement in children’s education and the monitoring of their activities. He noted the evolving challenges faced by educators today, particularly regarding technology and social media influence.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Sakeo Ganivatu also addressed the issue, calling for heightened parental responsibility in monitoring children’s use of mobile devices. He urged parents to avoid giving phones to young children and to dedicate time to engage and educate them, stating that neglecting this responsibility can lead to detrimental behaviors.
The dialogue surrounding the protection and upbringing of children in the digital age is becoming increasingly crucial, with various authorities advocating for a collaborative approach between parents, schools, and the community.