Women, Children, and Social Protection Minister Lynda Tabuya has raised an urgent concern regarding the increasing instances of child neglect in Fiji. She is calling on parents and the wider community to take greater accountability for their children’s well-being.
Minister Tabuya emphasizes the importance of active involvement in children’s lives, stating that initial responsibility lies within the family unit. She argues that while the government and other organizations provide support, the primary duty rests with parents. Acknowledging the modern reliance on technology, she points out that many parents are spending excessive time on their phones, which diminishes meaningful interactions with their children.
“It would be beneficial for parents to engage more actively with their children,” she remarked. This trend of giving young children mobile devices as gifts and too often leaving them unsupervised can lead to neglect and detachment, contributing to alarming statistics, such as the 5,726 students who dropped out of school before completing Year 10 between 2019 and 2023.
This situation calls for reflection. Minister Tabuya urges parents to find a balance between embracing technology and fulfilling their nurturing roles. She suggests simple actions, like keeping phones off the breakfast table and avoiding taking calls during dinner, to promote family engagement.
In her call to action, she urges a shift in mentality—encouraging families to prioritize quality time with children and reinforce their commitment to their growth and happiness. The message is clear: fostering a loving, attentive home environment is crucial to raising motivated individuals who care about their education and future.
The insights shared by Ms. Tabuya present a hopeful opportunity for families to reconnect and make meaningful changes in their interactions with their children—cultivating an environment where children thrive not just digitally, but emotionally and socially as well. By taking small yet significant steps toward better engagement, parents can profoundly impact their children’s lives and futures.
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