Rising Child Neglect in Fiji: Are Parents Stepping Up?

The Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Lynda Tabuya has raised alarm over the increasing instances of child neglect in Fiji. She is calling upon both parents and the wider community to step up and take more responsibility for the welfare of children.

Ms. Tabuya stressed the importance of active family involvement, stating, “It is back to the family unit, it is back to the responsibilities of parents and guidance, it is not the responsibility of the Government solely to deal with this.” She highlighted that while the government and other organizations can provide support, the primary duty lies with parents and guardians to ensure the well-being and proper care of their families.

Furthermore, she pointed out the negative impact of technology on parent-child relationships, noting that excessive time spent on phones hinders meaningful interactions. “The children would like to see that change, where the parents engage with them more meaningfully,” Ms. Tabuya remarked.

In another urgent matter, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro shared that over 5,700 students dropped out of school before completing Year 10 from 2019 to 2023. In response, Ms. Tabuya underscored the necessity of making education compulsory in Fiji, especially with education now being free. She emphasized that parents must fulfill their responsibility to ensure their children attend school regularly. “Now, they need to have the responsibility to ensure their child goes to school, so we need to introduce compulsory education in this country,” she said.

This situation presents an opportunity for both parents and communities to strengthen their connections with children, creating a supportive environment that prioritizes their education and well-being. By increasing engagement and addressing these challenges collectively, there is hope for a brighter future for Fiji’s youth.

In summary, the calls for greater parental responsibility and compulsory education hint at a necessary shift in how families and communities prioritize child welfare, potentially leading to significant social improvement.