A primary school student from a well-known school in Nadi has become the youngest identified victim in a disturbing trend of trading nude images and videos for money and other favors. This alarming revelation was shared by Alice Fong, the Divisional Counsellor for the Ministry of Education in the West, during a women’s conference hosted by the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji at Gurukul Primary School in Lautoka.
Fong raised significant concerns about the influence of mobile phones and social media on children, urging parents to actively monitor their children’s online activities. She pointed out that the challenges faced by parents have increased compared to previous decades, emphasizing the need for awareness and vigilance.
According to Fong, a social media app called Telegram has become a platform where young girls and boys share explicit content in return for various rewards, ranging from cash to new phones. She highlighted that intervention was needed in the case of the primary school student from Nadi who was involved in this troubling trade.
The counsellor further noted that some young girls have been missing school, opting instead for joy rides and traveling between cities without parental knowledge. She called on parents to engage in conversations with their children about the potential dangers of such behavior and to model good behavior themselves.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro expressed deep concern regarding students exchanging explicit images for money. He reiterated that educating children is a collective responsibility that extends beyond the Ministry of Education to parents, communities, and religious leaders.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sakeo Ganivatu, also addressed the issue, advising parents to reconsider giving mobile phones to their children and to be more engaged in their lives. He pointed out that neglecting to spend time with children could lead to problematic behaviors.
Ganivatu emphasized the importance of early engagement and the role parents play in their children’s development, stressing that quality time spent together is crucial for their success. He urged parents to take responsibility for their children’s well-being and behavior, as the roots of many issues often begin at home.