A primary school student in Nadi has been identified as the youngest victim in a disturbing trend of trading nude images and videos for cash and other incentives. 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 on Saturday.
Fong emphasized the necessity for parents to fulfill their responsibilities as children become increasingly influenced by content available on their mobile devices. She stressed the importance of vigilant monitoring of children’s social media interactions, noting that the challenges parents face have significantly increased over the past two decades.
During her visits to schools in the Western Division, Fong observed that some children are exploiting social media platforms like Telegram, where young girls and boys post pictures and short videos in exchange for money, phone recharge cards, and sometimes even new phones. She highlighted that the youngest case she encountered involved a primary school student from Nadi needing intervention from the ministry and police due to her actions.
Additionally, Fong raised concerns about young girls skipping school for “joy rides” instead. She reported that some primary school students, specifically in Year 6 and Year 7, have been traveling by bus from Nadi to Lautoka instead of attending classes.
Fong urged parents to actively engage with their children about the dangers of such behaviors, stressing that it’s never too late to guide them positively. She encouraged parents to model appropriate behavior and instill good values in their children.
In response to these concerning issues, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro acknowledged the gravity of the situation. He expressed worry over students using explicit images for financial benefits and reiterated the shared responsibility of parents, communities, and educational institutions in safeguarding children’s well-being. Radrodro called for increased parental vigilance to ensure children attend school with the right mindset.
Additionally, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sakeo Ganivatu urged parents to take their responsibilities seriously, advising against giving mobile devices to young children. He highlighted the need for meaningful engagement with youth, warning that neglect can lead to detrimental habits. Ganivatu stressed the importance of dedicating quality time to children to guide them positively and help them succeed.