Serious concerns have been raised about the deplorable behaviour of some children during Diwali celebrations this year, with two videos being widely shared on social media showing children involved in the incidents.
A video shared by a family from Davuilevu shows some children throwing firecrackers when the family was celebrating Diwali at their home.
This has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of families celebrating cultural occasions with their loved ones.
The video shows family members sharing a basin of kava when firecrackers were thrown inside their house.
The family has reported the incident to the Nakasi Police Station. However, they say no action was taken and Police did not respond to their report.
There was also an incident at Cunningham Stage 4, where some children threw firecrackers inside a shop.
Meanwhile, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua is urging iTaukei parents to take greater responsibility for their children's behaviour.
She is deeply embarrassed by reports of what is happening in some iTaukei communities and whether parents are doing enough to instil discipline and respect in their children.
She questions where discipline, respect and parental guidance have gone, and whether parents are spending more time on their phones than looking after their children.
The Assistant Minister is challenging iTaukei parents who proudly speak about their Vanua, religion and culture to reflect on whether they are practising the values they claim to uphold.
She also questions calls for Fiji to become a Christian state, saying parents should first examine their own behaviour and the example they are setting for their children.
Qereqeretabua stresses the importance of parental responsibility in teaching children discipline, respect and values that promote peaceful coexistence in Fiji's multicultural society.
We have sent questions to Police regarding the two incidents, but they have yet to respond.
