Parents and caregivers are being urged to know what their children are doing online and create an environment where they feel safe to report harmful content or unsafe interactions.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Fiji Sevashram Sangha Ganesh Utsav celebration in Suva.
Kiran says while technology gives children opportunities to learn, communicate and explore, parents must also recognise the dangers of harmful content, unsafe online interactions and excessive gaming and internet use.
She is encouraging parents to openly discuss the benefits and risks of the internet, set appropriate screen-time limits, keep devices in common areas where possible, use parental controls and understand the apps and games their children are using.
Kiran says children must also feel comfortable approaching their parents or caregivers when something goes wrong online.
She says parents should respond calmly and supportively when children disclose online harm, rather than reacting with anger, blame or punishment, as this could discourage them from seeking help in the future.
Kiran also thanked the Fiji Sevashram Sangha for using its annual Ganesh Utsav celebration to create discussion around child safety.
She says the values associated with Lord Ganesh, including wisdom, good judgement, wellbeing, removing obstacles and unity, are relevant to the collective responsibility of protecting children.
Kiran says faith organisations also have an important role in bringing families together and encouraging conversations that strengthen community wellbeing.
She is calling on families and communities to work together to ensure children in Fiji are safe and protected both online and offline.
This year’s Ganesh Utsav Paricharcha focused on the theme “Online Safety for Our Children”.
The event brought together faith and community leaders, parents and young people, as well as representatives from the Fiji Police Force Cybercrime Unit and the Online Safety Commission to raise awareness about risks children face online.
