Vuniwaqa urges parents to break the silence and talk about sex and respectful relationships with children

We should break the silence and talk about sex and respectful relationships so that our children and youths do not have to find out about these by surfing the internet.

Minister for Women and Children, Mereseini Vuniwaqa made this comment at the launch of “I Am Digital” online safety campaign.

Vuniwaqa says it is imperative that parents take charge in monitoring their children’s access to the internet as they can access pornography before their first sexual experience.

She says this may be their only or primary source of information on sexuality and sexual relationships.

She further says children sharing personal information online is a risk for misuse of personal data, cyber-bullying, and exposure to harmful content.

Vuniwaqa says to reduce risks, parents can help their children set the privacy controls on their devices and accounts to ensure their children’s content is not shared with the public.

She adds parents should proactively discuss the types of content and information that is safe or acceptable online.

Vuniwaqa urges parents to take the initiative to check children’s internet surfing history consistently and search online for free solutions to filter what our children can access on the internet.