No digital substitute for parent-to-child interaction: Dr Koroivueta
Urged to foster an environment of trust and acceptance with their children
The Ministry of Women and the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) are calling on parents to take extra care after the surfacing of a sex video allegedly involving students. They urged parents to foster an environment of trust and acceptance with their children.
“There is no digital substitute for parent-to-child interaction and a heart-to-heart dialogue,” said Permanent Secretary for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Dr Josefa Koroivueta.
“The space for this must be closely guarded, for in it the teachings of wisdom are imparted to children, which should also include educating them about sex and changes that will happen to their bodies and emotions.
“It is better than them finding it out from their peers and social media.”
Widespread public outrage greeted the emergence of the video after it was uploaded on a Facebook chat forum.
Activist and FWCC co-ordinator Shamima Ali agreed with the Dr Koroivueta, saying peer pressure could have been a factor behind the students’ behavior.
“We as a society, need to work harder and more effectively,” she said.
“The reason they could have done this could be for adventure, a dare, alcohol or drugs, keeping up with the gang and or peer pressure.
“This group is also very vulnerable and impressionable. “Research needs to be directed towards cyber space and its impact on children and young adults.” Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said a defilement charge could be filed should investigations find the girl to be underage.
Dr Koroivueta said the emergence of the video might be linked to bigger and previously unexplored problems such as ‘trafficking and child exploitation’.
“This may be just the tip of something bigger than what we have right now.
“Social ills of this nature are a serious concern that requires concerted efforts with all relevant stakeholders.
“They are real risks if we don’t address them in all our communities.”