Local kids influence major safety campaign

The ‘I Am Digital’ social media online safety education campaign by Save the Children and Facebook, received immense contributions from the Focus Group children in Fiji and Papua New Guinea (PNG). Developed by the youths and for the youths, the campaign was designed to help educate and empower Pacific Island teenagers and young people to have safer and more positive online experiences. Through regular focus groups, the children shared that they enjoyed going online to connect with family, friends and meeting new people.

However, these young people are concerned about online bullying, discrimination, predators or having their information/photographs shared without their knowledge or consent.

The focus groups heightened the fact that very few have been educated on how to have positive and safe online experiences; and that they truly value hearing positive stories and tips that inspire respectful and safe online behaviour.

An additional theme that developed from the sessions was how uncomfortable adults were in having these discussions, and this in turn, made youths even more hesitant to bring up their issues and concerns to their parents and to other trusted adult relationships.

The campaign was officially launched on February 4th at the Grand Pacific Hotel with distinguished guests tuned in regionally via Zoom from Samoa, Tonga, PNG and Australia and the youths were once again integral participants.

The ‘I Am Digital’ online safety campaign will run throughout February until early March in Fiji, PNG, Samoa and Tonga, and feature educational materials in English and other Pacific languages.

Save the Children Fiji