OPPOSITION leader Ro Teimumu Kepa says the alleged suicide death of 18-year-old Lautoka student Navneeta Devi — while unfortunate — has led to questions on how Fiji was addressing serious issues such as physical and cyber bullying.
Responding to the death of Ms Devi, the Opposition leader said the results of a survey conducted with students four years ago was disturbing.
“The 2010 Fiji Global School-based Student Health Survey covered alcohol abuse, dietary behaviour, mental health, physical activity, sexual behaviour, tobacco use and violence,” Ro Teimumu said.
“It surveyed 1673 students and revealed that 42 per cent experienced bullying in the previous 30 days before the survey. 52.2 per cent reported serious injury in the previous 12 months while 47.3 per cent said they were involved in a physical fight more than once in the previous 12 months.”
She also said in 2012, the Fiji Cyber Security Working Group revealed the extent of cyber bullying suggested that university students were more likely to face cyber-attacks aimed at their sexuality, ethnicity and relationships.
Ro Teimumu said a study conducted by Yale University claimed that between seven and nine per cent of bullied victims were likely to consider suicide as a response to being bullied.
Meanwhile, Empower Pacific — a non-government organisation that specialises in counseling services — said anyone going through difficulties should call them on 5626 to speak to a professional. CEO Patrick Morgam said, last year about 4000 students, teachers and parents attended information sessions on suicide and depression.
