IN 2023, more than 741,000 Fijians aged 15 and above used the internet and 826,000 Fijians owned cell phones, according to the International Telecommunication Union.
Policing and Communications Minister Ioane Nailavurua revealed the figures in Parliament, adding that the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, in recent years, recorded 1800 to 8200 cyber theft cases.
He made the comments in his ministerial statement on community policing and national consciousness.
“We know that internet providers provide our young people with valuable opportunities for educational, cultural and entertainment activities, social connection, self-expression and access to essential information and services,” he said.
“We also see the increasing use of technology and the internet by our children and young people, which at times is without control or guidance, has unfortunately allowed for offenders to use it and exploit our children and to share and disseminate child sexual exploitation.
“Child safety is everyone’s responsibility. This is … a matter of priority.
“The National Task Force is addressing online child sexual exploitation and abuse. It is important that when we talk about this subject, we must use the correct language.”
Globally, Mr Naivalurua said the phrase child pornography was no longer being used, as it shifted the focus from the child.
“We are talking about child abuse and child exploitation. We are talking about violation of a child’s innocence.
“We are talking about the violation of a child’s dignity and rights. Therefore, I would emphasise that when we talk about this subject, we use the correct language.”
