PARENTS are urged to provide their children with mobile phones strictly for communication purposes during what Police Minister Ioane Naivalurua described as a “high-risk period”.
Mr Naivalurua said maintaining regular contact with children was critical, particularly when they spent long hours away from home attending school events or socialising with friends.
“Communication is very important, not only between parents, mum and dad, but more so between mum and dad and the children,” he said.
“These are gadgets we call now mobile telephones. Some of us do not agree that we should give our kids a telephone, but I’m one of those that advocates that our kids should have telephones, that they’re using the telephone for a good reason, and it’s about communication.”
He stressed that parents did not need to buy expensive devices, noting that a basic phone was sufficient to stay connected and monitor children’s whereabouts.
“A cheap one that enables you to keep your communication alive.
“You’re able to know where your kids are.”
Mr Naivalurua said many problems arose because parents were often unaware of where their children were or who they were with, especially during public events and after-school hours.
He encouraged parents to set clear ground rules, such as regular check-ins, to ensure accountability and safety.
“Basically it’s about knowing where your kids are.”
Mr Naivalurua urged parents who had spare phones at home, or who could afford to purchase one, to do so, emphasising that communication, when used properly, was a critical tool in safeguarding children during the busy school sports season.
