Efforts to restrict children’s access to social media until the age of 16 are gathering pace, with the Social Media Age Deferment Taskforce holding its second meeting in Suva on Monday.
The taskforce discussed finalising its terms of reference and advancing plans to take proposed legislation to Parliament later this year.
Minister for Information and chairwoman of the taskforce Lynda Tabuya said Fiji was closely monitoring developments in countries that had introduced or were considering similar measures.
She noted that experiences overseas, particularly in Australia, were providing important lessons for Fiji as it develops its own approach.
“Fiji continues to closely monitor developments in countries that have already introduced or are pursuing similar restrictions on social media access for children,” Ms Tabuya said.
Referring to challenges encountered during Australia’s implementation, she said those developments offered valuable insights for local policymakers.
Ms Tabuya stressed that any restrictions introduced in Fiji must be tailored to the country’s unique cultural and social environment.
She also highlighted the need for a collective effort to ensure the success of the proposed legislation.
“The whole-of-society approach would be critical to ensuring the success of the proposed legislation, with government agencies, parents, educators, communities, and industry stakeholders all playing a role in protecting children online.”
Online Safety Commission Commissioner Filipe Batiwale and Fiji Law Reform Commission director Raijeli Tuivaga reaffirmed their commitment to working with Government to deliver a Bill to Parliament later this year that would introduce a minimum social media access age of 16.
The taskforce includes representatives from the Online Safety Commission, Fiji Law Reform Commission, Ministry of Communications, Fiji Police Force and the Ministry of Information.
The initiative is being undertaken under the mandate of the Office of the Prime Minister as part of efforts to create a safer digital environment for children.
