Information Minister Lynda Tabuya insists there ought to be a social media ban on children 16 years and under.
She said that as the minister responsible, the issue was a matter for the Government to discuss because the high level of criticism on social media had deteriorated as users commented on everything, good or bad.
“We also see constant swearing on TikTok by children and by adults,” she said.
“We just need to do better to be mindful and exercise our rights and responsibilities.”
Ms Tabuya cited the case of Australia where laws go into effect on December 10 banning children 16 years and under from social media platforms.
“Malaysia has followed suit. They’re going to be doing it in January, 2026 and I will always push for it and something for the Government to discuss.”
Ms Tabuya believes the issue is one that all Fijians should consider.
“Because of the amount of phones and the amount of people on social media in this country, and the connectivity and just the amount of cyberbullying that is going on, it now seems to be accepted as a norm.
“It really should be something we should take seriously because crimes are committed and defamation is committed online.
“So, let’s just be more responsible. I will still continue to push for it because our children need to be protected.”
Ms Tabuya said she was of the view that the proposal to change the law was “a child protection angle”, because it was the responsibility of parents to ensure their “children aren’t mimicking or doing things online”.
Ms Tabuya reiterated that children need to be protected.
“We need to protect our children, 16 and under.
“They don’t have the ability to discern and they just haven’t reached a level of maturity to be able to discern who’s right and who’s wrong.
“So we need to step in for them.”
