The first meeting of the Taskforce on Social Media Deferment was held in Suva today, marking the start of work on measures aimed at delaying children’s access to social media until the age of 16.
The Taskforce, chaired by the Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya and the Minister for Communications Ioane Naivalurua, stressed that the initiative is not about banning social media, but about protecting children during their formative years.
“This is about delaying access, not prohibition,” the Ministers said, as discussions focused on safeguarding young people from online harm while allowing families, schools and communities time to better prepare children for responsible digital engagement.
The Taskforce brings together key agencies, including the Online Safety Commission, the Fiji Law Reform Commission, the Ministry of Communications, Fiji Police Force and the Ministry of Information.
Members discussed possible approaches for Fiji, including legislative options, learning from Australia’s experience with social media age restrictions, and the potential for study visits to examine international best practice. Broad public consultations were also identified as a key step, to ensure parents, young people, educators and communities can directly share their views.
The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to introducing a Bill to Parliament later this year that would set a minimum age of 16 for social media access. They said strong public consultation would be central to the process.
The initiative is being carried out under the mandate of the Office of the Prime Minister, reflecting what Government described as a shared national responsibility to create a safer digital environment for children in Fiji.
