Don’t Let Technology Control Your Lives, Says SSP Waqa
‘Personally, I am one that strongly refutes the notion that smartphones and gadgets are to blame for a young population whose lives are being dictated by technology’
The Northern Divisional Police Commander (DPC) Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Eparama Waqa, told students that gadgets and technology should not control our lives.
We are the ones controlling them, he said at the launch of the Crime Stoppers Scholastic programme at Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School in Dreketi, Macuata Province yesterday.
SSP Waqa said youths being charged with sexual offences were a result of what they thought were the external influences brought about by peer pressure.
“I am sure majority of the students have a Facebook account and are active on various social medial platforms which is great, if it is being used for its intended purpose,” SSP Waqa told the students.
“However, like everything in life, there are positives and negatives.
“Unfortunately, some students have been on the receiving end of social media while others thrive on seeing others in pain.
“Our Cyber Crime Unit is inundated with complaints and queries about cyber bullying and other forms of computer related crimes.
“Personally, I am one that strongly refutes the notion that smartphones and gadgets are to blame for a young population whose lives are being dictated by technology.
“This is absolute rubbish. I am making this strong statement because those smartphones and gadgets are being controlled by you.
“They don’t have a mind of their own. We are the ones controlling them.”
About the programme
The Crime Stoppers Scholastic programme was officially launched in 2005.
It involves the Fiji Police Force’s Crime Stoppers department where officers visit schools creating awareness, conduct workshops and then the last phase is the launching of the programme.
The vision of the programme is to create a safer and crime-free learning environment in schools with the aim of promoting a safer and environment in schools, and instil discipline among students.
To date, 122 secondary schools have implemented the programme.
Edited by Ranoba Baoa
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