Govt explores ways to delay social media for children under 16

The Government has made it clear that its proposed social media policy is not about banning platforms, but about delaying access until children turn 16.

That was the key message from the first meeting of the Taskforce on Social Media Deferment, held in Suva today under the mandate of the Office of the Prime Minister.

The taskforce is chaired by Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya alongside Minister for Communications Ioane Naivalurua. It brings together representatives from the Online Safety Commission, Fiji Law Reform Commission, the Ministry of Communications and Policing, and the Ministry of Information.

In a Government statement, it stated that discussions focused on possible approaches Fiji could adopt to introduce a minimum age of 16 for social media access, drawing lessons from Australia’s experience with age-based restrictions.

Among the options considered were potential legislative measures, study visits to examine international best practices, and broad public consultations to gather feedback from parents, young people, educators and community members.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to table a Bill in Parliament later this year to formalise the proposed age requirement, with assurances that extensive public consultation will be undertaken before any law is introduced.

The Government said the initiative reflects a shared national responsibility to create a safer digital environment for children while balancing access and protection in an increasingly connected world.