'Violent bullying of teen forced to take drugs should not be dismissed as a prank'

The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection has condemned what it describes as a serious act of violence against a 16-year-old boy who was allegedly tied up, threatened with a cane knife and forced to inhale marijuana in an incident captured on video and circulated on social media.

In a statement, the ministry said the footage, which surfaced over the weekend, was deeply disturbing and should not be dismissed as a prank or harmless behaviour.

The ministry also raised concern over reports that the teenager was threatened after the incident, stressing that the safety and wellbeing of the boy and his family must now be the priority.

Community leaders — Turaga ni Koro and chiefs, talatala and i vakatawa — have been urged to stand with the family, ensure their protection and send a clear message that intimidation and violence against children will not be tolerated.

The ministry questioned how the incident could have occurred in the presence of adults and community structures, and what warning signs may have been missed.

It also called on parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children’s lives by having open conversations about peer pressure, bullying and substance abuse, and by listening and offering reassurance when children report abuse.

“If a child in your community is being threatened or harmed, do not ignore it. Report it to Police immediately. Protect the child first,” the statement said.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Honourable Sashi Kiran, said:

“What we saw in this video is a serious act of violence against a child. We cannot excuse it or remain silent. Every adult, every leader, and every parent has a duty to protect our children and to act when they are at risk.”

The ministry said it was developing Fiji’s National Action Plan on Violence Against Children to strengthen prevention and response systems at all levels. It is also preparing to launch a parenting app aimed at equipping parents and caregivers with practical guidance and support.

The ministry reaffirmed that every child has the right to feel safe, respected and protected, and said it stood with the young boy and his family.