SUVA, July 29 (Xinhua) -- In response to the growing online abuse, Fiji's Online Safety Commission (OSC) is stepping up efforts to integrate digital literacy education into the island country's school curriculum.
OSC Commissioner Filipe Batiwale said that the initiative was designed to equip students with skills necessary to safely navigate the digital world, encompassing the protection of personal information, recognition of harmful content, and reporting of online abuse, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported on Tuesday.
The commission was working with the Ministry of Education to roll out a formal digital literacy program across primary and secondary schools.
Batiwale said that in addition to teaching online safety, the curriculum will focus on responsible online behavior, such as respectful communication, identifying misinformation, and understanding consent, particularly around the sharing of images and personal content.
The move came amid growing concerns over the rise of cyberbullying, online harassment, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images in Fiji.
The OSC has reported a steady increase in complaints related to digital harm, especially involving children and young people. Victims have reported experiences ranging from public shaming and identity theft to threats and harassment. ■
