Hey sis, let’s be real: our kids are growing up in a Fiji that’s completely different from the one we knew. These days, toddlers can scroll faster than we can (mine included), and our teenagers? Chhhhiiiiiiiild, they’ve got 3 TikTok accounts and a whole second life on Instagram you probably don’t know about.

But here’s the thing: just like we teach our babies to say vinaka and look both ways before crossing the road, we’ve got to teach them how to move wisely through the digital world too.

And with Fiji’s internet usage exploding – over 80% of us are online now all the time, and growing fast thanks to new towers and fibre cables – it’s no longer a “maybe later” conversation. It’s a right now one.

So here are 5 online habits every Fijian family should be teaching at home. Whether you’re raising toddlers in Nadi, pre-teens in Suva, teens in Labasa or doing army-wife life in the UK like us – we’re in this together.

1. Ask Before You Share

If there’s one thing we need to normalise in our homes, it’s this: online consent. Tell your children: just because you can post something doesn’t mean you should. Photos, screenshots, videos of others – get their “yes” first. We’re teaching respect here, sis, not just rules.

“If it’s not your story to tell, don’t post it unless you get their permission.”

2. Pause Before You Click

Scam links, fake giveaways, phishing DMs from people pretending to be from your bank, TFL or Vodafone – it’s everywhere now. Even some government ministries recently got caught up in data breaches.

So, teach the fam this golden rule:

“If it feels off, it probably is. Pause first.”

Help our kids build a habit of asking you before clicking on anything that doesn’t feel right. Keep the conversation open. Make it okay for them to ask you anything without getting in trouble.

3. Keep Private Things…PRIVATE

Sis, we’ve got to protect our babies. That means teaching them never to share things like:

• Our home address
• Passwords
• Phone Numbers
• School class schedules

And if you’re in a military family? Then you already know – no posting about base movements, locations, or photos in uniform as current movements. Safety first, always. Protecting what matters most.

4. Use Your Words to Uplift, Not Tear Down

Online violence is real, even in Fiji – and our girls are especially targeted. From mean TikTok comments to shady selekava meme pages, the digital world can be harsh. But we can raise a different kind of generation.

“If you wouldn’t say it to their face, don’t say it online.” That’s the standard.

Praise out loud. Scroll past drama. Teach your kids the power of posting with purpose.

5. Create Screen-Free Rhythms

Fiji’s tech is growing fast – rural and outer islands are getting connected through new submarine cables. Which is amazing. But too much screen time? Still a no.

Try this:

• No phones at the dinner table or meal time
• One sacred screen-free night a week (this ones especially if you’ve got teens)
• Sunday morning tech break
• “Digital curfews” before bed (we’ve tried this and it does wonders for our sleep)

Your brain (and your babies) will thank you.

Helpful Resources for Our Community

• Fiji’s Online Safety Commission: they’ve got workshops, helplines, and free downloads for families on their website http://www.osc.com.fj
• Swipe Safe Program: launched in Fiji schools in 2024, teaching kids digital wisdom.
• Australia’s eSafety Commission: tons of printable guides for kids, teens and parents, including conversation starters. A great backup resource: http://www.esafety.gov.au
• UK’s ThinkUKnow site: If you’re raising kids in the UK, check out this site from UK’s National Crime Agency. It’s got age-based guides, videos, and real-life tips for parents. Check it out here.
• UK Safer Internet Centre: a partnership program offering online safety support from SWGfL, a leading online safety charity with over 20 years experience. Check it out at http://www.swgfl.org.uk

Sis, Don’t Wait to Have THE Talk

We don’t need to be perfect digital parents. But we do need to be present ones. So take the first step this, Challenge yourself. to get our of your comfort zone, even if it’s just asking your son or daughter, “Hey, what’s the latest app you’re into right now?”.

Because when we make online safety a normal part of family life, we’re not just protecting our kids – we’re shaping a wiser, kinder Fiji.

Stay Blessed

-A