Minister for Women and Children Rosy Akbar has pleaded with the public especially children to stop making prank calls to their Child helpline.

This comes after numerous complaints have been received that many of the calls they receive are fake while some test the free lines.

Akbar says this should stop as many other children who really needs assistance and help are being put on hold.

‘’Anytime of the day or night a child feels that his safety or welfare and wellbeing is compromised, he or she can pick up the phone, 1325, Vodafone or Digicel or Telecom lines, A simple appeal to the children out there, please do not abuse our lines do not cram or jam the lines because there may be a genuine child out there who really needs our help’’.

Akbar says that at the moment is is a 12 hour helpline however plans are in place to extend the hours to a 24 hour helpline.

This is Fiji’s first child helpline to allow children to sexual abuse and neglect to report cases to the Ministry.

More than 400 genuine calls have been received from children requesting assistance.