News

UNICEF urges action against cyber bullying

February 7, 2019 7:19 am

UNICEF is calling for a renewed focus on children’s digital rights.

They warn that over seventy percent of young people aged 15 to 24 are vulnerable to dangers posed by online violence – which includes cyber bullying and digital harassment.

The NGO is urging the need for concerted action to tackle and prevent violence against children and young people online.

Article continues after advertisement

Pacific Island countries rep, Sheldon Yett says the call, made on ‘Safer Internet Day’ comes following a recent UNICEF poll of young people who have suggested what they and their parents, teachers and policymakers can do to keep them safe.

“Just as the internet provides a wonderful opportunity for children and for young people to learn, there are also risks out there. Cyber bullying is a tremendous problem and we need to make sure that kids know what to do, parents know what to do and that we have ways to address this.”

Yett says the issues in Fiji and throughout the Pacific is similar and UNICEF will work with the stakeholders to help provide solutions.