It’s important to know that you can stop it if it is shared with you simply by not continuing the cycle. By sharing such content you are actively enabling sexual abuse and harassment.

Don’t share it, report it using tools on the social media or messenger platform and then report the matter to the police immediately.

The OSC works intimately with law enforcement to bolster online safety. Programmes such as our Online Champions workshops have provided community leaders, university students and parents with the opportunity to talk about what someone is watching, playing or simply scrolling past on their digital devices.

While this is another example of how abusers can use technology perversely, we urge communities and online citizens to take a stand against sharing nonconsented images or video. Remember: report it, block it, do not share it

The post Stop The Spread appeared first on Online Safety Commission Fiji.

The post Fake news appeared first on Online Safety Commission Fiji.

The post Digital Citizen appeared first on Online Safety Commission Fiji.

With the current lockdown period in the central division and containment areas around the country, it seems some of our Bula Spirit is struggling to be brought onto out online spaces.

A rise in online abuse reports and physical violence against women over the recent weeks attest to some of us dealing with unsafe homes.

While some welcome estranged family members back home, some may be finding this time more difficult than others.

While some working mums are excited to spend more quality time with their children, some are fighting to protect their children in their own homes.

Domestic and family violence is never one dimensional and technology advancements add another element to the mix.

Here are a few ways to stay safe online even during this lockdown period and please remember if you are in immediate danger, call 917 :

1. Change your password frequently on your social media profiles;
2. If a message is still in your message request folder, do not respond;
3. Call 1560 to speak to someone today.

The post Domestic Violence appeared first on Online Safety Commission Fiji.

1. For the latest Covid-19 information from Government check out
2. Check reliable sources: On Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, look for the blue checkmark next to the page name like the Fijian Government page, Online Safety Commission page, and much more.
3. Verify the information: Look at whether other notable sources are sharing similar information. Don’t just trust one source of information.
4. Critically evaluate the information and consider whether it is true, false, fake, unverified and do not share immediately unless you have verified the information.

It is very important to talk to your children during this time about the information they may come across online. Teach them how to critically evaluate information they come across online. And make sure not to forward or share information that is not verified by notable sources such as the Fijian Government or World Health Organisation.

The post Misinformation & Scams appeared first on Online Safety Commission Fiji.

Phishing is a type of online attack that tries to retrieve your financial or confidential information. Usually one through email, text message, or online messages.

How does it work?

An email or message is sent to you from what looks like a bank or financial institution or even a stranger. And it will usually ask you to click on a link and enter your personal details.

It is important that you do not click onto any of the links on the email or message.

The point of a phishing attack is to gain access to your financial or confidential information.

How can I protect myself?

Vigilance is key, here are some ways to be safe and secure:

1. Do not click on any link(s) in any email, text message, or direct message that requests you to do something to get something;
2. Do not respond, mark it as spam and delete the content right away;
3. Call your bank to double check your accounts; and
4. Change your password(s) frequently and activate a two-step authentication option if available and not already done.

If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us or your nearest police post.

The post Scam Alert: Phishing Emails appeared first on Online Safety Commission Fiji.

• only 38% of children admit to their parents/guardians that they have been bullied online;
• 33% of teens say they have sent explicit photos to someone else;
• more than 60% of children that have been harassed online have mental health issues; and
• more than 60% of female victims feel powerless because of online bullying

On a global level we see how such online abuse effects children of all ages. Across the central division in Fiji many students have also indicate experiencing online bullying at least once this year.

Children may not want to tell you if they are being bullied but here are some signs to look out for:

• Rapid increase or decrease in weight;
• Severe mood swings;
• Losing interesting in being around family and friends;
• Not wanting to go online anymore;

These changes are often subtle but vigilance is key. And having open dialogue about online safety and responsibility with your child is important.

What can I do to help?

Remember to remain calm and have an open conversation with your child. Let them know that they are not alone. Set up screen time and allow them to only use the devices in a common area such as the living room.

Fijians value community and we can express this same value in our online communities. Social media apps like Facebook give us an opportunity to build virtually any community we like. And this starts at home, stop the spread of online bullying by talking to your children today.

The post #Stopthespread of online bullying appeared first on Online Safety Commission Fiji.