Fiji police have appealed to parents to ensure their children are safe during the school holidays after the recent deaths of four children.
Over 200 children from Nasavusavu Public School took part in the Just Play festival as part of the emergency programme on Savusavu Island earlier this year. Photo: UNICEF Pacific/2016/Hing
Police said one child was found floating in a river last week, another was hit by a car and two, a 16-year-old and a seven-year-old, committed suicide.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said members of the constabulary have attended end of school year awards to encourage children to be safe and parents to take care of their young ones.
Ms Naisoro said parents can become busy during the festive season, but it only takes a moment of distraction for children to get into trouble.
She said police are also telling parents to communicate more with their children.
"There's just a need for parents and guardians to spend quality time with their children. Sit down with them, talk to them," she said.
"That is one of the messages from the Commissioner down to the other officers who have been setting up during school award ceremonies, that our children are growing up in an environment, in a society that is much more different from their time, so they need to be more understanding."
