Children as young as 10 caught in drug addiction

Fiji is grappling with a disturbing rise in drug addiction among its youth, with children as young as 10 becoming ensnared in substance abuse, according to Women, Children and Social Protection Minister Sashi Kiran.

Kiran highlighted in Parliament that the escalating use of alcohol and illicit drugs by children is fueling a range of serious social problems. These include deteriorating mental health, increased domestic violence, instances of self-harm, and a rise in violent crime. The minister pointed to Fiji's geographical position as a transit hub for international drug trafficking as a key factor exacerbating the problem, making highly addictive substances, particularly methamphetamine, more readily available.

"The data paints a sobering picture," Kiran stated. "While our national strategy and joint task forces are working tirelessly to disrupt the supply chain, decades of exposure have left many families vulnerable. Most concerning of all, children as young as 10 to 14 years of age are now becoming trapped in the cycle of addiction. These figures are not merely statistics, they reflect a profound national challenge that demands coordinated, compassionate and evidence based intervention."

In response, the Fijian government is intensifying efforts to provide treatment and support for affected young people. Fiji has established its first dedicated residential recovery facility, Na Salavo in Lautoka, specifically for adolescent boys aged 14 to 17. This facility offers a secure and structured environment designed to aid young individuals in their recovery, learning, and life rebuilding processes. In 2020, Fiji recorded 1,501 illicit substance cases, with 100 involving methamphetamine and four involving cocaine.

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The data paints a sobering picture. While our national strategy and joint task forces are working tirelessly to disrupt the supply chain, decades of exposure have left many families vulnerable. Most concerning of all, children as young as 10 to 14 years of age are now becoming trapped in the cycle of addiction. These figures are not merely statistics, they reflect a profound national challenge that demands coordinated, compassionate and evidence based intervention.