16th October, 2018 A safe community embraces a methodology and infrastructure where all sectors of the community work together collaboratively to safeguard citizens’ well-being and property. Sharing information fosters partnership that enhance safety, manage risk, and increase overall communal engagement.
Following the initiative of the National Cyber Week, the first panel consultation took place focusing on ‘Cyber Safety for Communities.’
The Panellists were the Acting Deputy Police Commissioner, Ms Kalisi Tohifolau, Parent representative from Ha’ateiho, Ms Vasi Masiu, Representative from Tonga Communications Corporation (TCC) Mr. Tevita Fifita and Digicel Tonga, Mr. ‘Aisake Lalahi.
Ms Tohifolau said, “It is important to teach our young people to connect or befriend online only with those that they know in real life. Our youth have a critical role to play in contributing to a creating of safer communities.”
She stated that some of the cases they have encountered are the online incidents that have resulted in suicide, bullying and other advance cases that deals with businesses here in Tonga.
“Our roles are to fulfil our duty to prevent crimes, improve public safety, detect and bring offenders to account, and maintain law and order.”
Ms. Masiu of Ha’ateiho stressed the need to encourage parents to talk to their children about what they see and do online.
“If they are unsure about using the technology, encourage them to get their children to show them! It’s a great opportunity to explore and learn together. Having an open and ongoing dialogue about their online lives helps parents and carers talk to their children more easily about the importance of being responsible and safe. And children will feel more comfortable seeking help from them if they experience problems online.”
Mr. Fifita said, “Being a service provider, technology can be defined as applications, instruments, or processes that enhance or simplify the aspects of everyday life. The vehicle you use to drive to work is an example of technology that simplifies life. Or, the Internet, as a whole, can be seen as technology that has greatly enhanced our lives.”
He told the gatherings that with the introduction of the internet led to many benefits; unfortunately, it also came with its own set of problems. Most significantly, these problems can negatively impact your security and privacy.
Mr. Lalahi emphasized that most popular and innovative creation in the world of technology is the internet.
“The internet is the place where all kinds of information is present and even the communication process is possible using the internet. The world has now become internet dependent because of its vast advantages.”
He also said, that a safe community exploits opportunities to better serve the public by providing safety and security personnel with modern capabilities as governments and key stakeholders work toward collective integrating, their combined resources help anticipate crime and other outcomes before they occur.
The panel consultations will continue tomorrow.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications.