Education Minister Warns Against Sexting, Urges Young People to Refrain from the Act

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC—Education Minister Priya Manickchand has urged school children and other young people to refrain from sexting, citing an increase in reports of many teenagers sharing private photos of themselves on social media.

Sexting: A Growing Concern

Sexting is a term used to describe the act of sending, receiving, or sharing sexual messages, photos, or videos using a phone, computer, or other digital device.

The Dangers of Sexting

“When you are in safe spaces like your bedroom or your sitting room or your home, where you feel like you are private and you feel safe, and you feel as if you are anonymous, the sense of anonymity that the phone gives you, you can do things that you would ordinarily not do in public,” Manickchand said in a seven-minute broadcast on her Facebook page.

She said that as schools host Christmas parties and other social events marking the end of the school term, too many young people are being hurt by the act of sexting.

The Consequences of Sexting

“I have seen that happening a little too often, so I want you to think about this and consciously. I have seen persons taking pictures of their naked or semi-clothed bodies, either stills or videos and sending them to people that they think are friends or that they think would preserve your privacy. I have seen how those pictures or videos are used to hurt our young people, particularly our girls,” Manickchand said.

She emphasized that by taking those nude and semi-nude photos and sending them to other persons, such a person is surrendering a whole lot of their power.

Protecting Your Dignity

“The first thing you should do before you take those pictures or videos is to ask yourself how you would feel if this was on a billboard that you had to pass and see, or how you would feel if it is exposed on the internet,” Manickchand said.

She warned that if you are ever tempted to take pictures or videos of your body, you should think again about that because it can cause you a lot of hurt.

Conclusion

As Education Minister, Manickchand is urging young people to think carefully about their online behavior and to prioritize their safety and well-being. She emphasized that sexting can have serious consequences, including the loss of personal dignity and the potential for exploitation.

FAQs

Q: What is sexting?
A: Sexting is the act of sending, receiving, or sharing sexual messages, photos, or videos using a phone, computer, or other digital device.

Q: Why is sexting a concern for young people?
A: Sexting can have serious consequences, including the loss of personal dignity and the potential for exploitation. It can also lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.

Q: What can young people do to protect themselves from the dangers of sexting?
A: Young people should be aware of the potential risks of sexting and take steps to protect themselves, including being cautious about who they share their personal information with and being mindful of their online behavior.