Online sharing can turn traumatic, Minister warns USP students

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran has cautioned university students about the underestimated risks of sharing personal images and videos online.

Speaking at the Japan ICT Theatre at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Laucala Bay today, Ms Kiran warned students about the underestimated risks of sharing personal images and videos online.

She revealed that authorities frequently receive requests to remove intimate content from dark websites, turning what may seem like harmless sharing into long-term trauma.

 “Simple sharing of pictures with your loved one can easily become a nightmare,” she said.

Ms Kiran also shared concerns about the increasing availability of hard drugs like methamphetamine among young people, warning that drug abuse is destroying potential and leading to risky behaviour. She urged students to be aware of the dangers, including the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases linked to substance abuse.

USP Student Association president Manasa Navara said Welfare Week was about giving students a safe space to address these real-life challenges.

“The most important part is for students to be involved and just have awareness that welfare week is here, specifically targeting their needs that might not usually be talked about in school,” he said.

Beyond addressing threats, the week also offers workshops in employability skills such as Curriculum Vitae (CV) writing, interview preparation, and workplace ethics. Students were encouraged to use the opportunity to prepare for the demands of the labour market while also looking after their personal well-being.

Ms Kiran closed with a reminder that education is not just about academics.

 “Graduate, secure employment, become leaders who will shape the future of our Pacific, but please do so with kindness, compassion and humility.”