Social media guidelines for students

These guidelines include instructions for students on how to act in social media in an ethical, respectful and responsible manner.

You are responsible for the content you post on social media.

Think before you post

• Everything posted online is there forever and can never be permanently deleted.
• Don’t post anything that you would not want your family, teachers, future employers or friends to see years from now.
• Please be aware that course materials may be protected by copyright and therefore cannot be shared without separate consent.
• Contact the teacher or other creator of teaching materials to ask for consent before sharing materials on social media.

Be respectful online

• Mind your manners online.
• Don’t offend others.
• Listen to others. Be polite even when you disagree with someone.
• Be a force for good.
• Collaborate.
• Create content.
• Keep confidential conversations private. Don’t share conversation threads or screenshots of virtual teaching sessions without consent.
• Don’t share personal or insulting information about your fellow students or staff members or any information that could put them at risk.

Don’t be a bully

• Don’t keep being bullied a secret.
• Don’t bully others.
• If you experience or witness cyberbullying, intervene or report the incident.

Adhere to laws and regulations

• Comply with confidentiality guidelines.
• Respect copyright. Ask people for their consent before sharing pictures, videos or conversations in which they appear.
• Don’t steal other people’s ideas.

Remember that your online persona is part of you

• Keep your username and password safe to make sure no one else can access your account.
• Respect your online persona and that of others.
• Don’t steal other people’s identity.
• Don’t pretend to be someone else.
• Be active.

Be careful with disclosing your personal data

• Name
• Phone number
• Student number
• Password
• Address
• Date of birth
• Personal photos
• Bank account number
• Credit card details
• If you gain access to other people’s personal data, handle them as if they were your own.

Make sure you only link to appropriate content

• Don’t share inappropriate or illegal content.
• Don’t feed the troll.

Report suspicious websites

• Address offensive conduct.
• Report inappropriate conduct to your teacher or whoever is in charge.
• Report offensive and inappropriate content.

Set the bar high

• Use correct grammar and punctuation.
• Check that the layout is clean and orderly.
• Use good quality photos.
• Make sure your videos are of high quality, too.

Follow these guidelines

• For example, publishing a defamatory statement, stealing someone’s identity and making threats online may constitute a criminal offence.

For further information, see the university's general social media guidelines.