Think before you post

• Posting in Public

  Social media, forums and blogs offer a way to engage with conversations at local, national or international level. This can offer fantastic opportunities, however think carefully before posting or sharing information. 

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Messaging in Group Chats

  When messaging in private group chats with other students, behave as if you were speaking face to face with everyone in the group, using appropriate and respectful language.

  
  

  There are a number of cases documented in the media where students have failed to do this, resulting in serious consequences. See this BBC article about students disciplined for racist comments posted in a whatsapp group. 

  
  

• Social Media and the Law

  As well as having consequences for your studies and career, inappropriate use of social media can put you at risk of breaking the law. BBC Webwise outlines the legal issue of social media and libel, and BBC News Magazine describes real-life examples where people have been charged with libel. 

  If you are unsure whether you behave correctly online, take the Accidental Outlaw test.