#NeverOK Online
Gain support, make a report and help us tackle online harassment.
Help us create a more supportive and inclusive online world.
Be The Change Online is a toolkit from The University of Bath to empower students and staff to tackle online harassment. On this page, you'll find advice on what to do if you've seen online harassment, ways to access support from the University, and guidance on how to be a good digital citizen.
At the University of Bath, you are part of a 20,000 strong community of students from over 140 countries. As a University, we are committed to providing a safe and friendly environment where you feel that you belong and can feel at home.
We expect every member of our community to be treated – and treat others – with respect, so that everyone’s time here is as positive as possible.
What is online harassment?
Online harassment is illegal in England and Wales. If someone sends you threatening, abusive or offensive messages through social media sites like X (formally known as Twitter), WhatsApp, Instagram or TikTok, they could be committing a criminal offence.
You can report online harassment in three ways
- Report the harassment to the social media platform where it took place. They may be able to remove the content and close down the person's account.
- Report the harassment to the police.
- Report the harassment to the University.
When reporting harassment, keep a record or screenshot of the messages, who sent them, and when.
Reporting harassment to the university
All staff, students, and visitors can report discrimination, misconduct, harassment or assault by using our Support and Report tool. You can report instances anonymously or get support from an adviser.
When you complete this report, you are making the University aware of an incident that has happened to you or that you have seen online. You will be taken seriously and the information you provide in this report can remain confidential.
Harassment could be based on: race, nationality and/or culture; religion and/or belief (for example, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism); gender and Gender Identity (for example, misogynistic abuse, transphobia); sexual orientation (for example, homophobia, biphobia); disability including learning disabilities; mental health, physical disabilities and age (being targeted or excluded due to your age).
The University may be limited in the action it can take if harassment comes from anonymous online accounts. However, we will still provide advice and support, including guidance on how to report these posts to platforms and the police.
If you or the person you are reporting on behalf of requires urgent support or is in immediate danger, please call University Security or the Emergency Services. Visit our website for more sources of urgent support.
There's support available if you've seen online harassment
Student Support Advice Team
Our Student Support Advice Team will provide wellbeing and welfare support to all students. You can talk to them about anything you've seen online that might have bothered you.
The Students' Union
The Students' Union advice and support centre offers confidential, independent and non-judgemental support with any problems you may have during your time at Bath.
Be a responsible digital citizen
We can all contribute to making social media a more positive space. By being a responsible digital citizen, you can help be the change online.
- Pause before you post. Think: 'Would I say this in person?'
- Report illegal content and online harassment if you see it.
- Respect other people's privacy. Seek permission before you share photos or information.
- Think about your digital footprint. Anything you post online can be screen grabbed and shared
Tips for a positive digital footprint
Make a record of all your social media accounts. Deleting ones you no longer use helps manage your online identity.
Use privacy settings. Take time to explore the different privacy settings for social media platforms and control who can see your posts, photos and videos.
Keep things professional. Think about what a future employer might make of your messages or videos. It can be almost impossible to permanently remove content from the internet.
Don’t overshare. Avoid posting sensitive information like your mobile number, credit card information, driver’s licence, or student number. Sharing your full name, birthday, address and other personal details could leave you vulnerable to identity theft.
Protect your passwords. Never share your password with anyone else and make sure you have unique passwords for different websites.
Have a positive online footprint. Is what you’re sharing true, helpful and kind?
Where to find more information
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