Social media plays a huge role in university life: helping students connect and build networks and friendships that can last a lifetime. But while online platforms can be positive spaces, they also come with real risks. That is why being digitally aware is incredibly important and involves maintaining a certain level of vigilance, boundaries and informed decision-making.

When using any social platform, students are encouraged to stay alert, protect their personal information and approach online interactions with a healthy level of caution even when engaging with people who claim to be friends.

Why digital awareness matters

Online spaces can blur boundaries. People are not always who they say they are, messages can be misinterpreted, and content can spread far beyond its original audience. Understanding these risks helps students:

  • Protect their wellbeing and mental health
  • Avoid scams, harassment or manipulation
  • Maintain control over their digital footprint
  • Contribute to safer, more respectful online communities

Key online safety tips

1. Be mindful of who you trust

  • Not everyone online has good intentions even if they appear friendly or familiar
  • Be cautious about accepting friend requests or private messages from people you don’t know well
  • Remember: claiming to be a “friend” does not guarantee safe or respectful behaviour

2. Protect your personal information

  • Avoid sharing sensitive details such as your address, timetable, financial information or private contact details
  • Think twice before posting content that could be used to identify your location or routine
  • Review privacy settings regularly and keep profiles limited to trusted connections

3. Think before you post

  • Once something is shared online, it can be difficult (or impossible) to fully remove
  • Ask yourself: Would I be comfortable with this being shared more widely or seen in the future?
  • Be respectful as words and images can have lasting impacts on others

4. Recognise and respond to harmful behaviour

  • Bullying, harassment and intimidation can happen online just as they can offline
  • If you experience or witness harmful behaviour:
    • Do not engage or escalate
    • Use in-app reporting and blocking tools
    • Keep evidence (screenshots, messages) if needed
  • Reach out to trusted friends or university support services for guidance

5. Use platform safety tools

  • Familiarise yourself with reporting, blocking and muting features
  • Customise who can contact you, comment on your posts or view your content
  • These tools exist to help you manage your experience

6. Maintain healthy boundaries

  • You are not obligated to reply to messages, justify your boundaries or stay in conversations that make you uncomfortable
  • Take breaks from social media if it begins to feel overwhelming
  • Prioritise your wellbeing over online pressure or expectations

Shared responsibility in online spaces

Social platforms work best when everyone plays a role in keeping them safe and respectful. While platforms provide tools and guidelines, individual users are responsible for how they interact, what they share and how they protect themselves.

By choosing to use social media, students acknowledge that:

  • Online interactions carry risks
  • A degree of caution and scepticism is necessary
  • Personal safety and respectful conduct are ongoing responsibilities

As a UNSW College student, you represent the College both on and off campus. The Student Code of Conduct expects you to conduct yourself in ways that:

  • Support others’ ability to learn, engage and participate fully in College life
  • Respect the College’s commitment to a fair, safe and inclusive community
  • Promote a harmonious and respectful environment for everyone

Online spaces are no exception. Digital interactions can affect people’s wellbeing, reputation and sense of safety just as much as face-to-face interactions.

If you need to report suspicious or inappropriate behaviour

If you experience or witness harmful online behaviour:

Last modified: 5:09 pm, 3 February 2026