Words Can Have Consequences
Most people have encountered gossip or rumours at some point in their lives.
Sometimes people share information because they are:
- Concerned.
- Curious.
- Upset.
- Trying to understand a situation.
- Looking for support.
However, information shared without care, context or accuracy can quickly cause harm.
In university communities, rumours can spread rapidly through:
- Friendship groups.
- Course groups.
- WhatsApp chats.
- Social media.
- Placement settings.
- Staff teams.
Even when information is shared with good intentions, the impact can be significant.
What Is Gossip?
Gossip generally involves discussing another person's private life, circumstances or experiences when they are not present.
Examples might include:
- Speculating about relationships.
- Discussing someone's wellbeing.
- Sharing information about personal difficulties.
- Repeating information that was shared in confidence.
Not all gossip is malicious.
However, even well-intentioned conversations can contribute to misinformation, misunderstanding and harm.
What Are Rumours?
Rumours are pieces of information that have not been verified but are repeated as though they may be true.
Rumours often begin with phrases such as:
- "I heard that..."
- "Apparently..."
- "Someone told me..."
- "People are saying..."
As information passes between people, details can:
- Change.
- Become exaggerated.
- Lose important context.
- Become distorted.
The further a rumour spreads, the harder it becomes to correct.
Why Do Rumours Spread?
People often spread rumours because they are:
- Trying to make sense of uncertainty.
- Looking for answers.
- Concerned about someone.
- Seeking connection with others.
- Curious about events.
In situations where information is limited, people often fill the gaps with assumptions.
This is particularly common following:
- Safeguarding incidents.
- Complaints.
- Investigations.
- Relationship breakdowns.
- Student conduct cases.
- Sexual misconduct reports.
The Impact of Rumours
Rumours can affect:
Individuals
People may experience:
- Anxiety.
- Distress.
- Embarrassment.
- Isolation.
- Loss of confidence.
- Damage to relationships.
Communities
Rumours can create:
- Division.
- Distrust.
- Hostility.
- Polarisation.
- Unnecessary conflict.
Investigations and Processes
Speculation can:
- Influence witnesses.
- Spread misinformation.
- Increase distress.
- Undermine confidence in processes.
- Create additional safeguarding concerns.
Taking Sides
When concerns arise, people often feel pressure to choose a side.
This can be particularly common where:
- Friendship groups are involved.
- Student communities are small.
- Teams work closely together.
Supporting someone does not require:
- Attacking another person.
- Spreading information.
- Making assumptions.
- Sharing allegations.
It is possible to care about someone while recognising that you may not know all the facts.
Social Media and Online Discussions
Online spaces can accelerate the spread of rumours.
Examples include:
- Group chats.
- WhatsApp groups.
- Social media posts.
- Anonymous forums.
- Screenshots being shared.
Once information is posted online, it can quickly reach people who were never intended to see it.
Before posting, consider:
Is this helping or harming?
Do I know this information is accurate?
Would I be comfortable if this were about me?
Respecting Privacy
People have a right to privacy, particularly when they are:
- Accessing support.
- Raising concerns.
- Participating in investigations.
- Managing personal difficulties.
Respecting privacy helps create an environment where people feel safe seeking help.
What If Someone Tells Me Something?
If someone shares information about another person:
Consider:
✓ Is this information mine to share?
✓ Is sharing it necessary?
✓ Could sharing it cause harm?
✓ Am I helping or simply passing information on?
Sometimes the most supportive thing we can do is listen without repeating what we have heard.
What If I Am Concerned About Someone?
If your concern is genuine, ask yourself:
Does this person need support rather than discussion?
Rather than sharing concerns widely:
✓ Check in with the person.
✓ Encourage support.
✓ Raise concerns through appropriate channels.
✓ Seek advice.
Support is often more helpful than speculation.
Creating a Respectful Community
We all contribute to the culture of our community.
We can help by:
✓ Challenging rumours.
✓ Avoiding speculation.
✓ Respecting privacy.
✓ Thinking before sharing information.
✓ Supporting people directly.
✓ Using appropriate reporting routes.
Key Message
Rumours often begin with uncertainty but can quickly become harmful.
Choosing not to spread unverified information, respecting privacy and focusing on support rather than speculation helps create a safer, kinder and more respectful university community.