Think Before You Share
Technology makes it easier than ever to capture, save and share information.
Screenshots, screen recordings, photographs, voice notes and recordings can be useful tools for communication, learning and evidence gathering. However, they can also raise important issues around privacy, trust, consent, safeguarding and professional conduct.
Before sharing digital content involving other people, it is important to consider the potential impact on everyone involved.
Digital Content Lasts Longer Than You Think
Many people assume that content shared in a private conversation will remain private.
However:
- Screenshots can be taken.
- Messages can be forwarded.
- Images can be copied.
- Recordings can be shared.
- Content can quickly spread beyond its intended audience.
Once content has been shared, it can be difficult or impossible to control where it goes next.
Is It Okay to Take a Screenshot?
Taking a screenshot is not automatically wrong.
For example, screenshots may sometimes be used to:
- Save important information.
- Record evidence of concerning behaviour.
- Seek support.
- Report bullying, harassment or misconduct.
- Retain information needed for studies or work.
However, problems can arise when screenshots are shared without considering privacy, consent or impact.
Before sharing a screenshot, ask yourself:
- Why am I sharing this?
- Is sharing it necessary?
- Could it cause harm or embarrassment?
- Does it contain personal information?
- Have I considered the person's privacy?
When Sharing Screenshots Becomes a Concern
Sharing screenshots may be inappropriate when it involves:
- Mocking or humiliating someone.
- Spreading gossip or rumours.
- Sharing private conversations.
- Sharing sensitive information.
- Encouraging others to criticise or exclude someone.
- Breaching confidentiality.
- Sharing intimate or personal content without consent.
Even if information was originally shared in a group chat, it may not be appropriate to distribute it more widely.
Recording Conversations
There may be situations where people wish to record conversations, meetings or online interactions.
Recordings can sometimes help:
- Capture important information.
- Support accessibility needs.
- Aid note-taking.
- Preserve evidence of concerning behaviour.
However, recording conversations can raise important ethical, professional and privacy considerations.
Before Recording a Conversation
Where appropriate, consider:
- Why do I want to record this?
- Is recording necessary?
- Have I informed the people involved?
- Are there alternative ways to capture information?
In many situations, openly discussing recording arrangements helps maintain trust and transparency.
Professional and Placement Settings
Additional caution should be exercised in professional environments, including:
- Placements
- Clinical settings
- Schools
- Social care environments
- Workplaces
- Meetings involving confidential information
You should never record:
- Patients
- Service users
- Children
- Clients
- Colleagues
- Confidential discussions
unless you are specifically authorised to do so and there is a legitimate reason.
Recording in professional settings may breach:
- Professional standards
- Placement requirements
- Confidentiality obligations
- Data protection requirements
Sharing Images and Videos
Before sharing photographs or videos involving others, ask:
- Do the people involved know this is being shared?
- Would they be comfortable with it?
- Does it reveal personal information?
- Is it respectful?
Respecting other people's choices about how and where their image is shared is an important part of digital citizenship.
Intimate Images and Consent
Everyone has the right to control intimate images of themselves.
Sharing, threatening to share or distributing intimate images without consent is never acceptable and may be a criminal offence.
This includes:
- Photographs
- Videos
- Screenshots
- Edited images
- AI-generated or manipulated intimate content
Consent to create an image does not automatically mean consent to share it.
Evidence Gathering and Reporting Concerns
Sometimes screenshots, messages or recordings may provide important evidence of:
- Bullying
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Discrimination
- Sexual misconduct
- Threatening behaviour
- Hate incidents
If you are experiencing or witnessing concerning behaviour:
- Keep evidence safe where appropriate.
- Avoid editing or altering content.
- Record dates and times where possible.
- Consider seeking advice and support.
Evidence can help the University understand concerns and determine appropriate next steps.
Confidentiality Matters
Not everything that can be shared should be shared.
Be particularly careful where content contains:
- Personal information
- Student information
- Staff information
- Health information
- Academic information
- Placement information
- Safeguarding concerns
- Sensitive disclosures
Sharing confidential information without a legitimate reason may cause harm and could breach University policies or legal obligations.
Social Media and Public Sharing
Before posting content publicly, consider:
- Could this identify another person?
- Have they consented?
- Could it affect someone's wellbeing, reputation or safety?
- Could it create conflict or misunderstanding?
Once content is posted online, it may be difficult to remove completely.
Freedom of Expression and Responsibility
People have the right to express opinions and share experiences.
However, freedom of expression does not remove the responsibility to:
- Respect privacy.
- Avoid harassment.
- Protect confidential information.
- Consider the impact on others.
- Act lawfully and responsibly.
A balance should always be struck between individual expression and the rights of others.
What Should I Do If Someone Has Shared Content About Me?
If someone has shared:
- Messages
- Screenshots
- Images
- Videos
- Recordings
without your consent and it is causing concern, support is available.
Depending on the circumstances, options may include:
- Seeking advice.
- Requesting removal.
- Reporting the matter.
- Accessing support services.
- Exploring formal processes where appropriate.
You do not need to manage concerns alone.
Creating a Respectful Digital Culture
We can all contribute to safer online communities by:
✓ Respecting privacy.
✓ Seeking consent where appropriate.
✓ Thinking before sharing.
✓ Protecting confidential information.
✓ Using digital content responsibly.
✓ Considering the impact our actions may have on others.
Key Message
Just because technology makes it easy to capture and share information does not mean it is always appropriate to do so.
Respect, consent, privacy and professionalism should guide our decisions whenever we take screenshots, record conversations or share digital content involving others.