Finding the Balance
Social media is an important part of modern life.
It helps us:
- Stay connected.
- Build communities.
- Express opinions.
- Share experiences.
- Campaign for causes we care about.
- Develop professional networks.
Students and staff have the same rights as everyone else to participate in online discussions and express lawful views.
However, social media also creates unique challenges because personal, academic and professional lives can sometimes overlap.
Understanding how to navigate these spaces responsibly can help protect your wellbeing, reputation and future opportunities.
Social Media Is Part of Real Life
It can be tempting to think of social media as separate from our everyday lives.
In reality, online interactions can have real-world consequences.
Social media activity may affect:
- Friendships and relationships.
- University experiences.
- Workplace relationships.
- Placement opportunities.
- Professional registration.
- Personal wellbeing.
The same principles of respect, professionalism and accountability that apply offline also apply online.
Freedom of Expression Matters
The University supports lawful freedom of expression and academic freedom.
People have the right to:
- Hold different opinions.
- Discuss controversial topics.
- Engage in debate.
- Challenge ideas.
- Participate in campaigns and activism.
A diverse university community will naturally include a wide range of views and perspectives.
Respectful disagreement is an important part of learning and democratic participation.
Rights Come With Responsibilities
While freedom of expression is important, it does not remove responsibility for how we communicate with others.
Freedom of expression does not include:
- Harassment
- Bullying
- Threats
- Hate speech
- Discrimination
- Intimidation
- Stalking
- Unlawful conduct
Expressing a view and targeting an individual are not the same thing.
The way we communicate matters as much as the message itself.
Social Media and Professionalism
Many professions expect individuals to uphold professional standards both online and offline.
This is particularly relevant for students undertaking professional programmes and staff working in regulated professions.
Examples include:
- Healthcare
- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Teaching
- Social Work
- Policing
- Allied Health Professions
- Legal Professions
Professional expectations often extend beyond the workplace or placement setting.
Ask Yourself Before Posting
Before sharing content, consider:
Is it respectful?
Is it accurate?
Could it be misunderstood?
Does it identify another person?
Does it contain confidential information?
Would I be comfortable discussing this in a professional environment?
Could this affect someone else's wellbeing or reputation?
A few moments of reflection can prevent significant difficulties later.
Placements and Professional Programmes
Students undertaking placements often occupy a unique position.
They are both:
- Members of the University community.
- Individuals preparing to enter a profession.
This means additional care should be taken when posting about:
- Placement experiences.
- Service users.
- Patients.
- Clients.
- Schools.
- Colleagues.
- Professional environments.
Never share information that could:
- Identify individuals.
- Breach confidentiality.
- Damage trust.
- Compromise professional relationships.
Even seemingly harmless posts can sometimes reveal more information than intended.
Social Media and Confidentiality
Confidentiality remains important in digital spaces.
Avoid sharing:
- Personal information about others.
- Confidential university information.
- Placement-related information.
- Workplace discussions.
- Sensitive safeguarding information.
Removing names does not always make information anonymous.
People can often be identified through context alone.
When Frustration Becomes Public
University life can sometimes be stressful.
People may experience:
- Academic pressures.
- Placement challenges.
- Workplace frustrations.
- Disagreements.
- Difficult relationships.
Posting while angry or upset can sometimes lead to:
- Escalating conflicts.
- Damaged relationships.
- Complaints.
- Professional concerns.
If emotions are running high, consider:
- Taking time before responding.
- Speaking directly to someone where appropriate.
- Seeking support.
- Reflecting on the potential impact of a post.
Online Activism and Campaigning
Many people use social media to:
- Raise awareness.
- Advocate for change.
- Promote equality.
- Challenge injustice.
These activities can play an important role in creating positive social change.
When engaging in activism online:
✓ Focus on issues and ideas.
✓ Remain respectful.
✓ Verify information before sharing.
✓ Consider the impact on others.
✓ Engage constructively where possible.
Strong views can still be expressed respectfully.
Social Media and University Processes
Sometimes concerns arise online relating to:
- Bullying.
- Harassment.
- Sexual misconduct.
- Discrimination.
- Hate incidents.
- Threatening behaviour.
The fact that behaviour occurs online does not necessarily mean it falls outside university processes.
Where online behaviour affects members of the university community or creates a harmful environment, support and intervention may be considered.
Managing Professional Boundaries
Social media can blur personal and professional boundaries.
Examples include:
- Staff and students connecting online.
- Placement educators and students interacting on social media.
- Sharing personal information with colleagues or service users.
- Mixing professional and personal accounts.
It is important to consider:
- Professional expectations.
- Appropriate boundaries.
- Privacy settings.
- Potential conflicts of interest.
Healthy boundaries help protect everyone involved.
Building a Positive Online Presence
Social media can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development.
Positive uses include:
✓ Sharing achievements.
✓ Developing professional networks.
✓ Engaging with professional communities.
✓ Promoting learning and development.
✓ Supporting causes and communities.
✓ Showcasing skills and interests.
Your online presence can become an asset when used thoughtfully.
If You Are Concerned About Something You Have Posted
Many people have shared content they later regret.
If this happens:
- Reflect on the impact.
- Remove content where possible.
- Learn from the experience.
- Seek advice if concerns arise.
- Consider whether an apology is appropriate.
Mistakes do not define a person, but taking responsibility for them matters.
Supporting a Respectful Digital Community
Every member of the University community contributes to the culture of online spaces.
You can help by:
✓ Treating others with respect.
✓ Protecting confidentiality.
✓ Thinking before posting.
✓ Challenging harmful behaviour safely.
✓ Using social media responsibly.
✓ Being mindful of the impact your actions may have on others.
Key Message
Social media offers opportunities to connect, learn, campaign and express ourselves.
By combining freedom of expression with respect, professionalism and consideration for others, we can create online spaces that are both vibrant and safe.
What we post online can have a lasting impact—on ourselves, on others and on the communities we are part of.