King’s College London is dedicated to ensuring a secure and respectful environment for all students, both online and offline. As a member of the King’s community, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding online behaviour.
This guide outlines key steps to help you stay safe online throughout your studies. Much of the content is advisory, though we also include links under 'King’s policies and procedures’ to guidance regarding behaviour that is unacceptable.
It's important to be aware of, and to adhere to, King's policies and procedures during your studies. Behaviours that are found to violate these institutional policies and procedures will result in disciplinary action and in some cases could have legal consequences for you.
In this article:
- Respect, kindness and professionalism: Always treat online call participants, including your facilitators and fellow students, with respect and engage with others in positive manner.
- Appropriate language: Use professional and appropriate language in all online communications. For more insight and advice on how to communicate considerately with others read Communicating considerately with the King’s community.
- Privacy: Be conscious of your surroundings and use appropriate rooms for video calls. Be mindful of anyone in the background and ensure the background is concealed. You should wear suitable clothing, while a call is taking place.
- Consent: If a video call is recorded, all participants must be informed at the start of the session. Photos or screenshots of video calls must only be taken with verbal consent.
Participating in online learning
Follow these guidelines when participating in online learning:
Choose a quiet location to access online learning and be mindful of those around you. If in public, consider if it's appropriate to access online learning with other people nearby. Use headphones when possible.
Don't share links to online learning on public platforms where they could be intercepted. When sharing your screen, ensure extraneous tabs or browsers are closed.
Appropriate contributions
Make sure your messages are related to the discussion and avoid posting the same message multiple times (spam). Only share content that you have a right to make available under the law.
Unless specifically requested to do otherwise, you should always post contributions in English to enable everyone to understand if your program is conducted in English.
Messages sent during the course of a program should only be shared with permission from the sender, unless an administrator requests it for site administration purposes.
King’s online learning spaces should not be used to advertise products or services for profit.
Social media and online services
When using social media and other online services, you should consider:
Be mindful of how future employers may perceive your content and comments, recognising the permanence of what you post, particularly as others can capture it with screenshots or recording tools. Language, nudity, graphic images, and activities that could be considered obscene, antisocial or discriminatory may have an adverse impact on your employability.
Online abuse can take different forms. Activities such as doxxing, online stalking, spreading malicious rumours, intimidation, and trolling can be impactful or even illegal.
It's important to recognise online abuse and to report online incidents via Report + Support.
Don't post content obtained through deception or that breaches others' privacy.
Keep your personal details private. Posting your address, regular locations, or student card information can make you vulnerable to identity theft and other crimes.
Review your privacy settings on social media regularly. Take reasonable measures to prevent the transmission of computer viruses by not opening email attachments from unsolicited sources.
When on placement, work experience or working in a healthcare setting, sharing social media content about your workplace may conflict with data protection laws. Never assume you have consent to share personal information on social media platforms.
Keep passwords secure and never share them. Don't leave your computer unlocked with social media or other sensitive accounts logged in, and use a passcode on your phone when logging into social media accounts.
Digital wellbeing and safety
To look after your digital wellbeing and safety, keep in mind:
Set boundaries online to manage your digital wellbeing. Schedule regular breaks away from your screen.
Use device and platform options to manage your online time, including turning off notifications or activating "do not disturb".
Privacy settings and digital resilience
Review your privacy settings regularly to stay safe and secure.
Build your digital resilience by safeguarding your systems and devices against online threats.
Be aware of the websites you access, and the individuals or groups you engage with.
Understanding scams and fraud
Scammers can target you online, to make yourself aware of common scams read our article Common scams & fraud; get to know them and how to avoid them.
- Strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
- Two-factor authentication: Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Public Wi-Fi: Protect yourself when using public Wi-Fi hotspots.
- Online safety resources: Use available online safety resources to stay informed and prepared.
King's Policies and Procedures
The following policies and procedures regulate behaviour in the area of online safety, and there may be disciplinary consequences and/or legal consequences if individuals breach these guidelines:
Online abuse can be reported to the Police and lead to criminal charges.
As a student, you are expected to show respect for the persons and property of the University, and to behave in a way that does not interfere with the proper functioning or activities of the University in line with The King’s Community Charter.
Report any incidents on Report + Support. Any form of bullying or harassment is unacceptable, and we take all reports very seriously. You can report anonymously or with your contact details. Tell us what happened through our Report + Support page which sets out ways to tell us if you’ve experienced or witnessed bullying and options for seeking resolution.
If you experience or witness online harassment, report it to your personal or senior tutor, the Student Wellbeing Service, or use the Report and Support system. You can also submit a complaint here: How does the university handle non-academic misconduct?
Consequences of misconduct
Students found guilty of online harassment may face disciplinary action, including warnings, payment of damages, community service, fines, exclusion or suspension.
Where to get support and guidance
- As well as being a tool for reporting incidents, Report + Support also provides guidance and information articles about bullying, harassment, hate incidents, and sexual or physical violence, as well as information about the options and support available.
- You may wish to speak to someone in confidence. You can access a range of support at King's, for more information check our article What student support services are available at King's?
- Student Services Online provides online guidance and support.
By following this guide and staying informed, you can contribute to a safer and more respectful online environment at King's.
