Social Media Safety

The University Guidelines

The University aims to provide a safe, secure, and supportive environment for all students and staff who access social media channels.
When you use social media, please remember that you are representing the University at all times when posting comments, images or responding to those made by others.
Be aware that third parties including media, employers and police, can access your profiles and view personal information. This includes any videos, comments and posts. Inappropriate material found by third parties can affect the perception of students at the University. They can also have a negative impact on your future prospects.

Remember that your communication through social media must not be:

• Unlawful
• Include anything that could be considered to discriminate against people or come across as bullying or harassment

Students who post views, opinions or images online, which are in breach of the University guidelines, may be subject to disciplinary action. Your actions could also be subject to prosecution under UK criminal and civil legislation.

Staying safe online

• Only post what you would be happy for your parents, lecturers and prospective employers to see.
• Remember that everything you post online is public, even with the strictest privacy settings. Once something has been posted online, it can be copied and redistributed (this includes Snapchat!).
• Be aware of what you are posting. Don’t post anything that could be embarrassing to yourself or others.
• Be careful about including other people in your photos if you don’t have their permission. They may not like their image being used by you or posted on social media. If your image has been used without your permission, you can notify the social network in question to report the image and ask for it to be removed.
• Don’t take indecent images of yourself or others, and post them online. No images posted online ever really disappear, so if in doubt, don’t post it!
• Be very cautious when using online dating sites or apps. People are not always who they say they are online. Be careful when arranging to meet someone in person. Arrange to meet during the day in a public place and make sure that you tell your friends when and where you are going.

How to help protect yourself online

You can decrease your risk by following these basic guidelines:

• Change your usernames on all social networks to something generic which doesn’t identify you e.g. not @lucy.williams
• Remove your date of birth from social media. You can also hide your contact/about me information, so that only you can see it.
• Change your security settings so that your profile can’t be searched for using search engines such as Google.
• You can retrospectively change who can access photos that you have already posted on Facebook. You can select the option so that only your friends have access to these photos from now on.
• Don’t accept any followers or friends unless you know them.
• Go through your existing friends and followers, and remove anyone that you don’t know or that don’t check out as real.
• Be aware that users on dating websites may not be who they claim to be. Don’t send any pictures of yourself, give away any personal details that could be used to set up bank accounts and do not give anyone any money.

External Support

Want to know more about Facebook Security Practices? Visit Sophos if you think that your identity has been stolen:

• Check your security settings, see above for tips.
• Check your credit report, to make sure that they have not used your identity for anything else. The biggest firms to use are Equifax, Call Credit, and Experian. You can sign up for a free trial, run the credit report, and then cancel the trial.
• Speak to the University police officers at the student advice centre, located behind Costcutter on Singleton campus, or contact them here: PCSO Clive Dainton. Mobile: 07805 301691, Email: Clive.Dainton@south-wales.pnn.police.uk
• If you are aware of any fake profiles using your identity or your images, you should report these to the social network as fraudulent pages and they should then be removed.

Experian 
Callcredit 
Action Fraud or call 03001232040.

Victim Support

As an independent charity, Victim Support work towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and the respect they deserve. They  help people feel safer and find the strength to move beyond crime. The support is free, confidential and tailored to your needs. Check out their website for more information. You can also call the free information line on  08 08 16 89 111

Support within the University

Welfare@campuslife:

Welfare are a team within Campuslife whose aim is to improve the student experience in Swansea University. We work closely with staff in colleges, other support services within the university and external partners such as the Police and Public Health Wales to ensure that students receive the best support when they are experiencing welfare issues whilst studying. You may find it useful to take a look at our advice pages here

The Students Union Advice Centre 

The Students Union Advice and Support Centre gives free, independent, and confidential advice and representation to Swansea University students. Their service is run by experienced, friendly advisors who are available for private appointments during weekdays. You can contact them by emailing advice@swansea-union.co.uk

Listening Service

Faith@CampusLife's listening service offers a listening ear to whoever needs it – irrespective of religion, if any.  These chats can happen via phone or video calling, whichever you feel most comfortable using. If you would like to speak to a particular member of the team then please indicate who that is when you contact them. To access this service please contact listeningservice.campuslife@swansea.ac.uk