Online Harm

Where to find help at LSE and beyond

Online Harassment can affect anyone and it is never okay to make someone feel distressed or unsafe due to targeted behavior online. On this page you will find important information about how you can protect yourself, as well as where you can find support. 

What is Online Harm?

There are many different shapes of online harm, some of which include:

• Cyberbullying/harassment  
• Threats/blackmailing 
• Impersonation (someone pretending to be you online)
• Sharing private pieces of information online without your consent (ie, pictures, videos, your address, health and bank information)
• Being exposed to violent or distressing content online 

Anyone can be responsible, including your friends, family, romantic partner, or acquaintances. 

What do I do if this is happening to me?

LSE is committed to creating a safe environment for their students, both on campus and online. If you believe you are being affected by online harm, here are some steps you should take to help protect yourself: 

• Do not try to engage online or in person with the person you believe is responsible. 
• Ensure that you document everything. You can do this by taking screenshots, screen recordings and/or saving the messages being sent to you.
• Once you have saved everything, block the person harassing you to ensure they cannot continue to send you harmful content.
• Check your settings. Many apps will allow you to select who is allowed to send you content/messages.

For additional information, you can read LSE's page on online harassment.

Reporting the Behaviour 

There are a few ways you can go about reporting online harm: 

• In-app reporting of violations of community guidelines.
• Use the report and support platform at LSE. Whether you have experienced the harm or have witnessed it, this system allows you to ensure the behaviour is documented and LSE is made aware. 
• You can always report harmful behaviour happening online to the Police. Read up on additional information here. 
• There are also charities that exist in order to help you navigate online harm. Cybersmile provides trained advisors to help walk you through a wide range of online related issues, including online harm.