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Whether it’s for a group assignment, a club, a sports team or a group of friends, group chats have become a normal part of university life.
They help us stay connected, organise plans and build community. But they can also become spaces where people feel excluded, uncomfortable or unsafe.
Everyone has a role to play in creating a safe and respectful Curtin community. As part of Respect Starts With You, respect is about how we treat others in every space — including online.
The same standards of respect that apply on campus also apply online.
What is digital respect?
Digital respect means communicating with others online in a way that is considerate, inclusive and respectful.
It involves thinking about how messages, images, jokes and comments may affect other people before sharing them.
Just because something happens online doesn’t mean it can’t have a real-world impact.
Respect Starts With You encourages us all to consider how our actions affect others and help create environments where everyone feels safe, valued and included.
When does a group chat cross the line?
Sometimes harmful behaviour can be obvious. Other times it can be dismissed as “just a joke” or “just how the group talks.”
Some examples include:
- Sharing offensive memes or content
- Making sexist, racist, homophobic or discriminatory comments
- Excluding someone from conversations or group activities
- Repeatedly targeting or mocking a person
- Sharing private information without permission
- Sending unwanted sexual content or messages
- Pressuring someone to engage in conversations they’re uncomfortable with
Even when behaviour isn’t intended to cause harm, it can still negatively affect others.
If something doesn’t feel right, you don’t need to ignore it or dismiss your concerns. Recognising harmful behaviour is an important first step in creating a more respectful community.
Why does digital respect matter?
Online spaces are part of our everyday lives.
When disrespectful behaviour goes unchecked, it can create environments where people feel isolated, anxious or unsafe.
Respectful digital communication helps create communities where everyone feels valued and included.
Small actions can make a big difference. Choosing respectful language, including others and speaking up when something isn’t right can help set the standard for what is acceptable.
What can you do if you witness harmful behaviour?
You don’t have to have all the answers to make a positive impact.
Depending on the situation, you might:
- Check in with the person affected
- Privately challenge harmful comments or behaviour
- Redirect the conversation
- Encourage respectful communication
- Report concerning behaviour if needed
Being an active bystander online can be just as important as being one in person.
Respect Starts With You means we all have a role in noticing when something isn’t right, supporting others and helping create safer spaces.
What if something in a group chat makes you uncomfortable?
If a conversation, message or interaction doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.
You don’t need to know whether something “counts” as harassment, bullying or misconduct before seeking support.
Support services can help you understand your options and talk through what happened.
Support is available
If something you’ve experienced online has affected your safety or wellbeing, you can speak with the Safer Community Team or Student Wellbeing Advisory Service.
You can seek advice, information and support without making a formal report.
Learn more about creating a safe and respectful community through Respect Starts With You, including information about support options and how to look out for others.
Get Support
Speak with the Safer Community Team or Student Wellbeing Advisory Service for advice, information and support.
If you have concerns about the safety, security or wellbeing of yourself or others, you can report an incident online, call the Safer Community Team on (08) 9266 4444, or if it is an emergency call 000 for immediate police or ambulance assistance.
If someone shares an experience with you
LISTEN without judgement.
SUPPORT their wellbeing and safety.
CONNECT them with support services:
- Safer Community Team – (08) 9266 4444
- Student Wellbeing Advisory Service – 1800 244 043
You don’t need to handle the situation alone, and neither do they.
Want to learn more about Respect Starts With You?
Watch our RSWY YouTube video that breaks down what RESPECT really looks like at Curtin.
