{"id":52359,"date":"2026-08-12T17:54:27","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T17:54:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.augsburg.edu\/dean-of-students\/?page_id=52359"},"modified":"2026-08-12T17:54:27","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T17:54:27","slug":"responding-to-online-harassment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.augsburg.edu\/dean-of-students\/reporting\/responding-to-online-harassment\/","title":{"rendered":"Responding to Online Harassment"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many kinds of behaviors fall under the umbrella of online harassment, including include hate speech, trolling, hacking, message bombing, sexual harassment, doxxing, and cyberstalking. Experiencing online harassment can be frightening, isolating, and overwhelming.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Augsburg strives to provide a community that protects each student’s freedom to learn while honoring the fundamental rights of all. In keeping with Augsburg\u2019s mission and values, the university aims to create and maintain a respectful environment for members of the Augsburg community, including students, staff, faculty, and visitors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What to Know About Online Harassment<\/span><\/h2>\n

Online harassment can be intense but is often fleeting, particular via social media. However, the effects of harassment can persist well beyond the immediate episode, so it\u2019s important to seek support both during and after the experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you experience online harassment, your email, social media accounts, and contact information may be publicized. You can work with Augsburg\u2019s IT<\/a> and Marketing<\/a> and Communication departments to minimize information about you that is shared publicly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Responding to harassing messages tends to prolong and inflame incidents and may attract more attention than the original activity. Responding to a harasser isn\u2019t as satisfying as it may seem in the moment. \u201cDon\u2019t feed the trolls\u201d summarizes this best practice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you experience online harassment, you don\u2019t have to manage it alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Checklist: Responding to Online Harassment\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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  1. Assess immediate physical danger.<\/strong>\n