Handling Online Harassment

For many faculty who publish research or advocate on sensitive topics, there is potential to receive harassing or threatening messages via email or social media.  Below, please find suggested steps to take and additional support resources for handling these situations:

Email

• If you receive a harassing/threatening message via email, please save all text and images and share it with Dean Delva and SSW-MarCom.
  • We will notify and share the materials with:
    • BU PD, BU PR, BU DEI, BU EEO
    • If the content constitutes a threat, BU PD will follow up to collect any saved materials.
    • It’s best not to reply to the emails.

Social Media Accounts

• If you receive harassing or threatening messages through your social media accounts, please copy and save all content.
  • Notify SSW-MarCom, Dean Delva
  • We will notify BU PR (BU PD, if needed)
  • It’s best not to engage with the messages.
  • Make your account private.
  • In some cases, BU PR can monitor your social media channels for you, if needed.
  • BU PR has experience in this area and provides these tips for dealing with trolls.
  • Download this helpful PDF for dealing with social media trolls.

Note: If you have personal contact or home addresses on your CV on our website, please let us know and we will remove it and upload a new version without the identifying information.

Please don’t hesitate to contact SSW-MarCom with any questions on these topics, even if you are unsure if it is a cause for concern.