Crackdown on crush sites
GOLD Coast university students are using social media to anonymously harass and bully their peers.
On the pages titled BU Love Letters and Griffith Uni Crushes 2.0, students are posting graphic and borderline harassing comments on the site, towards their fellow students.
“To the girl in the Homicide lecture yesterday wearing that tight black denim skirt and a white shirt yesterday, all I can think about is you … I hope that skirt isn’t the only thing that’s tight. I’ll perform multiple homicides on you, (sic)” one post read.
Students face disciplinary action if they are found to be breaching
Bond and Griffith universities condemned the pages yesterday, with spokesmen saying the universities would either ask Facebook to shut them down or make a report to the social media giant.
The student association from both institutions declined university standards. to comment or did not return messages from the Bulletin.
It is understood a number of posts complain of standards being breached.
Bond student Bradley Evans spoke out about the BU Love Letters page and said some posts, especially those that identified students, could affect their mental health.
“It’s pages like these that are especially worrying,” Mr Evans said. “If there are selfconfidence or mental health issues involved, or if it digs up issues from someone’s past – it could still trouble them if mentioned.”
Griffth University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Debra Henly, said the university was committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment, both on campus and online.
“While the university cannot control these online forums, our students are bound by Griffith University’s Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Social Media Guidelines,” she said.
“Student misconduct and disciplinary proceedings may be imposed for any student found in breach of these behavioural standards.
“The university has zero tolerance for bullying and harassment and actively promotes healthy and respectful relationships through our Safe Campuses initiative.”
In a statement, Bond University said the site was not affiliated with the university and Bond had requested the page be shut down.
An admininstrator of the BU Love Letters said the page was just innocent fun.
“Anything that is harmful or offensive, or reveals too much detail, we won’t allow it on the page,” she said.