Moderation policy

Here at The Student Room, the UK's largest student website, we always try to make the community the best it can be. Whether you're here to use the site for fun, discussion, getting help or helping others, we want everyone to enjoy their time on the site and to be able to access quality information, help and advice from their peers.


In order for the site to run smoothly, and for everyone to get the most out of our community, the site has a moderation policy, which guides what is okay to post, and how we deal with things when they’re not.

How is the site moderated?

In order to safeguard the community we have a combined moderation system which involves the use of technology and human moderation. Our moderation team aims read and aim to act upon all inappropriate content reported to us within 24 hours. It is their role to ensure the community guidelines are upheld and to help the community when required. Rule-breaking content is identified in two ways - our automated filter system, and our community.

Our automated system works by identifying certain terms or phrases to be reviewed by our moderators (for example, ‘suicide’ or anything that looks like spam). We also use a self-activating swear filter.

Additionally, we rely heavily on our members to report content that could be deemed inappropriate or which breaks our community guidelines by bringing it to the attention of the Community Team.

How you can help us

User reporting: By using the report system, you make it easier for our moderators to remove inappropriate comments, ensuring a better forum experience for other users. You can find the report button in the top right of all threads, posts and private messages.

Set a good example: Help keep TSR friendly by using the site appropriately, being friendly, polite and helping out other people. Show people how to behave by being a useful member and contributing positively to the community.

Your agreement with us

Each member that uses the site is required to accept our Terms & Conditions and the site rules and guidelines. These have been created to ensure that we provide the best platform for students wishing to use the site. All users have a community record and we utilise a warning card system to let users know if they’ve done the wrong thing. However, we always reserve the right to end someone’s membership without warning if we believe you have broken our Terms & Conditions and site rules.

Sensitive topics

The Student Room aims to be a place where young people can discuss the things that are important to them, within a safe and supportive environment, and without driving these conversations underground. Moderation decisions on topics like the ones listed below are made on a case by case basis, always with the best interests of young people at heart.

Suicide and self harm

TSR wants to ensure that the health and well-being of the users that make up our community are a priority and users should not feel afraid to speak openly about topics of mental health. We work in partnership with relevant charities to ensure we are providing the best support to the community.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harming, know that there is help and you're not alone. Many people turn to suicidal ideation and self-harm as a way to cope. Talking to relevant services can help you identify healthy, effective coping strategies and develop skills to manage difficult feelings.

Posts containing self-harm or suicidal content will be flagged and removed from the public site. This is to both protect the original poster (OP) from unpleasant trolling or unsupportive content but to also support those who may find the content triggering. The OP will receive a PM explaining what has happened to their post and signposting them to relevant services.

The post may be moved back either with a little bit of editing or in its entirety. If your post cannot be made safe for the forum then it will be removed from the public forums.

If you come across any content that you feel is harmful please report it under 'mentions self-harm/suicide' the way you would normally. Don’t worry, this isn’t going to result in any sort of punishment for the OP.

We do not allow content depicting, promoting or glorifying activities that could lead to suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders. We also do not permit users to share content depicting them partaking in, or encouraging others to partake in, dangerous activities that may lead to serious injury or death.

Illegal substances or misuse of controlled substances

It’s important there’s a safe place for young people to talk about things like drugs, so this sort of discussion is not prohibited on The Student Room. It’s okay to ask questions about people’s experiences with drugs, side effects, and the risks involved. However, any discussions encouraging the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of controlled substances (like ‘study drugs’), or recommending where to buy them, will be subject to moderation and the poster warned appropriately.

Sex and sexual practices

It’s normal for young people to want to ask questions and talk about sex. In TSR’s health and relationships forums, users can post anonymously and ask the questions they might not be comfortable in real life. Please remember, if a user is asking about a medical concern, they should consult their doctor. Please avoid posting any medical advice. If you see anything that concerns you, please report to our moderation team who will review and act accordingly.

Gender, sexuality, race and religion

It’s okay to share your opinion respectfully. However, it’s never okay to make mean or discriminatory comments, taunt, intimidate or use inflammatory language. If you see anything which is against our community guidelines, please do not respond, just report to our moderation team who will make a judgement.

To read the community guidelines in more detail, please click here.