Why Students Don’t Report Campus Safety Concerns (Even When They Should)
It is important that students feel safe, supported, and empowered throughout their college experience, with a clear understanding of their rights and the resources available to help them succeed. When students experience situations that make them feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or harmed, colleges often provide reporting channels and support services to help. Yet, many students choose not to use these resources.
Why do students hesitate to report negative incidents? Here are 3 potential reasons:
1. Uncertainty
After an upsetting experience, students may be unsure whether what happened warrants a formal report. For example, a student who receives an inappropriate comment from a coach may question whether the behavior was serious enough to report. Self-doubt and concerns about “overreacting” can discourage students from seeking help or taking action.
2. Fear of Backlash or Retaliation
Students often want to avoid additional stress or negative consequences. If they worry that the person involved—such as a professor, coach, teaching assistant (TA), or fellow student—might retaliate, they may be reluctant to come forward. Concerns about damaged relationships, academic consequences, or social repercussions can create significant barriers to reporting.
3. Distrust in the Institution
Some students believe their college will not respond effectively to a report. If they doubt that their concerns will be taken seriously, investigated fairly, or resolved appropriately, the student may decide that reporting is not worth the effort or emotional burden.
Why Reporting Matters
Despite these obstacles, reporting can be an important option for students who experience discrimination, harassment, hazing, or any other violation of campus policy. Reporting may allow the institution to investigate the incident, address harmful behaviors, connect students with resources and accommodations, and prevent future harmful incidents.
For example, if a TA repeatedly makes sexually suggestive comments to a student, the student may feel forced to choose between enduring the behavior and avoiding class. By reporting the situation, the student may be able to access support services, request accommodations, or prompt an institutional response that helps address the problem and prevent the TA from causing further harm.
Reporting can feel intimidating, but every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported on campus. The uSafeUS® app simplifies access to a college’s customized reporting forms and brings together all campus resources in one centralized, easy-to-navigate place. It also provides clear, supportive guidance through FAQs that outline reporting options and offer information to help students decide whether submitting a report is the right choice for them.