Online Safety and Cyberbullying Policy

Universal Institute Colombo is a fully online educational institution committed to providing a safe, respectful and secure learning environment for every student.

Many parents choose online education to protect the privacy, wellbeing and personal safety of their children. For this reason, Universal Institute Colombo maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards cyberbullying, online harassment, unauthorised communication and the misuse of student contact information.

Use of Class Groups and Contact Details

Class WhatsApp groups, online learning platforms and student contact details must be used only for authorised academic purposes.

Students must obtain prior approval from the relevant teacher or a Director of Universal Institute Colombo before privately contacting another student for any academic matter.

Student telephone numbers and personal details obtained through class groups must not be used for private, social or non-academic communication.

Prohibited Conduct

Students must not:

• Privately message, call or video-call another student without a genuine academic reason and prior approval.
• Collect, save, share or publish another student’s contact details or personal information without permission.
• Search for classmates on social media for the purpose of initiating unauthorised personal communication.
• Create unofficial WhatsApp groups, social-media groups or private chat groups using student contact details obtained through the Institute.
• Send repeated, unwanted, threatening, insulting, offensive, sexual or inappropriate messages.
• Pressure another student to become a friend, enter into a personal relationship, share photographs or continue an unwanted conversation.
• Engage in cyberbullying, intimidation, impersonation, blackmail, harassment or any behaviour intended to embarrass, frighten or distress another person.
• Use class groups for advertising, fundraising, political communication, religious promotion or any unrelated activity.
• Share photographs, videos, voice recordings, screenshots or private conversations involving another student without permission.

Legal Responsibility

Certain forms of online harassment, harmful communication and the unauthorised publication of private information may constitute offences under the laws of Sri Lanka, including the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, where applicable.

Universal Institute Colombo may preserve relevant evidence and refer serious matters to the appropriate authorities, including the Sri Lanka Police.

Complaints and Investigations

Any complaint regarding suspicious, inappropriate, threatening, harassing or unwanted communication will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.

The Institute may review relevant evidence, including:

• WhatsApp messages and call records
• Screenshots and screen recordings
• Voice messages
• Social-media communications
• Photographs and videos
• Statements from students, parents, guardians and teachers
• Records from online learning platforms

Students and parents are requested not to delete evidence relating to a complaint.

Disciplinary Action

Where a complaint is substantiated, Universal Institute Colombo may take one or more of the following actions:

• Issue a formal warning
• Remove the student from class groups or online platforms
• Suspend the student while the matter is investigated
• Cancel the student’s enrolment with immediate effect
• Permanently prevent the student from re-enrolling
• Inform the student’s parent or legal guardian
• Refer the matter to the relevant authorities

Where enrolment is cancelled due to serious misconduct, cyberbullying, harassment or unauthorised communication, admission fees, registration fees, class fees and other payments may not be refunded, subject to applicable law and the Institute’s terms and conditions.

Responsibility of Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to monitor their children’s online activities, messages, calls and social-media use.

Any suspicious, inappropriate or unwanted communication involving a Universal Institute Colombo student should be reported to the management immediately.

Students should not respond to threats, continue unwanted conversations or attempt to resolve serious incidents privately.

Our Commitment

Universal Institute Colombo is committed to protecting students and maintaining a safe, respectful and professional online learning environment.

All students, parents and guardians are expected to read, understand and comply with this policy.

Protect yourself. Respect others. Use all class contact information responsibly.

Universal Institute Colombo
Zero Tolerance for Cyberbullying and Online Harassment