Why Universities Should Be Friendly WiFi Certified: A Necessary Standard for Student Safety
The university experience is a transformative time in a young person’s life. For many students, it represents their first time living away from home, making important life decisions while navigating newfound independence. In this digital age, where connectivity is an essential part of daily life, universities have a duty of care to ensure that their online environments are as safe as their physical spaces.
That’s why Friendly WiFi certification should be standard practice for all universities.
1. Universities: A Digital Hub for Students at a Critical Life Stage
University students are some of the most active digital users, with studies showing:
✔ Virtually all students own a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, relying on university WiFi daily.
✔ They spend an average of 8-10 hours online per day for coursework, social interactions, and entertainment.
✔ University WiFi is accessed in halls of residence, libraries, lecture halls, and social spaces, increasing exposure to digital risks.
This period of personal development and decision-making makes students highly susceptible to online influences—some of which can be harmful. Universities have a responsibility to provide an environment that supports student well-being, including safeguarding them from inappropriate and dangerous online content.
2. The Dangers of Unfiltered University WiFi
Without appropriate filtering, students may be exposed to:
🔴 Explicit adult content – Risking exposure in communal areas and creating safeguarding concerns.
🔴 Radicalisation and extremist content – Vulnerable students can be targeted and influenced.
🔴 Illegal sites – Including dark web access, illicit activities, and unregulated gambling.
🔴 Cyber threats – Unsecured networks are a breeding ground for scams, phishing, and identity theft.
Universities are trusted institutions, and failing to protect students from these risks not only damages their reputation but also exposes them to legal liabilities. As Queen Mary University of London has demonstrated, taking proactive measures through Friendly WiFi certification is a responsible step forward.
3. Creating a Safe Yet Open Digital Environment
Some may argue that filtering restricts academic freedom, but Friendly WiFi certification does not certify the blocking of legitimate educational content—it simply certifies and checks that harmful and inappropriate material is blocked.
This means:
✔ Academic research remains fully accessible, ensuring students and staff can engage with relevant material.
✔ Universities mitigate reputational risks while demonstrating a proactive approach to safeguarding.
✔ Students have a safe and secure digital environment, both in study areas and halls of residence.
4. Protecting Student Well-Being & Mental Health
University can be a challenging time, and mental health issues among students are on the rise. Unregulated internet access can expose students to:
❌ Cyberbullying and online harassment.
❌ Gambling and addiction risks.
❌ Harmful communities promoting self-harm, eating disorders, or extremism.
By implementing Friendly WiFi certification, universities actively contribute to creating a visibly supportive environment where students can focus on their studies without being exposed to harmful digital influences.
5. Leading the Way in Digital Responsibility
The best universities are forward-thinking, recognising the role of technology in modern education while prioritising student safety. Queen Mary University of London has set a strong example by becoming Friendly WiFi certified, demonstrating:
📌 A commitment to digital safeguarding.
📌 A trusted and secure online infrastructure.
📌 A proactive approach to student protection and responsible internet practices.
Friendly WiFi certification is not just about filtering—it’s about setting a new standard for digital responsibility in higher education. Universities that embrace this initiative will be seen as leaders in student welfare and online safety.
6. A Simple Process with a Fixed Cost
Becoming Friendly WiFi certified is a straightforward process, and if your university’s WiFi network does not currently meet the recommended filtering standards, we can help you implement the necessary changes.
With a fixed low annual cost, certification is a cost-effective and essential step towards safeguarding students and staff online.
Conclusion: It’s Time for All Universities to Act
Universities are places of learning, growth, and opportunity, and ensuring a safe digital environment must be a priority. The online world presents risks, but Friendly WiFi certification is a simple and effective way to show that students are protected while maintaining academic freedom.
By becoming Friendly WiFi certified, universities show they:
✅ Protect students from harmful content.
✅ Promote responsible digital use and student well-being.
✅ Demonstrate leadership in online safeguarding.
This is not a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. In the same way universities prioritise physical security, digital safety should be treated with the same level of urgency.
It’s time for universities to make Friendly WiFi certification a standard practice.
Would you like to learn more about getting your university certified? Get in touch today, request a formal quotation and next steps!
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