Digital Harm Brief: Shipping

Is your school dealing with 'shipping'? Read on for a school response to shipping. Download a lesson plan for use in class, and parent advice to share with your community.

What is ‘shipping’?

‘Shipping’ is a term used online to describe when people link two individuals together in a romantic or sexual relationship – whether or not those people are actually involved. It’s common in fan communities where characters are ‘shipped’ together, but the trend has spread into schools and social media platforms where young people ‘ship’ their classmates or teachers.

While it may sometimes start as a joke or playful interaction, ‘shipping’ can quickly cross boundaries. It often happens without the knowledge or consent of those being talked about, and this can cause embarrassment, discomfort, or lead to serious online harm.

What’s the harm?

For students, being the subject of ‘shipping’ can feel invasive and distressing. Young people may experience:

• Embarrassment or shame when personal rumours or content is shared online.
• Bullying and harassment if others amplify or mock the ‘ship.’
• Pressure to conform to relationships that aren’t real or wanted.
• Damage to reputation and friendships, especially if false stories are spread.

For teachers, ‘shipping’ can be especially harmful. When students ‘ship’ teachers with each other or with students, it creates inappropriate and unsafe narratives. This can impact professional reputations, trust, and wellbeing.

Even when intended as banter or fun, shipping can cause lasting harm – particularly in a school environment where safety, respect, and wellbeing should be prioritised.

What can schools do?

Schools play a crucial role in helping students understand the impact of digital behaviour. Here are some ways schools can respond:

• Educate students: Include lessons about online respect, digital citizenship, and the potential harms of shipping in the classroom.
• Set clear expectations: Incorporate guidelines about respectful online behaviour into school policies.
• Support affected students and staff: Provide safe spaces for students to share their experiences and ensure staff feel supported if they are targeted.
• Encourage reporting: Make sure students know how and where to report incidents.
• Work with parents and whānau: Keep families informed about digital trends and encourage open conversations at home.

By addressing ‘shipping’ directly, schools can help create an environment where young people understand the importance of consent, empathy, and respectful online interactions.

Need help?

If you, your students, or staff are experiencing issues with online harm such as ‘shipping,’ Netsafe can help. We provide free, confidential, and non-judgemental advice.

You can get in touch with us:

• Call toll-free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723) within New Zealand
• Call +6496660840 if calling from overseas
• Email [email protected](mailto:[email protected])
• Report online(https://report.netsafe.org.nz/)
• Text ‘Netsafe’ to 4282