For parents
Starting university, staying safe.
WeOK is a free app for students at partner universities. It helps them agree boundaries before they meet someone, stay safer on the day, and find help fast. Here is what it does, and what it does not.
What it does
Before meeting someone, each person privately sets what they are comfortable with, and sees only what they both agree. On the day there are check-ins and a trusted contact. Either person can stop at any time, and help is right next to the stop button.
What you will not see
Students are adults, and WeOK is not a tracking or monitoring app. Parents cannot see anything a student agrees or does in the app, and nor can we or the university. Each record stays on the student's own phone.
If you are their trusted contact
A student can choose anyone they trust, and that might be you. If they miss a check-in, you will be alerted. Agree beforehand what you would do: call them, then a friend they are with, and 999 if you think they are in danger. If they think they have been spiked, one tap in the app alerts you too.
Talking about it
A few ways to start the conversation.
- Start with safety, not suspicion. Ask how their friends get home after a night out, rather than what they are doing.
- Mention WeOK as one option, not a rule. It only helps if they choose to use it.
- Make sure they know they can always call you, whatever has happened, and that you will help first and ask questions later.
- Remind them that if something happens that they did not want, it is never their fault, and they can get help whether or not they report it.
WeOK is not a contract and not proof of consent, and it never replaces support, reporting or the law.
Get help
If something has happened.
These services are free. Your child's university also has its own support and reporting service, which can help whether or not they decide to report.
For police or an ambulance in an emergency.
Free and confidential, by phone or online chat, for anyone aged 16 or over in England and Wales. Run by Rape Crisis England & Wales.
Every university in England must publish its policy on harassment and sexual misconduct, with its support and reporting contacts. Search the university's website for "report and support" or "sexual misconduct".
Free medical care and support after a rape or sexual assault, whether or not the person goes to the police. Search "SARC" on nhs.uk to find the nearest centre.