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7 Cups Behavior Reporting Process & Tracking - Updated Version
by ASilentObserver
Last post
3 days ago
...See more All, The post below outlines an updated behavior reporting process! We had originally launched this in 2016 and we are now updating it and re-emphasizing it as we move forward. Our objective to streamline the process and keep you well informed. Not many people struggle with a number of behavior points, but for people that do, we want to ensure that you can take steps to improve your behavior and be part of the community. We are figuring out the best ways to manage unhelpful & un-supportive behaviors on 7 Cups. Once you have reviewed the entire post, please ask any questions or share your constructive thoughts. This process is designed to provide you an opportunity to improve. We do not have any intentions to punish anyone but we do need to keep people accountable for their behavior. It is your community and how you behave, impacts it as well. Our purpose is to provide a better help & support and compassionate environment to all. We all want to be part of a community that fosters high warmth and high expectations. It is the best way to lead a community because everyone deserves support and compassion. Growing a plant, for example, requires a lot of effort, care, and the right treatment. Not every plant growth is similar but the basic process is somewhat the same. Suitable environment, the right proportion of soil, water, sunlight. Knowing the right conditions is significant for a seed to grow into a beautiful plant. Similarly for a community: If you have high warmth but low expectations, then structure or its culture is low. If you have low warmth and high expectations, then it has a structure, but limited reliability and safety. If you have low warmth and low expectations, then neither has a structure nor culture. If you have high warmth and high expectations, it has structure and reliability and safety. So here we are focused on providing both so that the community can have increased trust, support, culture, safety, and compassion. A few points to keep in mind when reading the below: * We believe in second chances. We know and understand no one is perfect and can improve. But, we need to understand when you have an opportunity to improve, you strive to improve and show that you improved. Value the opportunities you have. * We believe in inclusivity. We welcome all constructive feedback. Because we are also not perfect and striving to improve. Feedback is a two-way process. Ensure to provide feedback in a compassionate, constructive, and respectful manner. * We believe in accountability. Everyone is responsible and accountable for their actions. Because action has a reaction and impacts someone. We are in a community setup, so how you act impacts community activities. If you are supportive, the activities flow in a positive way. If you act unsupportive, the activity flow gets interrupted. * We believe transparency is helpful. As a community member, it is your right to know what is happening with the reports and how it gets processed. So, we want to provide better transparency in our actions in this system. However, there are also natural limitations too. We will not be able to share or disclose in detail with the community at large things that are happening on an individual basis. Because a wise person said, Praise in public, criticize in private. We want to give everyone a second chance to improve and feel encouraged to improve. The below behavior rating system has been specifically designed to meet the community's needs. We considered all inputs and tried to include all that was feasible to add. As you review this post, please remember this is a work in progress and always be updated as per the community's needs. Please share all constructive feedback, inputs, and ideas on what is missing or what does not make sense and what can be done. Introduction The aim of this guide is to provide information and to help you understand how the Behavioral Points System would work. What is the Behavioral Rating System? It is a process we would be used to assign points based on the infractions they did in the community at a point in time. Every time, they commit a violation, they will be getting points assigned and informed through email so they know what violations they did, and what points assigned to them for the violations. So they can have the opportunity to learn from the mistakes they made and improve. But if they do not improve and they cross the threshold, they will face consequences. This is modeled after other point systems like having a driving license in the US. If a person drives in a safe and smart manner (they are a good member), then they will receive no points. If they drive through stop signs, then they get a point. If they drive dangerously, then they get more points. If a person accrues enough points, then they are required to go to driving school. If they still do not improve then they can lose their license and no longer drive. It is a systematic process where all reports will be included for a user. How does it work? * The system will be applicable to both listeners and members. * Each behavior report or flagged forum thread will be evaluated using the below point criteria. Points are cumulative. * Each point expires 6 months after it was earned. * If no reports within three months from the date of action, an 80% reduction in the points. Note: One can be able to apply for a leadership role. This includes Mentor roles, teen star, group mod, peer support, and project agent roles. * If zero reports within a month from the date of action, 40% reduction in the behavior score. Applicability of the system: The process will be applicable moving forward. It won't consider past reports. Except for the reports which are severe. It will be up to the Community Management Teams' decision for those reports. How reports are filed? Reports filed via specific behavior reports: The incoming report will be reviewed by the concerned team. It will be reviewed for accuracy and if one of the below behaviors is identified the following actions will be taken: The authority sends a warning message to the reported user letting them know about the report. If the user would like to provide their side of the story, they will be invited to do that. Point(s) will be assigned if the user assumes responsibility for the action and agrees that it happened. The authority will let the user know the point has been assigned. If the user does not accept responsibility for the behavior and the evidence that the behavior did occur is clear, point(s) will be assigned. It is requested of all reporters that they submit relevant screenshots to prove their accusations for a user. All points will be tallied and tracked on the community management team's backend panel. Dates will be logged to monitor the timing. Please click here for more information on how to provide constructive feedback. [https://www.7cups.com/forum/SafetyKnowledgeat7Cups_181/CommunityGuidelines_1374/KeepingForumsWelcomingandSupportiveForumGuidelinesUpdate_229098/1/#2446886] You can learn more about triangulation here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ListenersOnlyForums_38/LaurasOffice_169/WhatisTriangulation3StepstoAvoidingStoppingitfromhappeninginthecommunity_35107/1/] Learn more about rumors spreading here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/TeensOnlyClub_123/IarasStation_590/RumorsandGossipHowtoprotectourcommunityfromsuchbehaviorMemberSideedition_39670/]. Learn what open communication is here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/SafetyKnowledgeat7Cups_181/Guidesonhowtomanagesituationson7cups_1059/OpenCommunicationTipsTricks_26627/1/]. Important Notes: � All the behaviors identified above are common behavior identified in the specific areas. Though, if the same behavior is found in other parts of the community as well, the points and consequences will be applicable. Zero Points Behavior. They are applicable for the first instance only. If the behavior continues, the points will be assigned according to the severity of the reported behavior. Except for a few specific behaviors that are subjected only to listeners. All other behaviors are subject to both listeners and members of the community. Adult Teen Listeners- In case of violations, the badge and access will be removed instantly. Below you will find the corresponding consequences of the above behaviors. Red Flag Offenses: � Forum Spam - If you are repeatedly spamming the forums with inappropriate content or advertisements you or your account may be removed Post inappropriate or graphic pictures, your account will be removed Sexting and/or repeatedly sexting (after a given warning not to) will result in account removal Underage or in the wrong age community (you must be 15 to be a listener & 13 to be a member) Red Flag Consequences: Immediate removal from 7 Cups community Protocol on Getting Support from a community leader: If you are having a problem, you may approach a community leader for support on how to manage that situation. However, please refrain from telling them specific details. As a general rule when communicating with community leaders: we should avoid using names and specific details about a person or a given situation. For example, if you are having a conflict with another listener. You could go to the community leader and say I am struggling with a difficult situation. Could you give me some tips on how to use conflict resolution? In this example, no specific details are mentioned, but you are still able to ask for help as you work through a difficult situation. Footnote: The protocols are similar to earlier ones and shared from the previous update with few changes. Updated the constructive feedback point in accordance with the new forum guideline [https://www.7cups.com/forum/SafetyKnowledgeat7Cups_181/CommunityGuidelines_1374/KeepingForumsWelcomingandSupportiveForumGuidelinesUpdate_229098/1/#2446886] on Sep 23, 2020 - Hope Link here to Heather's clarification post on BPS https://www.7cups.com/forum/SiteUpdates_100/HsHangout_1970/SomeclarificationonLLReports_230570/ Guidelines with better view available in the Community Guidelines page, Click here [https://www.7cups.com/community-guidelines/7-Cups-Behavioral-Points-System-70ccca9adfef4babba74119da05a91d4] [edited by MistyMagic to remove scripts and add in H's post 30 Oct 2020]
Heather225 profile picture
Apply for the Safety Patrol Team! (Now Open to Listeners and Members)
by Heather225
Last post
August 20th
...See more Are you passionate about our community? Are you always looking out for the safety of others? We are looking for dedicated community members to scan for inappropriate profiles and flag them so they can be removed quickly and efficiently from the site! We are very excited to announce that members can now join the team! Here’s what being on the Safety Patrol looks like:: - Scan the browse listeners page [https://www.7cups.com/BrowseListeners/] daily and flag any inappropriate profiles - Scan the general request queue daily for inappropriate profiles - Scan forums or group rooms for inappropriate profiles - Be proactive to help flag any profile you have seen anywhere that is inappropriate How do we know if it's inappropriate? - Sexual or graphic profile picture - Sexual or graphic username - Sexual or graphic bio text - Profile bio text sharing social media handles, email Id..etc. Prerequisites & Expectations: ✓ Listeners: You must be a Verified Listener [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ListenerLearningJourney_149/VerifiedListenersProject_1839/IWanttobeaVerifiedListener_46935/1/] ✓ Members: You must be a part of the community for at least one month (no longer have the Newbie badge) ✓ You must be active on 7 Cups a few times a week (roughly an hour minimum) ✓ You will be required to read a document on best practices [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vBXLvo7gLMewIM1lhnZ2g8MXAnq4sMwxqXgxzTJCDos/edit] and pass a test to prove your knowledge. ✓ Once you have read the guide in full and understand the material, apply and take the test here. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiPkuyjGZs7x2NY5b1tgkO5QoRRiXzFFobMpHiWthKUxgaKg/viewform] Primary Points of Contact Team Leader: Rebekah Thank you so much for your interest in keeping 7 Cups a safe and supportive place! [ Updated by Rebekah on 4th January 2023 to display newer guide. ] [ Updated by Rebekah on 25th February 2026 to amend the leaders list. ]
Heather225 profile picture
Community Safety Awareness: Listener Conduct, Soliciting & Offsite
by Heather225
Last post
August 11th
...See more Hi everyone, Your safety, privacy, and trust are the most important things to us at 7 Cups. You come here for a safe, supportive space to be heard, and we are committed to protecting that. We want to post a critical reminder about the rules our volunteer Listeners must follow. This is to ensure every member knows what to expect and what is never acceptable. Listeners are volunteers. Support is always free. 7 Cups Listeners are volunteers. They are here to provide empathetic listening and support, and they are never paid for their time. * A Listener should NEVER ask you for money, donations, or payment of any kind. * Listeners are strictly prohibited from soliciting or promoting any personal, paid services (e.g., "I am a therapist, here is my link, my sessions cost $X"). To protect your privacy and safety, all conversations with Listeners should stay on the 7 Cups platform. * Listeners are not permitted to ask you to move the conversation to an off-site, personal platform (like  Tele*gram WhatsApp,, social media accounts, or personal email). * If a Listener sends you a personal link to chat elsewhere, do not click it. This is a serious violation of our guidelines. Listeners are trained to listen. They are not therapists or healthcare professionals.  * A Listener's role is to listen, not to give diagnoses, medical advice, or tell you what to do. * Offering their own paid therapy service (as mentioned in point #1) is a severe violation of this boundary and our community's trust. If a Listener ever does any of the following: * Asks you for money or payment. * Tries to sell you a personal, paid service (like therapy or coaching). * Sends you a link to chat on a personal, off-site platform  Please take these steps immediately: * Do not click any personal links, disclose any of your personally identifying information (including your social media), or send money. * Report the Listener: Use our Helpdesk HERE [https://help.7cups.com/hc/en-us/requests/new/]. Make sure to add screenshots when submitting your report so the team has evidence to corroborate the report and take appropriate action. It's also important to understand that these rules are fundamental community guidelines. As such, they apply to members too. Review the Community Guidelines for all users to abide by HERE. [https://www.7cups.com/community-guidelines/] ------------------------- Thank you for helping us uphold these core principles and safeguard the 7 Cups experience for everyone!
carrotgoosoup profile picture
Mods are Human
by carrotgoosoup
Last post
September 8th
...See more Hello wonderful friends! I hope you all are well as we're entering September 🌞🌻 It's time for another safety discussion and today's topic is: 💁Mods are Human🧕 Why talk about mods being human? We can forget that 7 Cups moderators are actual humans and not another bot on the internet 🤖. Moderators, or mods, are one of the essential roles in 7 Cups that support structure and safety. Knowing moderator roles and responsibilities and reviewing that they are people too, can help everyone know how to access support and treat moderators as fellow human beings 💗. A unique aspect of 7 Cups is that we are all humans (okay, except for Noni). All moderators and listeners are real people behind a screen. A human touch 🫶 on 7 Cups means that moderators bring in active listening skills, empathy, and consideration to both listeners and members. Alright, what do moderators do? These are some of the many things moderators do: * Monitor conversations in chatrooms to make sure they are respectful and safe 👀 * Addressing any harmful (e.g. offensive content, harassment) chats through warnings, muting, or deleting messages 🙅 * Encourage engaging conversations in support rooms 🗣 * De-escalate conflicts in group support chat 🤝 * Opening and closing special chatroom spaces 🚪 What kind of moderators are there? There are four types of moderators! All moderators: * Encourage safety and a positive environment in group rooms  * Open & close discussion pop-up rooms.  * Use moderator tools as needed to ensure safety in rooms 🦋Community-Centered Moderators: These moderators can moderate 1-2 chatrooms based on their subcommunity group. 👥Community Moderators: These moderators are paid and employed by 7 Cups to make sure there is coverage in support rooms at all times. They are identifiable through their username: they have the term mod in their name such as "CommunityModJennie", "CommunityModLucy", and "CommunityModIris."  🌏Global Moderators: These moderators can moderate every group room (excluding listener rooms). 👂Listener Chatroom Moderators: These moderators can moderate in listener specific rooms. They are identifiable in a chatroom when they have a “mod” label under their username and a mod badge in their profile. What are some things I can ask a moderator? Here are some example questions you can reach out to a moderator about: 1. "I'm hosting a game for listeners in the Listener Community Room in half an hour. Could you please open the room for me when you have time?" 🙂 2. "Help! There is an argument happening in (room). Could you please help de-escalate the situation?" 😱 3. "Oops. I accidentally pasted personal information into the group chat in (room). It was a complete mistake. Can you please remove that information?" 😥 What does this mean for me as a member or a listener? 1. Ask for help from a mod if you're encountering a situation in a room ✋ 2. Take time when talking with a mod, as if you're speaking to another person (because you are!) 🌟  3. Treat mods with respect and love (and thank them for their help!) 🥰 Helpful Links: Group Support Moderator role: https://www.7cups.com/forum/groupmod/Archives_1890/GroupSupportModeratorRole_33260/ Community Mod Schedule: https://www.7cups.com/forum/groupmod/CommunityModeratorsLounge_2143/CommunityModSchedule_318786/ Questions to Consider 🦺 1. How can I remind myself that mods are human too? 2. How has a mod helped me recently (without mentioning usernames)?
Rebekah profile picture
Sharing Photos of Ourselves Online
by Rebekah
Last post
August 29th
...See more Hi everyone! I hope you've all been well 🌟 it's already the end of August. We're almost in the last third of 2026?! It's time for another safety forum discussion -- our topic today is sharing photos of ourselves online 📸 ------------------------- Why might people like sharing photos of themselves online? We do this for various reasons, including: * Self-expression 🌈 * Seeking validation 💙 * Connecting with others 🗣️ * Opportunity for positive feedback ✅ * Showcase interests/hobbies 🎨 * Boost self-esteem 💹 Sharing personal images allows us to present our identity, share experiences, or capture moments we feel proud of. What impact does the constant sharing of photos have on our self-esteem and body image?Constantly sharing photos on social media can have both positive and negative effects on self-esteem and body image. On the negative side, it often leads to social comparison, where individuals feel inadequate compared to idealized images, and the pressure to conform to beauty standards can result in body dissatisfaction 💔 Fear of judgment and reliance on likes for validation can lower self-worth. However, on the positive side, sharing photos can also serve as a form of self-expression and empowerment, especially when receiving support and positive feedback. Overall, how photo-sharing impacts self-esteem depends on how one engages with and perceives social media 📱 What are some of the potential risks or drawbacks of sharing photos online? Unfortunately, there are many risks posed here. For example: * Privacy can be infringed upon 🔏 * Our identities may get stolen 🪪 * Our photos may be misinterpreted (and might damage our reputation) 📉 * Photos may get shared to 3rd parties we don’t consent to 👥 * We could experience trolling, negative comments, or harassment ❌💬 How can we use social media to promote positive body image and self-acceptance? We can focus on following and sharing content that celebrates diversity in body types, looks, and identities, showcasing real, unfiltered images that emphasize authenticity over perfection. Supporting body-positive influencers and movements, engaging with communities that focus on self-love and mental health, and sharing personal stories of self-acceptance can help shift the narrative away from unrealistic beauty standards. Additionally, being mindful of the content we consume and setting boundaries around social media use can reduce negative comparisons and foster a healthier relationship with our bodies ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤍🖤🤎 Useful Links 🦺 Do You Think Online Anonymity Is Important? [https://www.7cups.com/forum/safe7cups/SafetyAwareness_2705/WeeklyPrompt1Doyouthinkthatonlineanonymityisimportant_310998/] Privacy Settings [https://www.7cups.com/forum/safe7cups/SafetyDiscussions_2702/PrivacySettings_380373/] Questions To Consider… * How can we protect ourselves and our privacy when sharing photos online? * What are your tips for becoming mindful of sharing photos online?
Rebekah profile picture
ATL Responsibilities
by Rebekah
Last post
August 19th
...See more Hi, everyone! Welcome to our forum discussion on the responsibilities of ATLs. You may be wondering, what is an ATL? Is it contagious? Good questions! In this post, I’ll answer these questions, maybe cause new ones to arise, and hopefully educate everyone about the importance of both being responsible as an ATL, and what the role entails. What is an ATL? An ATL (stands for adult-teen listener), is a listener who can support both adults and teens. These listeners are all over the age of 18, but have been through an interview with a highly experienced listener, and go through a background check (if they reside in the USA). The role is to be a listener for the teen side along with the adult side 🌟 What should an ATL be like? An ATL should be professional but approachable, and prioritise teen safety. They should be familiar with how teens act and behave, what works for them in terms of support, know the differences between how to talk with adults VS teens, and understand that the atmospheres in the chat rooms are not the same. Key Differences Between Teen and Adult Sides An adult listener is a bit more formal and professional *generally*, you could say. On the other hand, when interacting with teens, ATLs are often more laid back and casual (for example, more use of emojis, perhaps) so they can be approached for support without much hesitation from teens. Obviously, we should be professional with teens (if not even more so with them than with adults). It’s important to note that professionalism isn’t all about correct spelling, grammar, punctuation etc. -- it is about how we conduct ourselves as listeners. See this resource for further information! –--> http://bit.ly/2OwzU6Q [http://bit.ly/2OwzU6Q]  [http://bit.ly/2OwzU6Q] Inappropriate Behaviour… Behaviour by ATLs that is inappropriate includes, but is not limited to: * Offsite contact * Flirting * Unprofessionalism * Asking for peer/chat/personal support from a teen user * Encouraging rule breaking Useful Links 🦺 * Learn more about being an ATL! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/agingup/AdultTeenListenerProgram_2487/BecomeAnAdultTeenListenerATLSupportTheTeenCommunity_292412/] * Why offsite contact is dangerous [https://www.7cups.com/forum/safe7cups/Part3InformationResoucesUpdatesStation_1371/MyExperienceswithOffsiteContact_317308/] Questions To Consider… * If you’re an adult… * Would you ever want to become an ATL, and why? * How do you think an ATL can ensure quality listening and support teen members? * If you’re a teen… * How are you feeling about chatting with ATLs now? * What can ATLs do to be more approachable?
Rebekah profile picture
Mob Mentality
by Rebekah
Last post
August 11th
...See more Hello everyone! 🌞 It's time for our July forum safety discussion. This month's topic? Mob Mentality 👥 What's 'mob mentality'? Mob mentality is when individuals in a group adopt behaviors or beliefs based on the influence of the larger crowd. In a mob, people tend to follow the group's actions, driven by strong emotions like fear or excitement, and may act in extreme or irrational ways. The anonymity of the crowd reduces personal accountability, leading to behavior that would be unlikely if acting alone ❌ Oh, okay. How does that happen? Several factors contribute to mob mentality, including: Anonymity, which reduces personal accountability and encourages more extreme behavior 🥸 Conformity plays a role, as individuals tend to follow the crowd to fit in, even if it goes against their values 😶‍🌫️ De-individuation leads to a loss of self-awareness and personal responsibility, making people more impulsive 👥 Peer pressure pushes individuals to act in line with the group, and a lack of authority can lead to chaotic behavior due to the absence of guidance or oversight 🗣️ These factors together make individuals more likely to engage in behavior they wouldn't consider on their own 🧍 How can we prevent mob mentality? We can do a few things! * Maintaining critical thinking and self-awareness 🤔💭 * Resisting peer pressure 🗣️❌ * Staying true to personal values 🙌 * Encouraging empathy 💙 How can we foster a culture of respect and tolerance?  Fostering a culture of respect and tolerance begins with promoting open dialogue, empathy, and understanding across different groups 🗣️💭 Encouraging individuals to actively listen to one another, rather than reacting impulsively or judgmentally, can help bridge divides 🗣️💙 Education is key—teaching people about diversity, inclusion, and the value of differing perspectives from an early age can lay the foundation for a more tolerant society 📚 Creating environments where respectful disagreement is welcomed, and conflict resolution skills are prioritized, can prevent the escalation of tensions and the formation of harmful group dynamics like mob mentality 🧑‍🤝‍🧑💙 Useful Links 🦺 Inclusivity [https://www.7cups.com/forum/groupmod/General_2446/Inclusivity_372024/] Say No to Cliques! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/listenerjourney/ListenerChatroomsInformation_2144/ListenerChatroomsSayNotoCliques_279957/]
Rebekah profile picture
Inclusivity Within the 7 Cups Community
by Rebekah
Last post
June 30th
...See more Hello everyone! It's that time of the month again (thankfully not the one involving blood) for a safety discussion! 🦺💙 Today's topic is... inclusivity within the 7 Cups community! 🌟 Wait... what's inclusivity, is that even a word? 🤔 According to my built-in spellchecker, 'inclusivity' is not a word 👀 In my own thoughts, an inclusive community is one that is respectful and supportive of all different people, regardless of: * Skin colour 🧑🧑🏻🧑🏼🧑🏽🧑🏾🧑🏿 * Sexual orientation 🏳️‍🌈 * Gender identity 🏳️‍⚧️ * Religious beliefs ✝️✡️🕉️☸️☪️ A truly inclusive community would be one that strives to achieve the above. That sounds lovely! What stops us from being like that? Unfortunately, there are a few barriers... * Lack of group/individual representation * Microaggressions * Unconscious bias Wait, what's that last one? 🤔 Unconscious bias? Glad you asked! This term generally refers to actions or thoughts we have that are ignorant to the situation. For example, an unconscious bias we may have is that certain genders are best suited to a job based on stereotypes or limited (mis)information. We all have biases! Okay... well can 7 Cups ensure that everyone has equal opportunities and resources? Good news! 7 Cups can ensure those! By: * Offering accessible support options ✅ * services in multiple languages ✅ * resources for individuals with disabilities ✅ * ensuring platform is user-friendly for everyone ✅ * Creating a diverse and inclusive support network ✅ * recruit listeners from varied backgrounds ✅ * resources in multiple languages/formats ✅ * Affordable services ✅ * free or sliding-scale options for users with financial constraints ✅ * Prioritize confidentiality and respect ✅ * Regularly solicit feedback from users ✅ Useful Links 🦺 Practicing Inclusivity [https://www.7cups.com/forum/groupmod/General_2446/Inclusivity_372024/] Respect, Tolerance, Inclusivity [https://www.7cups.com/forum/welcome/CommunityGuidelinesandProtocol_446/RespectToleranceandInclusivity_318558/] Questions To Consider… 1. What does inclusivity mean to you? 2. How can individuals recognize and address their own biases?
Rebekah profile picture
Internet Etiquette
by Rebekah
Last post
June 18th
...See more Hi everyone! Is it just me, or is it super hot right now?! At least in the majority of Europe ☀️ As you may have guessed, yes -- it's time for another forum safety discussion! Today's topic... internet etiquette! 🤔 what is that? Good question! Internet etiquette is essentially the way we behave online. It definitely includes being polite and having good manners, but it also includes being safe, and knowing how to be. It’s similar to having a set of guidelines for how we behave online. Hm, okay! What are a few good safety rules for the internet? Some examples would include: * not giving personal information ❌ * being careful with what information we share 💬 * being hesitant to click on links 🖱️ * using unique passwords 🔢 * having anti-virus software (Malwarebytes or Microsoft Defender for desktop) 🛡️ * being mindful of what photos we share online 🖼️ How can we avoid being in a potentially unsafe situation, using internet etiquette? From a 7 Cups perspective, we can avoid danger by: * using usernames that are not affiliated with any other site 🌐 * not using ourselves as a profile picture 🥸 * not sharing personal information ❌ * being respectful to all other users 🗣️ What can you do if for any reason you feel unsafe, both in general and on 7 Cups? Who can you contact? 7 Cups: * Safety Contacts: Rebekah, Heather225, Bookworm4 * Mods in the case of rooms * Helpdesk Real life: * Tell a family member, a trusted friend, someone at work, a member of law enforcement, or anonymously through text, such as on public transport. Useful Links 🦺 Internet Safety Tips [https://www.7cups.com/forum/safe7cups/TeenSafety_2661/InternetSafetyTips_149696/] Safer Internet Pledge [https://www.7cups.com/forum/safe7cups/MiscellaneousStuffs_2704/SafeInternetPledge_35682/] Questions To Consider… * What can you do if for any reason you feel unsafe, both in general and on 7 Cups? Who can you contact? * What can 7 Cups do better to keep everyone safe?
Rebekah profile picture
Privacy Settings
by Rebekah
Last post
April 25th
...See more Hello everyone! Somehow, it is already April 😬 feels like it should still be February or very early March, at least for me. It's time for another forum safety discussion! Today's topic is privacy settings. This is a relatively short one! Okay... what are privacy settings? 🤔 Privacy settings are controls on your phone, computer, apps, or websites that let you choose what personal information you share and who can see it. What kinds of stuff does it manage? 📝 * Location 🏖️ * Camera 📸 * Contacts 📓 * Photos 📱 * Browsing activity 🖱️ * General profile details 💬🗨️ They sound important! ‼️ They most certainly do, because they are! In simple terms, privacy settings help protect your personal data and give you more control over your online life. It's essential to know what your settings are at all times! Useful Links 🦺 Online Safety and Privacy [https://www.7cups.com/forum/safe7cups/InformationResources_1371/OnlineSafetyandPrivacyPSA_319177/] Privacy Settings [https://ico.org.uk/switched-on-to-privacy/choosing-settings/privacy-settings/] Questions To Consider… * Have you ever had to change your privacy settings because of someone else’s behaviour? * How do you feel about apps requesting access to things they don’t seem to need?
Rebekah profile picture
Good Communication
by Rebekah
Last post
March 25th
...See more Hi, everyone! Welcome to another forum discussion. This one is on good communication across the site 🦺 What is Good Communication? Good communication involves actively listening to others, ensuring that everyone feels heard. It also means expressing oneself honestly but thoughtfully, avoiding misunderstandings or confusion. Additionally, good communication encourages openness and the willingness to ask questions or seek clarification when needed, fostering a sense of connection and mutual respect. Possibly the most important aspect of communication is active listening, which is about understanding the speaker’s message, emotions, and intent. When we actively listen, we show empathy, respect, and validation for the other person’s perspective. It creates a space for open dialogue and helps prevent misunderstandings. By giving our full attention, asking clarifying questions, and responding thoughtfully, we build trust and strengthen connections. Ultimately, active listening lays the foundation for effective and meaningful communication. How do you handle communication challenges, like misunderstandings or conflicts? * remain calm and open * manage emotions and avoid reacting impulsively  * use “I” statements instead of blaming or accusing helps * acknowledge all emotions involved * seek common ground What are some ways in which we can facilitate safe communication? * use clear and simple language * actively listen * confirm understanding * encourage open feedback * create a culture where concerns are addressed without fear How can we encourage good communication between users on 7 Cups? We can focus on creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment. Start by promoting active listening, where users truly focus on each other's thoughts and feelings without interrupting. Encourage empathy by reminding users to be patient, non-judgmental, and understanding of others’ experiences. It’s also important to provide clear, kind, and constructive feedback to foster a positive atmosphere. Users should be reminded to use positive language and ask clarifying questions when needed to avoid misunderstandings. Useful Links 🦺 Communication Skills [https://www.7cups.com/forum/idg/CollaboratingSocialSkills_2639/CommunicationSkills_359840/] "I" Statements [https://www.7cups.com/forum/idg/CollaboratingSocialSkills_2639/CommunicationIStatements_319390/] Questions To Consider… * Have you tried any techniques to improve your communication? How did they work for you? * Have there been times where communication has not gone well for you? How did you rectify it?
Rebekah profile picture
Cyberbullying
by Rebekah
Last post
February 25th
...See more Hi, everyone! It's been a while since our last forum-based Safety Discussion 😅 Hope you're all doing well! This discussion will be on Cyberbullying. What is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is the act of using digital platforms, such as social media, websites, or messaging apps, to harass, intimidate, or harm others. Unlike traditional bullying, cyberbullying can occur 24/7 and often reaches a wider audience, making it harder for the victim to escape. The impact of cyberbullying can be severe, leading to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and even self-harm in extreme cases. What does it involve? It involves: * Sending hurtful messages 💬 * Spreading rumours 🗣️ * Sharing embarrassing photos or videos 📲 * Engaging in other forms of online abuse 💥 What are some signs that someone might be experiencing cyberbullying? There are a number of indicators: * Sudden changes in behaviour * Becoming withdrawn * Anxious * Depressive * Avoid using their devices/social media * Express fear about going online * Experience drops in academic/work performance * Trouble sleeping * Low self-esteem What are the long-term effects of cyberbullying on mental health? They can be profound and lasting. Victims may experience chronic anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which can persist long after the bullying stops. The emotional distress caused by online harassment can lead to social withdrawal, difficulty trusting others, and a fear of further online interactions. In severe cases, it may contribute to suicidal thoughts or self-harm. The constant feeling of being under attack can also affect academic or professional performance, and interfere with the development of healthy relationships. Long-term, these impacts can shape an individual’s sense of identity and mental well-being for years to come 🙁 How can social media platforms and online communities (including 7 Cups) help prevent or reduce cyberbullying? They can help prevent or reduce cyberbullying by: * Implementing stricter content moderation policies * Providing tools for users to report bullying * Promoting positive online behaviour They could also use AI and human moderators to detect harmful content and quickly remove it (we have human mods only). Platforms can also offer privacy settings that give users control over who can contact them, limiting exposure to potential bullies. Additionally, social media companies can provide educational resources and awareness campaigns about the consequences of cyberbullying and encourage a culture of respect. Creating safe spaces for open discussions about online harassment can also help reduce stigma and provide support for victims 💙 Useful Links 🦺 Cyberbullying & Traditional Bullying [https://www.7cups.com/forum/safe7cups/BullyingCyberbullying_1370/CyberbullyingvsTraditionalBullyingIsEitherWorse_180781/] Handling Cyberbullying [https://www.7cups.com/forum/teens/BullyingPeerPressure_1169/Cyberbullyingandhowtohandleit_199633/] Questions to Consider... 1. How can technology be used to raise awareness and promote kindness online? 2.How does cyberbullying differ from traditional bullying?
Rebekah profile picture
Cliques
by Rebekah
Last post
January 29th
...See more Hi, everyone! Welcome to our forum discussion on cliques. We’ll explore what cliques are, how to identify them, and what we can do to reduce their presence on the site 📝 What is a clique? A clique is a small group of people that focus on chatting with each other and aren't willing to invite others to join the discussion they're having, therefore not making others feel welcome. It is characterized by frequent, close-knit interactions among members, with a tendency to exclude outsiders.  Cliques may use insider language, inside jokes, or references that aren't easily understood by those outside the group, and members often conform to shared norms or opinions, fostering a sense of loyalty within the group. They tend to share similar: * Interests 🎶 * Values 🌿 * Beliefs 📿 What contributes to a clique? Several factors contribute to the formation of cliques, including: * Shared hobbies/interests * Values * Similarity and comfort * Exclusivity * Social hierarchies Wait, isn’t that just a friendship group? 🫂 Good question, but no ❌ A friendship group pays attention to others and welcomes them to join in on the discussion/conversation. A clique doesn't do that, they want to keep the group closed and don't want new or more people to join! A clique is typically more exclusive and focused on a specific set of shared interests, often creating a sense of separation from others. It can be more rigid, sometimes forming around a specific social identity or viewpoint. In contrast, a friendship group is usually based on mutual care, respect, and personal connection, often with more flexibility and openness to diverse interests and ideas. Friendships tend to be more emotionally supportive, while cliques can sometimes prioritize conformity and may be less open to outsiders ✅ That doesn’t sound nice… This may be surprising to hear, but cliques can actually be beneficial to a community in several ways! They can create a sense of belonging and support, offering members a space to connect with others who share similar interests or values. This fosters deeper relationships, trust, and collaboration within the group. Cliques can also encourage focused discussions and specialized knowledge sharing, allowing members to dive deeper into niche topics.  Additionally, they can help individuals feel more comfortable and confident in participating, as they have a smaller, more familiar group to interact with, which can promote overall community engagement. But, it’s important to assess the opposites of these factors… Almost inevitably, if it can be positive, it can be negative. Cliques often create division and exclusion, making outsiders feel unwelcome or marginalized. This can lead to a lack of diversity in ideas and perspectives, as cliques tend to reinforce groupthink and limit open discussion.  Additionally, cliques may foster an environment of competition rather than collaboration, where members prioritize loyalty to the group over the well-being of the broader community. In extreme cases, this can lead to toxicity, bullying, or the creation of power imbalances within the community 🙁 How can community leaders reduce cliquish behaviour? Community leaders play a crucial role by setting the tone for inclusivity and fostering an environment of respect. They can model open communication by actively engaging with all members and ensuring everyone feels heard. Leaders can create clear guidelines that promote respectful interactions and discourage exclusivity. By encouraging diverse participation in events and discussions, leaders help break down barriers between groups and ensure no one feels left out. Additionally, leaders can actively address negative behaviours, such as bullying or exclusion, and provide support for members who may feel marginalized. Through their actions, community leaders can cultivate a culture of inclusivity, making it clear that unity and respect are the community’s core values. Useful Links 🦺 Cliques in Rooms -- A Mod Perspective [https://www.7cups.com/forum/groupmod/Archives_1890/DealingwithCliquesinaSupportRoomasaModerator_31401/] Say No to Cliques! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/listenerjourney/ListenerChatroomsInformation_2144/ListenerChatroomsSayNotoCliques_279957/] Questions To Consider… * Have you ever felt excluded from a clique? How did it make you feel? * How can individuals who feel excluded from cliques find a sense of belonging?
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Discussion: How Do You Keep Yourself Safe Online?
by
Last post
November 23rd, 2025
...See more Hello everyone! The Internet can be a positive medium, if used wisely. However, there are many opportunities for negative incidents to occur, which is why one wants to keep themselves safe, when being online. Unfortunately, there are people out there who may want to purposefully bully or attack you online, or even cause hacking-based activities within your personal accounts. It is important to keep yourself safe online. What do you do to keep yourself safe online? Ideas - Do not give out any personal information to anyone online, and take caution with the photos/videos which you post of yourself online - Use nicknames instead of your personal name, when creating Internet accounts, i.e., social media - If you are bullied online, you can have a rebuttal to a bully's remark. You can question the bully as to why they said what they had said, in order to clarify where they are coming from - You can purposefully choose which sites you will use, if you find that bullying is a perpetual problem within a certain site - Protect your personal accounts by using appropriate security measures. For example, Gmail offers a two-step security verification option, whereby you can add your cell phone number to your account, and have a text message sent to your cell phone, to be inputted each time that you log in - Try ignoring what a bully/bullies has said, in order to walk away from the negativity, and move onto something else - Report any negative incidents or behaviour to site administrators or managers, and see what support they may be able to provide to you So, how do you keep yourself safe while being online? Your comments are welcome!
Rebekah profile picture
Clicking on Links
by Rebekah
Last post
November 18th, 2025
...See more Hi, everyone! Welcome to our forum discussion on clicking links safely. Links are everywhere online — in messages, forums, emails, and chats. But with so many circulating, it can be tricky to know which ones are safe and which ones could be harmful. So, let’s talk about what to watch out for and how to protect ourselves! 🔗🚦 What are links? Links (or “URLs”) are what we click on to move from one page to another online. They can take us to useful resources, funny videos, or interesting articles — but they can also hide dangerous sites, scams, or malware. Why is being careful with links important? If we click unsafe links, we could put ourselves at risk of viruses, stolen data, or scams. Sometimes links are disguised to look safe, but they actually lead somewhere harmful. Protecting ourselves means making smart choices before we click 🖱️ What should we consider before clicking a link? * Check the source: do you trust the person or place sending the link? * Hover first: if you hover over the link (on desktop), you can see where it really goes * Look closely: fake links often use slight misspellings (like “g00gle” instead of “google”) * Avoid shortened links: services like bit.ly can hide the real destination. * Stay on the platform: if you’re unsure, don’t leave the app or site you’re already using How can we reinforce safe link habits? * Pause before clicking: give yourself a moment to evaluate * Ask for clarification: if someone sends a link, you could always ask, "What's this for?" before opening * Use security tools: keep antivirus software and browser protections turned on * Trust your instincts: if something doesn't feel right, don't click it Overall Message Clicking links might feel small and casual, but it can carry big risks if we’re not careful. Staying safe means being mindful and cautious every time — protecting not just ourselves, but also our devices and personal information. Useful Links 🦺 NordVPN – Is This Link Safe? [https://nordvpn.com/link-checker/?srsltid=AfmBOopMkBhHlGLrXq1mTuIjtBhKqIB29Ky4fuCVbgQc7iaptkrDRhr_] Phishing Checker [https://easydmarc.com/tools/phishing-url] Questions To Consider… * What are some strategies you personally use to make sure a link is trustworthy before clicking? * What role does trust play when deciding whether to click a link from someone?

🌟 Welcome! 🌟

Here at the Safety & Knowledge sub-community, our focus is on creating a culture of awareness and support. Please join us to learn how to keep yourself safe online!

See below some key aspects of our community;

Community Guidelines Series
Part 1 ---> Profiles
Part 2 
---> Behaviour
Part 3 
---> Account Safety
Part 4 
---> Boundaries and Behaviour
Part 5 
---> General Safety for Everyone


Quizzes
All Safety Quiz Events
Safety Quiz - 2024


Safety Team Information
Safety Outreach & Discussions
Safety Patrol


Team Leaders
Ambassador ---> Rebekah
Admin Oversight ---> Bookworm4

Community Guidelines

🌟Welcome!🌟

As this is our Safety sub-community, these guidelines are extra extra important! 🌟 here they are below;

1. Please be kind to all users. Forum posts/comments that attack or otherwise offend another user will be removed.
2. No offsite contact sharing. This is strictly against site rules.
3. Please stay on topic to the best of your ability!
4. Please keep confidential information to yourself. This means no sharing of usernames, messages in a 1-1 or a group setting, or any details about a member chat. Take any and all issues that you'd like to discuss in more depth to Rebekah.
5. Please try to post threads within the relevant sub-forum! We understand that this might not be easy, but posting a thread such as "Hello, I'm new!" would clearly not be suited to Safety Awareness or Teen Safety 🌞

Community Leaders
Project Agent
Community Resources

Find any and all safety resources for 7 Cups here!