Community Guidelines

Creating a safe, supportive environment for everyone

Safety First

🚨 In Crisis Situations
  • Emergency: Call 911
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988
⚠️ Important Reminders
  • This is peer support, not professional therapy
  • End any conversation that makes you uncomfortable
  • Report inappropriate behavior immediately
  • Never share personal identifying information

For Everyone Using FriendListen

✅ Do
  • Be respectful, kind, and empathetic
  • Listen without judgment
  • Respect privacy and confidentiality
  • Use appropriate language
  • Be patient with others
  • Report concerning behavior
  • Take care of your own mental health
❌ Don't
  • Share personal information (address, phone, etc.)
  • Use offensive, discriminatory, or harmful language
  • Give medical or legal advice
  • Try to diagnose mental health conditions
  • Share conversations with others
  • Continue if you feel unsafe
  • Pressure anyone to continue talking

For Those Seeking Support (Talkers)

💬 Getting the Most from Your Conversation
  • Be open about what you're comfortable sharing
  • Let your listener know if you need space
  • Remember that healing takes time
  • It's okay to end the conversation anytime
🛡️ Protecting Yourself
  • Don't feel obligated to share everything
  • Trust your instincts about the conversation
  • Remember this isn't professional therapy
  • Seek professional help for serious issues

For Peer Listeners

👂 Effective Listening Techniques
  • Listen more than you speak
  • Ask open-ended questions ("How did that feel?")
  • Reflect back what you hear ("It sounds like...")
  • Validate their feelings
  • Avoid giving unsolicited advice
🔒 Maintaining Boundaries
  • Remember your role is peer support, not professional counseling
  • Don't try to "fix" the person
  • Recognize when someone needs professional help
  • Take breaks when you need them
  • Don't take on more than you can handle
When to Refer to Professionals
  • Talk of self-harm or suicide
  • Symptoms of severe mental illness
  • Substance abuse issues
  • Domestic violence or abuse situations
  • Legal or medical questions
  • When you feel out of your depth

Privacy & Confidentiality

🔐 What We Protect
  • All conversations are private
  • Personal information is kept secure
  • No conversation logs are shared
  • Anonymous reporting system
⚖️ When We May Break Confidentiality
  • Immediate danger to self or others
  • Child abuse or neglect
  • Court orders (rare)
  • Violations of community guidelines

Reporting Issues

If you experience or witness inappropriate behavior, please report it immediately:

📋 What to Report
  • Harassment or bullying
  • Inappropriate sexual content
  • Discriminatory language
  • Threats or violent language
  • Sharing personal information
  • Attempts to meet offline
🚨 How to Report
  • Use the "Report" button in chat
  • End the conversation immediately if unsafe
  • Contact site administrators
  • Document the incident if possible

Additional Resources

🏥 Mental Health Resources
  • SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
  • Psychology Today: Find local therapists
  • NAMI: Mental health education and support
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
🆘 Specific Crisis Lines
  • Suicide Prevention: 988
  • Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-7233
  • RAINN Sexual Assault: 1-800-656-4673
  • Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
Community Agreement

By using FriendListen, you agree to follow these guidelines and help create a safe, supportive environment for everyone in our community.

These guidelines may be updated from time to time. We'll notify users of any significant changes.

Back to Home