How to flag content and why it matters

In our Online Community, everyone's contribution is valued, and everyone's safety is our priority. That's why we have a flagging system — a key feature allowing members to report content that may not align with our community standards. This includes everything from topics, comments and personal messages.

Let’s break down how to flag effectively and what happens once you do.

Flagging on the forum

When to flag

Our community values respect, safety, and understanding. This system helps protect everyone and ensures a comfortable space for all. Trust your instincts—if something seems wrong, flag it.

Here are some reasons to flag content:

• Bullying or harassment: If you see this, flag it immediately. Everyone deserves to feel safe.

• Derogatory language: Hurtful words shouldn’t be tolerated. Flag any harmful language.

• Unsafe content: If something makes you feel uneasy or threatened, flag it right away.

• Personal messages: If you receive inappropriate DMs or PMs, flag them for your privacy and safety.

• Safeguarding concerns: If you notice any concerns about someone’s safety or well-being, flag it. Your vigilance helps us protect the community.

• Anything else that feels wrong: If it doesn’t fit with the spirit of our community, trust your judgment and flag it.

The Flagging Process

If you see something that doesn’t feel right, you can flag it to help keep our community safe and welcoming. We encourage all members to report anything that seems off.

While moderators and admins can see who flagged a post, your identity remains confidential. The broader community and the original poster will not know who flagged their content.

Here’s a simple overview of what happens after you flag a post:

1. Flagged posts go to review
   Once flagged, the post goes into the moderator's queue for review. It remains visible unless multiple flags are received, in which case a system message will alert the community, and the original poster can edit their content.

2. Moderation decision
   Moderators review the flagged post to see if it breaks community guidelines. They can dismiss the flag, remove or hide the post, or escalate it for further action.

3. Resolution and notification
   After a decision is made, the necessary action is taken—such as editing, deleting, or restoring the post. The person who posted will be notified about the action taken and why. We aim to resolve flags within 72 hours to keep the community running smoothly.

Flagging options

There are different ways to flag posts, whether it’s because they are off-topic, inappropriate, spam, or even illegal. Each option helps keep our community safe and welcoming for everyone.

Below is a breakdown of the different options you can choose from and what they mean:

This option lets you talk directly to the person who made the post, without involving a moderator. It’s a chance to explain why their post might not be appropriate or could be seen as hurtful.

• Notify staff privately:
  Choosing any of the options below sends the post or thread to the moderators and admins, who will review it and take appropriate action.

  • It’s Off-Topic: Use this when the content doesn’t fit the discussion or forum theme. It helps keep conversations focused.

  • It’s Inappropriate: Select this for content that’s offensive, hurtful, or doesn’t follow community standards. This includes disrespectful language or inappropriate material.

  • It’s Spam: This is for irrelevant or unsolicited content, like ads or repetitive posts. Spam disrupts the community and takes away from meaningful discussions.

  • It’s Illegal: Use this for content involving or promoting illegal activities. Flagging this helps keep the community lawful and safe.

  • Something Else: If the post doesn’t fit the other categories but still feels wrong, choose “Something Else” and provide a short explanation. This helps moderators understand the issue better.

When you click the flag icon on a post or thread, a box will pop up asking you to choose one of these options. After selecting, click the blue “Flag Post” button

Is it private to flag?

Yes! Flagging is confidential. When you flag something, only the moderators know – not the person who posted it or other community members. You can flag without fear, knowing your identity will be kept private.

The importance of flagging

Flagging helps keep our community safe, respectful, and positive. Your flags help ensure that everyone can enjoy and contribute to the community without worry. Flagging isn’t just about removing harmful content—it’s about protecting the well-being of the whole community

Your feedback

We appreciate your comments, compliments, and concerns. The best way to share them with us is through our Service Desk.