Are online support groups safe?
Online support groups can be very safe when they have clear guidelines, trained or experienced hosts, a private way to report problems and clear crisis information; check for all four before you join.
What makes a group safe
Confidentiality: what's shared in the group stays there, and nothing is recorded. Respect: no judgment, harassment, selling or unwanted advice. Someone keeping the group on track. A way to report problems privately. And honesty that it isn't a crisis service.
How Heal Kinder keeps groups safe
Members must be 18 or older and agree to the community guidelines. Groups are never recorded. Hosts can take a free host course on listening, emotional safety and handling disruption. Anyone can privately report someone in a group, and the team reviews reports, warns or suspends people who break the guidelines. Crisis lines are on every page.
If you're in crisis
A support group is not the right place in an emergency. If you're in danger, call your local emergency number (911 in the US, 999 in the UK). In the US you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time; in the UK, call Samaritans on 116 123.
Questions
Can people see who I am in an online support group?
Other members see your first name and, if your camera is on, your face. Your email address is never shown.
What if someone is unkind in a group?
On Heal Kinder you can privately report them from the group. If enough people in the room report the same person, they're removed straight away, and the team follows up.