Community Guidelines — Peerakeet App

Version 1.0

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Last Updated: January 1, 2025

Our Purpose

Peerakeet exists to create a safe, compassionate, and stigma-free space for peer support and mental wellness. These Community Guidelines ("Guidelines") outline the standards of conduct we expect from all users to maintain a supportive and respectful community. By using Peerakeet, you agree to follow these Guidelines. Violations may result in content removal, account suspension, or permanent termination.

1. Be Respectful and Kind

Treat every member of the Peerakeet community with respect, empathy, and kindness. We are all navigating our own journeys, and everyone deserves dignity and compassion.

Prohibited Behaviors:

• Harassment, bullying, intimidation, or threats directed at any user
• Discrimination, hate speech, or prejudiced comments based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, national origin, or any other protected characteristic
• Insults, name-calling, or personal attacks
• Trolling, baiting, or intentionally provoking conflict
• Stalking, unwanted advances, or persistent unwanted contact

2. Maintain Privacy and Anonymity

Peerakeet is designed to be an anonymous peer support platform. Protecting privacy is essential for creating a safe space where people can share openly.

Do Not Share:

• Full names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, or social media handles
• Financial information, account numbers, or payment details
• Specific locations, workplaces, or schools that could identify you or others
• Photos or videos of yourself or others that reveal identifying information
• Any information that could be used to identify, locate, or contact you or another user outside of Peerakeet

Respect Others' Privacy: Do not attempt to discover, share, or use another user's personal information. Do not pressure others to share identifying information.

3. Keep Conversations Supportive

Peerakeet is a space for sharing experiences, offering support, and building connections. Keep conversations focused on peer support, empathy, and mutual understanding.

Appropriate Topics:

• Sharing personal experiences and challenges
• Offering emotional support and validation
• Discussing coping strategies and wellness practices
• Encouraging and uplifting others
• Asking questions and seeking peer perspectives

Prohibited Content:

• Soliciting, promoting, or advertising products, services, businesses, or commercial activities
• Promoting specific medications, treatments, or medical interventions
• Sharing referral codes, affiliate links, or promotional content
• Fundraising, crowdfunding, or requesting financial assistance
• Political campaigning or advocacy unrelated to mental health

4. Do Not Provide Medical or Professional Advice

Peerakeet is a peer support platform, not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. Users are not licensed healthcare providers, therapists, or legal professionals.

You Must Not:

• Diagnose, treat, or claim to cure any medical or mental health condition
• Prescribe, recommend, or discourage specific medications or treatments
• Provide legal advice or interpret laws
• Pressure others to take specific actions regarding their health, treatment, or life decisions
• Claim professional credentials or expertise you do not possess

What You Can Do:

• Share your own experiences and what has worked for you
• Offer emotional support and validation
• Suggest that others consult with licensed professionals when appropriate
• Encourage others to seek professional help for serious concerns

5. Prohibit Harmful Content

Content that promotes harm, violence, illegal activity, or dangerous behaviors is strictly prohibited.

Prohibited Content Includes:

• Content that promotes, glorifies, or provides instructions for self-harm, suicide, or violence
• Graphic descriptions or images of violence, abuse, or harm
• Sexually explicit content, pornography, or sexual solicitation
• Content promoting illegal drug use, substance abuse, or dangerous substance-related practices
• Instructions for illegal activities
• Content that could endanger the safety of yourself or others

If You Are in Crisis: If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please seek immediate help by calling 911, going to your nearest emergency department, or contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7 in the United States). Peerakeet is not an emergency service and cannot provide crisis intervention.

6. Respect Boundaries and Consent

Every user has the right to set boundaries and control their interactions on Peerakeet.

Respect Others' Boundaries:

• Accept when someone declines to connect, chat, or share information
• Do not pressure others to respond, share, or engage beyond their comfort level
• Respect requests to end conversations or discontinue contact
• Do not send unsolicited messages or make unwanted advances
• Use the blocking and reporting features if you need to limit contact with another user

7. Report Unsafe Behavior

If you encounter content or behavior that violates these Guidelines or makes you feel unsafe, please report it immediately using the Report feature in the app.

Report:

• Harassment, bullying, or threatening behavior
• Sharing of personal identifying information
• Harmful, violent, or dangerous content
• Medical advice or unprofessional conduct
• Commercial solicitation or spam
• Any other violation of these Guidelines

Reports are reviewed by our moderation team. We take all reports seriously and will take appropriate action, which may include content removal, warnings, account suspension, or permanent termination.

8. Understand Moderation and AI Tools

Peerakeet uses automated tools, including artificial intelligence, to assist in detecting potentially harmful or unsafe content. These tools support human moderation and help us maintain a safe community.

How It Works:

• AI tools analyze message content in real-time to identify safety risks
• Flagged content is reviewed by human moderators
• AI tools do not make final decisions—human moderators review all actions
• AI providers operate under Business Associate Agreements and do not use your data to train their models

If content is removed or your account is restricted, you will be notified of the reason. You may appeal moderation decisions by contacting support@peerakeet.com.

9. Telehealth and Certified Peer Support

Peerakeet may facilitate connections with certified peer support specialists through telehealth services. When engaging with telehealth services:

• Certified peer support specialists are trained professionals but are not licensed healthcare providers
• Telehealth sessions are not a substitute for medical care, therapy, or crisis intervention
• You must accept a separate Telehealth Agreement before accessing telehealth services
• Maintain the same standards of respect and appropriate conduct in telehealth interactions
• Report any concerns about telehealth providers to support@peerakeet.com

10. Consequences for Violations

Violations of these Guidelines may result in:

• Content Removal: Removal of specific messages, posts, or profile content that violates the Guidelines
• Warning: A formal warning about the violation and reminder of the Guidelines
• Temporary Suspension: Temporary restriction of account access for a specified period
• Permanent Termination: Permanent ban from the Service for severe or repeated violations

The severity of the violation, the user's history, and the potential for harm will be considered when determining consequences. We reserve the right to take immediate action, including permanent termination, for severe violations such as threats, harassment, or sharing harmful content.

11. Continuous Improvement

Peerakeet is a beta platform, and we are continuously working to improve safety, moderation, and community experience. We welcome feedback and suggestions at support@peerakeet.com.

These Guidelines may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in our community standards, legal requirements, or platform features. We will notify users of material changes through the Service.

12. Emergency Resources

If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical or mental health emergency:

• Call 911 (or your local emergency number)
• Go to your nearest emergency department
• Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7 in the United States): Call or text 988
• Contact the Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Peerakeet is not an emergency service and cannot provide crisis intervention or emergency response.

13. Acknowledgment

By using Peerakeet, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to follow these Community Guidelines. These Guidelines work together with our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy to create a safe and supportive community.

Thank you for being part of the Peerakeet community and helping us create a space where everyone can find support, understanding, and connection.