Creating A Safe Space

The WhyNot Platform starts conversations, opens minds and amplifies the voices of young people. We are committed to safeguarding the privacy, safety and peace of mind of our community - that includes you!

Protecting You

Nearly every day we receive powerful submissions from young Australians sharing their unique thoughts, feelings and opinions. Sometimes these submissions touch on topics or issues that are potentially triggering in various ways for our audience, our editorial committee or for the contributor them self.

As such, we have established several methods in order to help identify sensitive content that could be potentially triggering for our community.  Some of these are internal prompts to assist our contributors and editors, and some are public facing to notify and prepare our readers.

Public facing prompts include the Content Warning graphic (see below) placed at the top of certain published pieces, and the Flashing Siren ?emoji across our socials.

Content Warning

If you come across these prompts, please be mindful the content may be confronting or difficult to read. Those in need can seek support from the following list of services.

Other internal prompts include a checkbox at the submission stage as well as a the Y's team of awesome safeguarding advisors.

You're not alone

The WhyNot Editorial Committee are huge advocates of checking in with yourself and those around you. If you are in need of support or advice, the following organisations are a great place to start:

Organisation Description Contact
Kids Helpline Kids Helpline is a free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 26. 1800 55 1800
Kidshelpline.com.au
1800 RESPECT A national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for anyone who has experienced -or are at risk of physical or sexual violence. 1800 737 732
1800respect.org.au
Lifeline A generalist and crisis telephone counselling, information and referral service, provided by trained volunteers who are supported by professional staff. 13 11 14
Lifeline.org.au
MensLine Australia A resource for men who need advice on a large range of issues (e.g., relationship support, parenting skills) and for those at risk of committing suicide. 1300 78 99 78
Mensline.org.au
Child Abuse Prevention Service (CAPS) Workers offer information, referral and ongoing support to those affected by child abuse, concerned about the welfare of a child, or needing family or parenting support. 132 111 ACT, QLD, NT, NSW
131 478 SA
1800 622 258 WA
131 278 VIC
1300 737 639 TAS
Childabuseprevention.com.au
Bravehearts Provide support, advice and counselling to children, young people, adults and non-offending family members impacted by child sexual assault. 1800 272 831
Bravehearts.org.au
Australian Childhood Foundation The Australian Childhood Foundation is an independent children's charity working in a number of ways to prevent child abuse and reduce the harm it causes to children, families and the community. 1300 381 581
Childhood.org.au

We've got your back

When you become a WhyNot contributor, our team gets to know you pretty well. As part of the submission process, you need to provide us with certain personal information from your identity (full name, age etc.) to your bank details (this is how we give you the big bucks). Sometimes we are the first people you will share your stories, thoughts and opinions with - and this can be extremely daunting.

To find out more on how we handle your information, your rights and our feedback process check out our privacy policy.

If you come across any content that you find triggering or you believe breaches our commitment to providing a safe space, please let us know via email whynot@the-y.org.au so that we can look into the matter further.