Safeguarding Policy
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Commitment to Safety
SSDP International is committed to creating a safe environment for all users of Pathways. This Safeguarding Policy explains how we protect users and respond to concerns.
What Is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding means protecting people from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. On Pathways, this includes:
- Preventing harmful content from being shared
- Responding to users in crisis
- Protecting minors from exploitation
- Moderating community spaces
- Providing access to support resources
Pathways Is Educational, Not an Emergency Service
Important: Pathways provides educational information and peer support. We are not:
- A crisis hotline
- A medical or mental health service
- A substitute for professional help
- An emergency response service
In an Emergency:
- Medical emergency: Call your local emergency number
- Mental health crisis: Contact appropriate crisis services
- Overdose: Call emergency services immediately
- Violence or abuse: Contact local authorities
What Content We Remove
Moderators may remove content that:
- Encourages self-harm or suicide
- Promotes violence or exploitation
- Shares instructions for dangerous activities
- Contains graphic violent or sexual imagery
- Targets vulnerable individuals for harm
- Shares personal identifying information
- Violates laws related to child safety
How We Protect User Safety
Content Moderation
- Trained moderators review reported content
- AI tools flag potentially harmful posts for review
- Users can report concerning content anytime
- Moderators are available during business hours (with emergency protocols for after-hours)
Privacy Protection
- We do not require real names
- Personal contact details are hidden
- Moderators can see reports but not private messages (unless reported)
Age-Appropriate Content
- Content is filtered by age group (13-15, 16-18, 19-24)
- Sensitive topics include content warnings
- Users under 13 are not permitted on the platform
Responding to Concerns
If a User Posts About Self-Harm or Suicide
- The post will be reviewed immediately
- Crisis resources will be provided
- In serious cases, we may contact emergency services
If We Suspect a Minor Is at Risk
- We will document the concern
- We may report to appropriate authorities if required by law
- User privacy is balanced with safety obligations
If Illegal Activity Is Reported
- Content will be removed
- Account may be suspended
- Law enforcement may be contacted where legally required
Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
If you are concerned about:
- Another user's safety
- A post that violates safeguarding principles
- Exploitation or abuse on the platform
Report it immediately:
- Use the Report button on the content
- Email safeguarding@ssdp-intl.org
- Mark the report as "urgent" if someone is in immediate danger
User Responsibilities
To keep Pathways safe, users should:
- Not share personal contact information publicly
- Report content that concerns them
- Seek professional help when needed
- Not use the platform to harm themselves or others
Legal Obligations
SSDP International complies with laws in [To be determined by SSDP International] regarding:
- Mandatory reporting of child abuse
- Cooperation with law enforcement investigations
- Data protection and privacy
Where required by law, we will act to protect user safety, even if it means disclosing information to authorities.
Support Resources
Global Resources
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- International Overdose Awareness: overdoseday.com
- Suicide Prevention: findahelpline.com
South Africa Resources
- SADAG (Mental Health): 0800 567 567
- LifeLine: 0861 322 322
- SAPS Emergency: 10111
For country-specific resources, visit our Resources page.
Questions or Concerns
Safeguarding Team: safeguarding@ssdp-intl.org
This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed. Last reviewed: January 2026