Last updated: October 2026
Your story can help someone feel less alone. These guidelines help keep sharing safe for you and for the people who read it.
What makes a safe story
- Talk about your feelings, what happened to you, and what helped.
- Keep it hopeful where you can. It’s fine to say things are still hard.
- Avoid graphic detail about self-harm or suicide, and never describe methods.
- Leave out full names, schools, workplaces and addresses.
- Be kind about other people. You can describe how something felt without naming who did it.
- No hate, bullying, advertising or links to sell something.
What the team does
Every story is read by the YSMS team before it appears on the site. Nothing is published automatically.
Moderators may edit a story to remove details that could identify someone, or to take out unsafe detail. We may also decline a story. We aim to keep your voice and meaning the same.
If you gave an email address, a moderator will email you once when your story is published, then delete your email address.
Staying anonymous
You choose. If you keep your story anonymous, it appears with no name. If you choose to add a first name, only that first name is shown. Your email is never shown on the site.
If you need help now
If you’re not feeling safe right now, please reach out before you write.
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
- In an emergency, call 000
More options are on our resources page. When you’re ready, you can share your story.