If your social media content contains or makes references to sensitive or distressing material, you must include the relevant content/trigger warning in your post. Below are some helpful tips to help you with this. Keep in mind that this also applies to promotion for any entertainment (both live and on-screen) as part of your events!
What are trigger and content warnings?
They are a notice of upcoming sensitive content or imagery that may have a negative impact on someone.
Why is it important to use these warnings?
What’s the difference?
Content Warnings are used to describe something that might upset readers, that might make them feel bad, without referring to a traumatic experience. It might, for example, refer to a phobia, to nudity, to blood, to birth, etc.
Trigger Warnings are used to prevent people who have experienced traumatic experiences to be exposed to something that might trigger a physical and/ or mental reaction. Trigger is the keyword here. “Trigger*” is used to talk about PTSD and mental illness. “Triggered” and “offended/upset” are not the same thing.
How to write a warning
The start of any content should include any necessary content/trigger warnings. These warnings ensure that students are aware your content discusses topics that they may find distressing. Including a content/trigger warning reduces the risk of harm by giving people the choice as to whether they want to be exposed to sensitive material.
Steps:
Start with the abbreviation CW or TW.
Add the two slashes: CW // or TW //
Add the keywords clearly, without censoring (make these clear enough so people know what to expect, but without being too descriptive – that itself can trigger a reaction):
[CW // nudity or TW // sexual violence]
If you are writing a caption on social media, go to the next line and add a full stop. Keep doing this until the description is hidden, so those who are okay with continuing can click on “read more.”
Common triggers/content warnings:
Death.
Sexual violence/rape.
Discussions of mental illness.
Self-injury/self-harm.
Child abuse/paedophilia.
Violence/murder.
Common phobias such as trypophobia (images of repetitive holes/seed patterns).
Homophobia, transphobia, sexism (any kind of discrimination)
Talk of dysphoria, body image and appearance.
Images of snakes/insects.
One of the most crucial elements to include when discussing distressing topics is information on available resources and support for those who may have been triggered by your content. Listing helplines, crisis hotlines, and local mental health services can provide immediate assistance to those in need. This can have a potentially life-saving impact on readers who may be struggling. Consider adding this information to both the beginning and end of your content – the dual placement maximises visibility and availability of crucial resources for those who may be in need of support.