SubmitOrNot is a consent-first and emotionally aware community. Some Articles, Blogs, and Posts may include sensitive topics that can affect readers differently. Content Warnings (CW) ensure members have the choice to prepare themselves before engaging with emotional or triggering content. This guide explains when CW is required, provides real examples, and includes approved CW templates you can use.

⭐ What Is a Content Warning (CW)?

A Content Warning is a short note at the top of your content that alerts readers about sensitive topics such as trauma, emotional difficulty, or distressing experiences.

CW’s are part of SON’s commitment to:

• community safety

• emotional preparedness

• trauma-awareness

• respectful communication

⭐ When You MUST Use a Content Warning (CW)

Use a CW if your content includes ANY of the following (even non-graphic):

🔸 Mentions of Trauma

• “I experienced something deeply painful…”

• “This event still affects me emotionally…”

🔸 Abuse (Emotional, Physical, Sexual) — Non-Graphic Only

• “My partner used controlling behavior…”

• “My family member hurt me emotionally…”

🔸 Emotional Distress

• “I struggled with panic after the breakup…”

• “This memory still triggers anxiety for me…”

🔸 Violence or Threats (Non-Graphic)

• “I feared for my safety…”

• “There was a confrontation that left me shaken…”

🔸 Family Trauma / Childhood Experiences

(No posts involving minors in adult contexts are permitted.)

🔸 Kink/BDSM Emotional Aftermath (Non-Graphic)

• “I experienced drop after a scene…”

• “I learned about emotional boundaries through kink…”

🔸 Sensitive Reflections That May Impact Readers

If you think the content might make someone emotional or uneasy → add a CW.

⭐ Content Warning (CW) Examples: (Realistic, Clear, SON-Approved)

Example 1 — Trauma Reflection

“When I left my toxic relationship, I struggled to rebuild my confidence…”

Example 2 — Emotional Harm

“Someone I trusted betrayed me, and it took years to heal…”

Example 3 — Family Trauma

“Growing up, my home life was unstable and emotionally draining…”

Example 4 — Violence (Non-Graphic)

“An argument escalated, and I was genuinely afraid…”

Example 5 — Healing After a Difficult Event

“Last year was the hardest year of my life, but here’s how I started recovering…”

Example 6 — Kink Emotional Experience

“I experienced emotional drop after a session and had to communicate my needs…”

All of the above require a CW.

⭐ Examples That DO NOT Require a CW

Example 1 — Relationship Learnings

“Polyamory taught me how to communicate better…”

Example 2 — Lifestyle Event Recap

“I attended my first munch, and it was amazing…”

Example 3 — Personal Growth Story

“Setting boundaries helped my mental health…”

Example 4 — Lessons / Red Flags

“Five signs I learned to watch out for in dating…”

Example 5 — Mild Emotional Reflection

“I felt embarrassed during a first date, but it turned into something funny…”

These opinions and experiences are non-traumatic and safe without CW.

⭐ Content Warning (CW) Templates You Can Copy & Paste

General Content Warning (Most Common)

CW: Trauma / Sensitive Topic
This content includes emotional or sensitive experiences. Please continue with care.

Relationship Trauma CW

CW: Relationship Trauma / Emotional Harm
This content discusses past emotional difficulty. Please continue mindfully.

Family Trauma CW

CW: Family Trauma / Difficult Memories
This story may involve sensitive family experiences.

Emotional Distress CW

CW: Emotional Distress / Anxiety
This post includes emotionally heavy feelings or experiences.

Kink/BDSM Emotional CW (Non-Graphic)

CW: Emotional Impact Related to Kink/BDSM (Non-Graphic)
This content mentions emotional experiences connected to kink or BDSM.

Short Version (For Quick Posts)

CW: Sensitive Topic

⭐ Where to Place the CW

Place the Content Warning:

➤ At the very top of the Article, Blog, or Post

➤ Before any paragraph or sentence

➤ Not hidden in the middle of the content

A CW must be easy to see and immediately visible.

⭐ CW Requirements by Content Type

Articles (Long-Form)

• CW required for all trauma-related or emotional content

• Use full CW template

Blogs (Personal Experiences)

• CW required when topic involves harm, trauma, or emotional struggle

• Short or full CW acceptable

Posts (Short Updates)

• CW required only for sensitive topics

• Short CW recommended

⭐ Moderator Actions that may be taken by SubmitOrNot

Moderators may:

• Hide posts missing a required CW

• Add a CW on behalf of the user if necessary

• Move post to a more appropriate category

• Remove content if it becomes overly graphic

• Remind user of privacy & safety requirements

SON always uses a trauma-informed, non-judgmental approach.

End of Article

© SubmitOrNot.com — Community-first, consent-first. This article is informational and not a substitute for professional advice or safety instruction.