🛡️ Moderation Playbook

How to Moderate Harassment & Bullying on Skool

Skool

Harassment and bullying are serious issues that can undermine the safety and trust within any online community, including Skool. These behaviors include targeted insults, threats, repeated unwanted contact, exclusion, or other actions designed to intimidate or demean others. Left unchecked, harassment and bullying can drive away members and damage your community's reputation.

Moderating harassment and bullying matters because it protects vulnerable members, maintains a supportive environment, and ensures compliance with Skool’s guidelines. Unfortunately, these problems are common in social spaces where communication can be misused or anonymity is possible. Proactive moderation is essential for community well-being and growth.

🚨 Red Flags to Watch For

⚠️ personal insults
⚠️ name-calling
⚠️ repeated unwanted messages
⚠️ ALL CAPS shouting
⚠️ threatening language
⚠️ exclusion from group activities
⚠️ mocking or sarcasm targeting individuals
⚠️ spreading rumors
⚠️ public shaming posts
⚠️ demeaning memes or images
⚠️ intimidation attempts
⚠️ ganging up on a user
⚠️ persistent criticism
⚠️ racist or sexist slurs
⚠️ sudden drop in member participation

What to Look For

Moderators should be alert for a variety of red flags that may signal harassment or bullying. Warning signs include members sending repeated unwanted messages, using derogatory or offensive language, or posting personal attacks against others. Watch out for posts or comments that single out individuals, especially when accompanied by sarcasm, insults, or exclusionary language.

Other indicators include ganging up on a user, organized shaming, and subtle forms like persistent nitpicking or spreading rumors. Changes in member participation, such as someone suddenly going silent or expressing distress, can also signal underlying harassment. Monitor both public threads and private messages (if accessible) for these behaviors.

Why This Happens

Harassment and bullying often occur when community guidelines are unclear, moderation is inconsistent, or members believe there will be no consequences for their actions. Sometimes, individuals act out due to personal frustrations, desire for power, or to gain attention from others in the group.

On Skool, the community-driven format can sometimes lead to cliques or in-groups that exclude or target others. Lack of awareness about acceptable behavior or cultural misunderstandings can also contribute. Understanding these root causes helps moderators address not just the symptoms, but underlying issues.

Immediate Actions

  • 1 Remove offending content
  • 2 Mute or suspend offending user
  • 3 Privately contact affected member
  • 4 Document the incident
  • 5 Review related messages for context
  • 6 Report severe cases to Skool support

How to Respond

When harassment or bullying occurs on Skool, act quickly and decisively. Start by reviewing the reported content and gathering context, including any related messages or past incidents. Remove offending posts or comments immediately to prevent further harm. If necessary, temporarily suspend or mute the user while investigating.

Reach out privately to the affected member to offer support and explain the steps being taken. Communicate with the alleged offender, cite specific violations, and explain consequences. Document all actions for future reference. Escalate severe cases to Skool’s support team if needed.

After addressing the incident, review your guidelines and processes to identify gaps. Consider a public reminder (without naming individuals) about community standards to reinforce expectations and reassure members.

🎯 Prevention Strategies

  • Set and prominently display clear anti-harassment guidelines
  • Conduct regular moderator training on recognizing bullying
  • Enable and encourage easy reporting features
  • Reward positive, inclusive behavior publicly
  • Regularly remind members of community standards
  • Use automated keyword monitoring tools
  • Facilitate open dialogue about respect and inclusion

Example Scenarios

Scenario:

A member repeatedly sends unwanted private messages to another member despite being asked to stop.

Response:

Suspend messaging privileges, warn the offender, and support the targeted member.

Scenario:

A group of users publicly mocks another member's post, leading to that member deleting their account.

Response:

Remove mocking comments, reach out to the affected member, remind the group of guidelines, and issue warnings.

Scenario:

A user posts a meme containing racist stereotypes in a discussion thread.

Response:

Delete the post, issue a warning or ban, and post a reminder about inclusivity.

Scenario:

Multiple users gang up on a newcomer, criticizing their every message.

Response:

Intervene in the thread, warn the offenders, and offer support to the newcomer.

🤖 How StickyHive Automates This

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By automating routine checks and surfacing potential issues instantly, StickyHive lets you focus on building a positive community. Try StickyHive to boost your moderation efficiency and keep your Skool group safe from harassment and bullying.

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FAQs

How do I distinguish between friendly teasing and bullying on Skool?

Context matters. Look for patterns, intent, and impact. If someone feels targeted or uncomfortable, treat it seriously.

What should I do if a member reports harassment privately?

Acknowledge the report, investigate promptly, take appropriate action, and keep the reporter informed and supported.

Can I ban a member for a first offense?

It depends on severity. For serious harassment, yes. For minor issues, a warning or temporary mute may be appropriate.

How can I encourage members to report bullying?

Make reporting easy, protect anonymity, and regularly remind members that reports are confidential and vital for safety.

What if harassment happens in private messages I can't see?

Encourage members to forward evidence, act on credible reports, and monitor for patterns in public behavior.

Should I publicly address bullying incidents?

Address the behavior, not individuals, with a public reminder of guidelines. Handle specifics privately to protect privacy.