Community Guidelines

Global Child and Maternal Health (GCMH) Web Platform
Effective Date: 01/03/2025

1. Introduction

Global Child and Maternal Health (GCMH) is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive online community. Our Platform is a space for discussion, support, and learning about child and maternal health, with an emphasis on sensitivity to race, ethnicity, women’s experiences, and discrimination. By engaging with our community, you agree to uphold these guidelines.

2. Our Core Values

Our community is built on the principles of:

  • Respect – Treat all members with dignity, acknowledging diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  • Inclusivity – Foster a welcoming space for individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, and identities.
  • Empathy – Listen, support, and engage with kindness.
  • Safety – Ensure discussions are free from harm, hate, or discrimination.

3. Expected Behaviour

To maintain a positive and supportive community, we expect members to:

  • Engage in constructive and respectful discussions.
  • Acknowledge lived experiences of different racial, ethnic, and gender identities with empathy.
  • Use inclusive language and avoid offensive terminology.
  • Support survivors and individuals affected by discrimination, allowing them space to share without judgment.
  • Credit sources when sharing external information, articles, or research.

4. Unacceptable Behaviour

The following actions are strictly prohibited and may result in content removal, warnings, or account suspension:

4.1 Hate Speech & Discrimination

  • Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or any form of discriminatory language.
  • Insults or slurs based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, disability, or religion.
  • Dismissing or invalidating someone’s lived experience based on identity.

4.2 Harassment & Bullying

  • Personal attacks, name-calling, threats, or intimidation.
  • Targeted harassment of individuals or groups.
  • Unwanted or inappropriate direct messaging.

4.3 Misinformation & Harmful Content

  • Sharing false or misleading medical information.
  • Promotion of harmful health practices or unsafe medical advice.
  • Spreading conspiracy theories or disinformation.

4.4 Sensitive Content & Triggers

  • Graphic descriptions of violence, abuse, or trauma without a clear content warning.
  • Encouragement of self-harm, eating disorders, or other dangerous behaviours.
  • Depictions of childbirth, miscarriage, or reproductive health issues without context.

4.5 Privacy Violations

  • Sharing personal information of others without consent.
  • Posting private messages or confidential data.

4.6 Spam, Self-Promotion & External Links

  • Excessive self-promotion, solicitation, or fundraising without permission.
  • Posting irrelevant links or promotional material.
  • Using the Platform for commercial purposes without prior approval.

5. Reporting & Moderation

GCMH is committed to maintaining a safe environment. If you encounter inappropriate content or behaviour, you can:

  • Report posts or comments using the in-platform reporting tool.
  • Contact moderators via hello@globalcmh.org.
  • Flag content that may be harmful, triggering, or violating community standards.

6. Consequences of Violating Guidelines

Violating these guidelines may result in:

  • Content Removal – Posts, comments, or media that violate policies will be taken down.
  • Warnings – Users will receive warnings for minor infractions.
  • Temporary Suspension – Repeat offenses may lead to a temporary ban.
  • Permanent Ban – Serious violations, including hate speech, harassment, or misinformation, may lead to permanent removal from the Platform.

7. Appeals & Feedback

If you believe a moderation action was taken unfairly, you may appeal by contacting hello@gloabcmh.org. Feedback on our policies is also welcomed to help improve community safety.

8. Policy Updates

These guidelines may be updated periodically. Significant changes will be communicated to the community. Continued use of the Platform implies acceptance of updated guidelines.

By participating in the GCMH community, you agree to uphold these standards and contribute to a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.