User Content Guidelines

 

Keep it original

 

  • Your uploaded content must be your own work. Don’t use anything that hasn’t been created by you or you do not have permission to use (this includes images, music, audio recordings, TV shows, movies, words, articles, logos, song lyrics, poems). This is necessary for copyright reasons, but it also makes your content much more powerful for others, because it will be coming straight from you.

  • If you choose to quote or use an extract from the work of other people, you must include a reference to the original source (in a footnote or a brief bibliography). That way, due credit is given to the people that have inspired you.

Be careful about identification

 

  • Do not include pictures of your own or others’ faces in your uploaded content. This guideline may mean it requires some creativity to tell your story but is necessary so that you and others remain anonymous and protected.

  • It’s important not to mention your own, or anybody else’s name (first or last), address, email, social network name, phone number, suburb, school, workplace or any other identifying information. This guideline protects you and others, and also allows your experiences to be the focus of the story, instead of a specific location or person.

  • Do not include photos that may identify your (or someone else’s) home, school or workplace.

Keep it honest

 

  • Only include true experiences. Be as honest as possible. You do not need to embellish any part of your content – keep it raw and real.  Your own personal experiences and insights are what really count.

  • Don’t impersonate anyone else – be true to yourself, and others.

Real story creation

  • It’s great to include photos that you have created (e.g. objects, animals, imagery, collages), scans of your original handcrafted works, digital animation, written poetry, and written stories.

  • Stories can be about your own life experiences, or the impact that someone else’s life experience has had on you. This in turn becomes your own experience, which is extremely valuable in its own right, and deserves to be shared.

  • Aim to include a message in your story about what you have learned as a result of your experiences, or what you really wish you had known when you were going through the experience. You sometimes may need to dig deep to find these messages but this is where the gold in your story can be found.

  • Of course you won’t have all the answers to give a happy end to your story, in fact you may not have much of an idea about how to get there yet – this is okay. Just be real, and share your thoughts, your dreams and the questions that you still wrestle with.

  • Avoid constantly using ALL CAPS, and too many exclamation marks !!!!!!!!!!!

  • Written stories should be no longer than 1500 words. Shorter stories are equally welcome.

  • Make sure your words are complete and legible. Of course some spelling and grammar imperfections are fine.

  • Do not mention specific medication names or product names within your stories. We do not want to advertise, nor provide any temptation for people to trial a medication that has not been approved for their specific circumstance by their doctor. This could be dangerous.

  • Go easy on yourself. Enjoy the experience of expressing your story in a way that works for you

Be nice

 

  • Don’t include content that is insulting, harassing, threatening, abusive, offensive, obscene or indecent.

  • Do not include messages that are disrespectful to anyone.

  • Don’t include messages in your content that encourage or endorse dangerous or illegal acts (e.g. crime, violence, drug or substance abuse)

  • Don’t include content that attacks or demeans a group based on ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, age, sexual orientation/gender identity or profession).

Look after yourself

 

Uploading content to BITE BACK is not the way to communicate that you are currently in danger or requiring help. If you are feeling this way, then please talk to a trusted adult, parent, school counsellor, or GP. Alternatively, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 . If you feel that you are a risk to yourself and/or to others, immediately call 000 for emergency help.