Stay Safe Resources

We want each of our users to stay safe both on Yik Yak and in real life. Some of the topics and interaction types mentioned here are not pertinent to regular Yik Yak usage and are provided as a resource to help keep yakkers safe when they are away from the app.

Below are a few Stay Safe Resources to help make your community safer.

🚗 Ride Sharing - Don't accept rides from anyone on Yik Yak. Sharing real names is against Yik Yak's Community Guardrails, and it is never wise to accept a ride from strangers.
🍻 Drinking and Driving - Don't drive if you’ve consumed alcohol or drugs. Alcohol and drugs impair your ability to drive or make sound decisions. Instead of driving, it's a good idea to call a trusted, sober friend or use a ride sharing service. Plan ahead if you plan to utilize ride sharing options such as Lyft and Uber.
🥦 Substance Consumption - Alcohol and most drug use is illegal for anyone under 21. Before trying any substance, we encourage you to have a plan for your safe consumption. For safe drinking, it is good to eat before and while you drink alcohol. Remember that drugs and alcohol can easily become addictive and have serious side effects. Make sure you are aware of the quantity of drugs and alcohol you have consumed in order to limit losing control. Beware of and avoid unfamiliar drinks and never accept a drink from someone you don’t know. Be careful of combining any drugs and alcohol and be sure to read all warning labels.
🏂 Get Outside and See the Real World - Staying at your computer or typing on your phone is physically sedentary! It is good to get out in the real world and actively experience life first hand. Studies have shown that excessive use of social media may cause feelings of stress, anxiety, and/or depression; so, sometimes its important to get off Yik Yak and get active in real life!
😤 Bullying - There is no place for bullying on Yik Yak or in our global community. The most common reports of cyberbullying include mean and hurtful comments and negative rumors spread online. If you are experiencing bullying on Yik Yak, report the post to our support team. In addition, tell a trusted adult who can support you against bullies. If you see someone being bullied, stand up to hate and support the victim.
💔 Eating Disorders and Self-Injury - If you're suffering from an eating disorder or struggling with self-injury, it is important to recognize that these challenges are both a medical condition and a mental health condition. Pay attention to your mental health when dealing with negative body image, eating disorders or self-injury and get help from a trained professional and seek out a trusted friend or adult. To get further help, go to NationalEatingDisorders.org.
😔 Suicide - Yik Yak hopes to be a source of encouragement for people from all walks of life. Although Yik Yak will never replace trusted friends and family, we believe that positive community can lift the spirits of hurting people. For those that are hurting, visit our Mental Health Resources page for a full list of organizations that can help. We hope yakkers will accept the responsibility of bringing light to a sometimes dark world.
🤝 Diversity and Inclusion - Yik Yak has a zero tolerance policy for any post targeting a person or group based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Yik Yak makes it easier than ever for people of diverse backgrounds to connect. Any abuse of this powerful method of connection won't be tolerated. If you have been targeted based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability, please report the post, contact Yik Yak support and/or reach out to local authorities. Refer to the Community Guardrails for more information.
☝️ Sexual Consent - Real life meetings between yakkers are not encouraged, but an understanding of sexual consent is directly correlated to overall safety in the real world. GDPR defines consent as: “Any freely, given, specific, informed and unambiguous. indication of your wishes by which the subject either by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signifies agreement to.” Its also important to note that just because you or someone else consents to something one time, it does not mean that consent is necessarily given in the future. Consent requires clear communication every step of the way. Do not assume your partner is comfortable with any actions without a clear and enthusiastic yes. If someone seems unsure, stays silent, doesn’t respond, or says “maybe,” they are not saying yes. Sexual activity without consent is rape or sexual assault. If someone has harmed you without your consent, reach out to local authorities. Check out Rainn.org, a leading organization in anti-sexual violence for more information.
🙅‍♀️ Violence - Report any indication of violence to local authorities and Yik Yak if the activity takes place on the app. Anyone who glorifies, encourages, or trivializes violence should also be reported. Yik Yak relies on working together with the community to identify violent intent and those that glorify violent behavior. On Yik Yak, you can report violence by selecting "Report". If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
🐣 Protection of Minors - Children under 13 are not allowed on Yik Yak. It's humanity's collective responsibility to protect children and those most vulnerable. It is important that adults respect the "no" of a child when they are uncomfortable with the request or pressure of an adult. Children need boundaries and we must be willing to help them enforce their own. (Obviously trusted parents and adults must teach kids the meaning and benefit/consequences of healthy boundaries). If you see a child being exploited or groomed for devious or suspect purposes, contact local authorities immediately and don't be afraid to speak up or stand up for a child.
😷 COVID-19 - As the whole world seeks to safeguard ourselves and others to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, make sure you're doing your part in thinking of and protecting yourself and others. We encourage you to check CDC.gov for up-to-date guidelines and prevention tips.

Note: These resources are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute professional, spiritual, legal, or medical advice. While we believe the information to be accurate and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information. We urge you to contact your local authorities or professional service provider with respect to your particular circumstances.