Trust is part of the platform.

Collect only what the project needs.

The Unheard Record uses data minimization: we avoid collecting unnecessary personal information and separate research permission from publication permission.

• Anonymous participation is supported where the project allows it.
• Contact information is not intended for public research findings.
• Responses should not contain full addresses, private contact information, or identifying information about another person.
• Access to identifiable response data should be limited to authorized project members.

Real stories. Clear boundaries.

Contributors should share only material they have the right to submit and should avoid exposing another person’s private information. Submissions may be declined for safety, privacy, originality, or editorial reasons.

Participation does not guarantee publication, and contributors may choose how they are identified when the relevant submission format offers that choice.

Edit the story. Do not rewrite the person.

Editorial changes should preserve the contributor’s meaning and voice. Titles, excerpts, and social adaptations should not sensationalize a contributor or make a story say something it did not say.

Research findings and personal stories are different forms of evidence and should be presented as such.

People before content.

Participation should be voluntary and informed. Research and publication permissions are treated separately, samples are described honestly, and the project does not claim to represent all young people when the data cannot support that claim.

• Use minimal necessary data.
• Preserve anonymity where promised.
• Document exclusions and limitations.
• Do not distort responses to fit a preferred conclusion.
• Do not upload identifiable participant data into external AI systems without an appropriate privacy basis and safeguards.

The Record is not an emergency or professional support service.

Submissions should not be used to seek urgent help. When a situation requires immediate support, participants should contact a trusted adult or an appropriate local service instead of relying on the project form.