Staying Safe in the Therian Community: An Online Safety Guide

Your therian identity is personal, and you get to decide who knows about it. When joining online communities, use a username that isn't linked to your real name. Avoid sharing personal details like your school, workplace, home address, or phone number. Be cautious with photos that could reveal your location (school uniforms, local landmarks, street signs). Consider using a separate email address for therian community accounts. Remember that anything shared online can potentially be screenshot and shared further, so only post what you'd be comfortable with a wider audience seeing.

Most online therian communities are supportive and welcoming, but be aware of these red flags: adults who try to isolate you from other community members, anyone who pressures you to share personal information or photos, people who claim to be authorities on what makes someone a 'real' therian, communities that discourage questioning or critical thinking, and anyone who uses your therian identity to manipulate or control you. Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it probably is. You can always leave a conversation, block a user, or report concerning behavior.

Many therians discover their identity during their teenage years, which makes age-appropriate spaces especially important. Look for communities that have clear rules about age-appropriate content, active moderation, zero tolerance for predatory behavior, and transparent leadership. If you're under 18, stick to platforms and communities designed with young people's safety in mind. Never agree to meet someone from an online community in person without a trusted adult's knowledge and presence.

Unfortunately, therians sometimes face misunderstanding, mockery, or harassment online. If you encounter negativity: don't engage with trolls or people arguing in bad faith, use block and mute features liberally, report harassment to platform moderators, talk to trusted friends or family about how you're feeling, and remember that other people's ignorance doesn't diminish the validity of your experience. Building a small circle of trusted therian friends is often more valuable than participating in large, less moderated spaces.

The best therian community experiences come from genuine, reciprocal connections. Look for communities where members support each other's growth and exploration, where there's room for diverse perspectives and experiences, and where the focus is on shared understanding rather than gatekeeping. Theri.App is designed with safety in mind — our pack system, moderation tools, and community guidelines help create a positive space. Whether you connect through our app or other platforms, prioritize your wellbeing and surround yourself with people who respect your journey.