Cantina takes the safety, mental health, and well-being of our community very seriously. We recognize the critical importance of fostering an environment where individuals feel supported and safe. We aim to balance providing a platform for open communication and expression with the imperative responsibility to protect our users from content that encourages, promotes, or normalizes self-harm or suicide. It is important to note that we are an entertainment platform and not a mental health service, and our AI tools and bots are not designed to provide counseling, therapy, or crisis intervention.
This policy exists to help reduce harm, support users in moments of distress, and ensure that Cantina does not become a space where self-harm is encouraged or escalated. We define self-harm as the act of deliberately hurting oneself physically. Examples of self-harm behaviors include intentionally ending one's life, engaging in disordered eating patterns, etc.
What is not allowed
Content or behavior that includes or promotes the following is prohibited on Cantina:
- Encouragement, glorification, or normalization of self-harm or suicide
- Instructions, explicit descriptions, graphic images, or videos depicting suicide or acts of self-harm
- Facilitation of suicide or self-injury (i.e. sharing methods or providing instructions)
- Content that pressures, manipulates, or challenges others to harm themselves
- Roleplay or bot interactions that meaningfully advance or reinforce self-harm ideation
This policy applies to user-generated content and AI-generated content, including interactions with bots.
Exceptions may include content clearly shared for the purpose of support, awareness, or recovery when handled responsibly.
Support-oriented interventions
When users express distress or vulnerability related to self-harm or suicide, Cantina’s approach is to prioritize safety and route users toward appropriate off-platform support.
To do this, Cantina uses a combination of internal safety systems and trusted third-party expertise to:
- Interrupt harmful interactions or content
- Display supportive messages encouraging users to seek help
- Surface crisis resources when appropriate
These systems are designed to be protective, limited in scope, and focused on harm reduction, not diagnosis or treatment.
External support resources
Cantina partners with Crisis Text Line to provide users with access to trained, human crisis counselors outside the platform.
When appropriate, users may be shown information directing them to text a dedicated Crisis Text Line number for Cantina users, offering confidential, 24/7 support.
If you feel that you are in immediate danger, please contact local emergency services and if you are outside the United States, visit Find a Helpline to find resources for your country.
Additional resources
Suicide Prevention
If you are in need of support, please know that you’re not alone and that immediate help is available for you.
- Text: IMAGINE to 741741
- Chat
- Call: 988
- Text: 988
- Chat
Eating Disorder Support
If you, or someone you know, are experiencing concerns around body image, food, or exercise, know that you are not alone.
National Eating Disorders Association
- Call: 800-931-2237
- Text: 800-931-2237
LGBTQIA+ Support
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community it can be helpful to speak to someone who can relate to your experiences, unique to the community or not.
- Call: 866-488-7386
- Text: START to 678-678
- Chat
- Call: 877-565-8860
Important Limitations
- Cantina and its AI tools do not replace professional medical, psychological, or crisis care.
- Bots are not permitted to act as therapists, confidants, or emotional substitutes.
- We do not allow bots to provide advice, reassurance, or dialogue that could worsen a crisis
Our safeguards are intended to reduce harm and encourage real-world support, not to resolve crises within the platform.
Reporting concerns
If you encounter content or interactions that appear to encourage self-harm or pose a risk to user safety, please report it using our in-platform tools by following these instructions so our Trust & Safety team can review and take appropriate action.
Our Commitment
Cantina is designed for creativity and connection, not crisis intervention. When serious mental health risks surface, our responsibility is to pause, protect, and point users toward qualified help.
We continuously review and improve our safeguards in collaboration with external experts to respond responsibly as risks evolve.
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