As of July 2025, SGM is becoming concerned about the conduct of users in the comments, and is rolling out a new Anti-bullying policy.
General rule: Users should not mock, ridicule, attack, or give unnecessary passive aggressive criticism to other users, especially to those who have chosen to submit content, just because they disagree with it.
SGM is a community platform where we differentiate from other media organisations by giving the people of Sunderland a voice. Although people may not always agree with what is being said, we are proud of this grassroots identity and believe it establishes a vital civic function.
However, one problem that is emerging, is a comments culture whereby other users launch unnecessary personal attacks on people. It is not uncommon for a post to be posted and for a group of users to then pull that person to bits in a way that is distressing. For example:
- Lost property posts have led to unnecessary ridicule, judgement or abuse
- People start attacking or piling on people in disagreement over various issues they have voiced in a way which transcends legitimate criticism.
- Nitpicking excuses to find fault with someone in a way that feels passive aggressive.
As a result, the new anti-bullying rule pledges to remove all unnecessary and inappropriate comments targeted at ordinary people where it is not relevant to the conversation or inflammatory.
However, does this mean there can be no criticism or jokes on SGM? No, we are asking users to use emotional intelligence concerning the situation. Here is what is allowed:
- Constructive, well written and thoughtful criticism and disagreement
- Ridicule of people who objectively, by consensus, deserve or have earned it, usually on crime related stories. “I.e Burglar with big ears.”
- Remember, in Sunderland culture, which is egalitarian, it is acceptable to ridicule people who objectively behave badly. Respect is gained by morality and humility, not by status.
- Criticism of public figures providing it is not abusive.
Reporting Abuse
The size of SGM’s platform and engagement means that it is not hard for comments to be routinely missed. As members of the community, we are asking people to help report abuse and bullying. Please do this by:
- Messaging the page
- Emailing contact@sunderlandglobalmedia.org