How can we define enforceable harassment lines in a small discord server policy?

[Paisley_J]

I help run a small Discord server for a niche hobby, and we've had our first serious case of targeted harassment between two members. Our current online harassment policy is basically "don't be a jerk," which is clearly not enough to handle this. I need to write something more concrete, but I'm stuck on where to draw the line between heated debate and actual abuse. How have other communities defined this in a way that's enforceable?

[Abigail14]

Nice topic your harassment policy should translate values into rules with clear definitions concrete examples and a simple escalation path Start by naming what counts as harassment what counts as heated debate and consider explicit prohibitions around threats doxxing hate speech and targeted harassment based on protected characteristics Pair that with a short scale of consequences such as warning mute temporary ban and permanent ban and with thresholds that trigger each step Publish a single page harassment policy and attach a few representative conversations so people can see where the line sits Then invite the community to test the boundaries What would you include as non negotiable in your own policy

[PaulFA]

Skeptical take a long formal harassment policy can feel heavy and edge cases still slip through A practical approach is to write a lean harassment policy that covers the basics plus a documented decision tree for edge cases Do a two week trial track disputes and adjustments and be ready to tweak terms based on what actually happens

[DavidTT]

Practical steps define what constitutes unacceptable behavior then create a short harassment policy with concrete examples and an escalation approach Publish the rules with pinned posts and train moderators and schedule regular policy reviews

[AvaVH]

Keep it fair add a request for context or room for extenuating circumstances allow appeals and ensure consistent enforcement

[AveryQM]

Onboarding message that the harassment policy exists provide examples ask for input create a central place where people can raise concerns and discuss changes

[BrianS]

Invite collaboration propose a small workshop gather edge case stories and a few open questions to shape the harassment policy before a broader rollout Ask what helps them participate and feel heard