A ‘content note’ is a verbal or written notice that precedes potentially sensitive content. They are sometimes referred to as ‘trigger warnings’ or ‘content warnings’; we have chosen to use ‘content note’ as a more neutral term.

There are some discrepancies when it comes to the use of content notes in research dissemination or development contexts. This guidance has been developed through the DRP x EDI Collaborative Working Group to encourage speakers to identify where content may be difficult and to support engagement.

Content notes are used to allow people the opportunity to prepare themselves, in an informed way, to engage with material. The intention behind content notes is not to discourage the sharing or discussion of sensitive material, but to grant individuals the autonomy to choose whether to opt-out of a particular discussion or to employ strategies to enable participation.

As a general guide, content notes would be expected where research engages with the following: 

• Violence, death 
• War 
• Abuse (torture, sexual abuse, child abuse, animal abuse) 
• Medical issues (medical procedures, illness, abortion, baby loss) 
• Self-harming behaviour (suicide, self-inflicted injuries) 
• Eating-disorded behaviour or body-shaming 
• Drug and alcohol addiction 
• Sexual activity (consensual and non-consensual, rape), pornographic content 
• Hate speech or strong abusive language, discussion of slurs 
• Discrimination (sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism)
• Stereotypes (about gender, race, national origin, age, disability, or other status characteristics)

This list is not exhaustive, and the impact of some material may be experienced differently across different groups. We invite researchers to think carefully to identify sensitive aspects of their work.