At Adventure Academy, our goal is to maintain a positive and safe community where learning and fun go hand in hand. We understand that this may be many children's first experience Chatting online, so we emphasize online safety and etiquette through our Code of Conduct. Chat is a privilege, not a right, and we ensure everyone feels respected and secure by using Chat filters, having a dedicated Moderation team, and rewarding good behavior. We foster a supportive vibe, cheer on great behavior, and gently guide things back on track when needed.
In this article, we will explain how we ensure Chat safety by discussing our approach to maintaining a secure Chat environment, including:
Chat Filters and Moderation
To prevent inappropriate behavior, we use advanced Chat filters designed to automatically block harmful language and phrases. Additionally, our dedicated Moderation team actively monitors the Chat and takes appropriate actions when necessary.
Positive Reinforcement
We believe in encouraging and rewarding positive behavior. Players who exhibit good Chat habits and encourage others may be rewarded with legendary items of their choice. This serves as an incentive for maintaining a respectful and supportive community.
Handling Misconduct
Despite our best efforts, there are times when users may engage in behavior that is not conducive to a positive community. In such cases, our Moderation team takes the following actions, with parental involvement required for escalated situations.
Muting an Avatar
What is Muting?
Muting an Avatar temporarily disables a child’s ability to Chat within the game. This is often used as a first step in Moderating minor infractions by our Chat filters.
Duration and Expiration:
Muting is a temporary step and auto-expires after a set period, allowing users to return to chatting without any action needed from a Moderator or parent. Please know, depending on the number of offenses that players have committed, the Chat feature can be muted anywhere from 5 minutes to 60 minutes during play time.
Impact on Gameplay:
Muting does not affect the user's ability to play and interact with game content. It only affects the ability to use the Chat feature.
DMing an Avatar
When we spot Chat behavior that’s almost out of line, we may shoot a quick DM (direct message) to the player. It’s like a friendly heads-up to nudge them back towards using good Chat manners before things escalate to a suspension.
Suspending an Avatar
What is a Suspension?
Suspending an Avatar is more serious than Muting. It fully disables Chat and requires intervention from a Moderator and a parent or caregiver to be lifted. Suspensions occur after one Avatar/player has been muted several times, has been directly messaged by our Moderation team, or is discussing mature content. When a suspension is enacted, our Moderation team will suspend Chat for the player and email the account holder to discuss the rules with the player. It is important for the account holder to review all the contents within the email.
Duration and Lifting Process:
Suspensions do not auto-expire. The account holder must communicate with the Moderation team, confirming they have reviewed the Code of Conduct. Once this confirmation is received, the account holder can request that the suspension be lifted.
Master Suspension
This is a significant Moderation action where all Avatars under a single account are prevented from Chatting.
Permanent Suspension:
Similar to a third strike in baseball, receiving a third suspension on an Avatar results in a permanent Chat suspension for that Avatar.
Banning an Avatar
What Happens When an Avatar Gets Banned?
Banning is one of the most severe actions that can be taken against an Avatar in Adventure Academy. It restricts access to the game entirely, underscoring the importance of adhering to community guidelines.
Impact of a Ban:
A banned Avatar cannot access any part of Adventure Academy. A clear "Banned" message is displayed, preventing the selection of the Avatar.
Lifting a Ban:
Similar to suspensions, a ban does not auto-expire and must be lifted by a Moderator after a thorough review. This process often involves detailed discussions between Moderators and the account holder to ensure rules are understood and will be followed moving forward.