Safeguarding
Keeping young people safe.
Sonder is designed primarily for children and young people. Safeguarding was the first design requirement. Every feature was reviewed asking: "Would I let my own child use this?"
1. Our Safeguarding Commitment
Sonder is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We follow UK safeguarding legislation including the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, and UKCCIS guidance.
2. Age Tiers and Parental Consent
Under 13 — Parent Account Required
- A parent or guardian must create and manage the account
- The parent receives all safeguarding alerts
- Conversations are subject to additional content filtering
- Parents may review conversation summaries (not full transcripts) at any time
Ages 13-15 — Trusted Adult Required
- Young person can create their own account
- Must add at least one trusted adult contact
- Trusted adult receives safeguarding alerts if triggered
- Conversations remain private unless a concern is detected
Ages 16 and Over — Independent
- Users 16 and over may sign up independently
- May optionally add a trusted adult
- If serious concern detected and no trusted adult listed, Sonder may contact emergency services in extreme cases
3. Automated Safeguarding Alerts
Sonder uses AI-powered monitoring to detect signs a user may be struggling, including language suggesting self-harm, abuse, severe distress, or unsafe situations. Alerts are quiet and carefully worded — the child is never told an alert was sent.
Important: Sonder is not a crisis service. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. Sonder signposts to Samaritans (116 123), Childline (0800 1111), and Crisis Text Line (text SHOUT to 85258) when severe distress is detected.
4. Content Safety
- Sonder will not generate harmful, sexual, violent, or age-inappropriate content
- Conversations are filtered through safety layers appropriate to the user's age tier
- Sonder will not assist with anything that could facilitate harm
5. Reporting a Concern
Email: safeguarding@withsonder.ai — we respond within 24 hours.
6. External Resources
- Childline: 0800 1111 (free, 24/7, under 19s)
- Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
- NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
- Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258
- Young Minds: youngminds.org.uk