Trigger warnings and content warnings explained

TW // Talk and mention of trigger warnings

In this article, we’re going to talk about the abbreviation tw, meaning trigger warning, and content warnings. We’ll discuss what they are, with some examples (like the one we’ve used for this very article!), when to use them and how to do it.

Understanding trigger warnings

Using trigger/content warnings for the first time can be a bit scary – you can’t help but worry about getting things wrong.

But don’t let that stop you from taking the right steps. At the least, it will take you 2-3 seconds to add. At the most, it will help prevent someone from having a panic attack or worse.

So, never fear! This guide is here to help you understand the why, when, and how of trigger/content warnings.

What is a trigger warning?

A trigger warning, meaning a warning of potentially distressing or otherwise sensitive content and imagery, is a short one-line notice put at the beginning of an article. It’s also often abbreviated to ‘tw’. A content warning is very similar but can be used in slightly different situations, which we’ll talk about in a moment.

What does triggered mean?

In the context of trigger warnings, being triggered means becoming upset or distressed by something a person has seen or heard. For example, someone who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from a sexual assault or another traumatic event may be triggered by reading about sexual violence as it could bring up unpleasant thoughts and feelings about their own experience.

Why is it important to use these warnings?

Using trigger warnings and content warnings helps create a safe space for people who have suffered traumatic events. By flagging the sensitive content early, the person has a chance to decide when and how to engage with the content.

When to use trigger warnings and content warnings

Content warnings: These should be used to describe something that might upset readers and make them feel bad e.g., blood and nudity.

Trigger warnings: These should be used to prevent exposing someone with past trauma, to something that might insight a physical or mental reaction e.g., sexual violence.

How to use TW and CW

Here’s how to use TW and CW when posting potentially triggering material online.

1. Start with the abbreviation:

CW or TW

1. Add the two slashes:

CW // or TW //

1. Add the keywords clearly, without censoring (make these clear enough so people know what to expect, but without being too descriptive that it itself can trigger a reaction): 

CW // nudity  or TW // sexual violence

1. If you are writing a caption, go to the next line and add a full stop. Keep doing this until the description is hidden, so those who are okay with continuing can click on “read more.”

Example of a trigger warning – TW // sexual violence

Using TW in conversation

When you are in a conversation and know you will be saying something sensitive….

1. Say that you are giving a trigger warning.
2. Clearly mention the themes you will be touching on.
3. Leave enough time for someone to opt-out.

Side note:

It’s scary. But know that you aren’t expected to be aware of everything that people can be triggered by, just be open and respectful when someone reaches out to you about something you posted that they felt triggered by.

It also helps to research the common lists of triggers/content warnings. Here are a few:

• Death
• Sexual violence/ rape
• Food and drink/ eating disorders
• Paedophilia
• Violence/Murder
• Sex/masturbation
• Self-harm
• Suicide
• Homophobia, transphobia, sexism (any kind of discrimination)
• Talk of dysphoria, body image and appearance

If you have been triggered and need support

You can contact our team who are there to support you with anything and everything. Support is completely free and confidential.

You can also speak to other young people who are going through the same thing you are by joining our community.

• If you’re under 25 and would like free confidential telephone counselling from The Mix to help you figure things out, complete this form and we’ll call you to arrange your first session.
• Our Crisis Messenger provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you’re aged 25 or under, you can text THEMIX to 85258
• Chat about this subject on our discussion boards.