What Are Safewords?
Safewords are a critical safety feature in TaskManager that allow any member to quickly communicate their comfort level or need to pause. Inspired by the traffic light system commonly used in BDSM communities, safewords provide a clear, unambiguous way to communicate boundaries.
✓ Always Respected
Safewords are always respected in TaskManager. When used, they trigger immediate notifications and are logged. No one should ever be penalized for using a safeword.
The Traffic Light System
TaskManager uses the standard traffic light safeword system:
| Safeword |
Meaning |
Action |
| GREEN |
All good, continue |
Everything is fine, proceed as normal |
| YELLOW |
Slow down, check in |
Approaching a limit, need to pause or adjust |
| RED |
Stop immediately |
Full stop, something is wrong, need to address now |
Using Safewords in TaskManager
Quick Access Button
A safeword button is always accessible:
- On The Helm dashboard (prominent placement)
- In the navigation menu
- On task detail pages
- During any interaction
How to Use
-
Click the Safeword Button
Click the safeword icon (usually a shield or traffic light) wherever you see it.
-
Select Your Level
Choose Green, Yellow, or Red based on your current state.
-
Add Context (Optional)
Optionally add a note explaining the situation.
-
Submit
Your safeword is logged and relevant parties are notified immediately.
What Happens When You Safeword
Green
- Logged for reference
- Optional notification to dominant
- Useful for check-ins and affirmations
Yellow
- Immediate notification to dominant(s)
- Logged with timestamp
- Prompts a check-in conversation
- May pause pending tasks (configurable)
Red
- Immediate urgent notification
- All pending tasks paused
- Prominently logged
- Requires acknowledgment before normal activities resume
- May trigger emergency contacts (if configured)
⚠ Red Safeword
A Red safeword means everything stops. This is a serious signal that something needs immediate attention. If you're a dominant and receive a Red, prioritize addressing it immediately.
Configuring Safewords
In Account Settings
Configure your safeword preferences at Account Settings → Safewords:
- Enable/disable: Safewords are enabled by default
- Custom words: Use custom words instead of colors (optional)
- Notification preferences: How you're notified when others safeword
- Quick access: Where the button appears
Custom Safewords
If you prefer different words than the traffic light system:
- Go to Account Settings → Safewords
- Click "Use Custom Words"
- Enter your three words (corresponding to green, yellow, red levels)
- Save
Your custom words will appear in the safeword interface, but the underlying system (logging, notifications) works the same.
Safeword History
All safeword usage is logged for reference:
- View your own safeword history in Account Settings
- Dominants can see their submissives' safeword history
- History includes: date, time, level, context note, acknowledgment
- Helps identify patterns and facilitate conversations
For Dominants
Receiving Safewords
When your submissive uses a safeword:
- You receive an immediate notification
- The notification includes the level and any context
- Yellow and Red appear prominently on The Helm
- Red requires acknowledgment
Acknowledging Safewords
-
Receive Notification
See the safeword alert on your dashboard or via notification.
-
Check In
Communicate with your submissive to understand the situation.
-
Address the Issue
Take appropriate action based on the situation.
-
Acknowledge in System
Click "Acknowledge" to record that you've addressed the safeword.
Requesting Check-Ins
Dominants can request a safeword check-in:
- Click "Request Check-In" on The Helm
- Submissive receives a prompt to submit their current status
- They choose Green, Yellow, or Red
- You receive the response
Regular check-ins help maintain open communication and catch issues early.
Safeword Etiquette
For Submissives
- Use them: Safewords exist to be used - never hesitate
- Be honest: Choose the level that accurately reflects your state
- Add context: When possible, explain what triggered the safeword
- Don't fear consequences: Using a safeword should never result in punishment
For Dominants
- Always respect: Never question, dismiss, or punish safeword use
- Respond promptly: Especially to Yellow and Red
- Follow up: Have a conversation after the situation is addressed
- Create safety: Encourage safeword use and make it easy
✓ Building Trust
Safewords build trust. When submissives know their limits will be respected, they feel safer exploring. When dominants receive honest feedback, they can provide better guidance. Everyone benefits from clear communication.
When to Use Each Level
Use Green When:
- You want to affirm that everything is good
- Responding to a check-in request
- After resolving a Yellow or Red situation
- You want to communicate satisfaction
Use Yellow When:
- You're feeling overwhelmed but not in distress
- A task or expectation is pushing your limits
- You need to slow down or take a break
- You want to discuss something before continuing
- Something feels off but isn't an emergency
Use Red When:
- You need everything to stop immediately
- You're experiencing emotional or physical distress
- A boundary has been crossed
- You're having a crisis or emergency
- Continuing is not safe or healthy
Emergency Contacts
For Premium users, you can configure emergency contacts:
- Set up trusted contacts in Account Settings
- When a Red safeword is used, emergency contacts can be notified
- Configurable: immediate notification, delayed notification, or none
- Emergency contacts receive: alert that safeword was used, your designated message
Privacy
- Safeword history is private to your hierarchy
- Only you and hierarchy members can see your safewords
- Platform administrators cannot see safeword content
- You can export your safeword history in your data export