Why we have guidelines

Polka Dots n Stripes is built on trust between families. These guidelines keep it kind, honest, and safe. They apply to parents and young adults, everywhere in the app.

1. Be kind

Treat every parent and every young adult with respect. Be polite in messages, and if a family isn't interested, take no for an answer gracefully.

2. Be real

Use real, recent photos and true information. One account per person, in your own name. Never pretend to be someone else or create a profile for someone without their knowledge.

3. The young adult decides

It's always the young adult's choice. Never pressure anyone to approve a profile, accept a match, share contact details, or meet. Parents find. You decide.

4. Keep it clean

No sexual content or nudity, hate speech, threats, bullying, or violent content, in photos, profiles, notes, or messages.

5. Protect privacy

Don't share anyone's last name, address, phone number, workplace, or screenshots of conversations without their permission. Keep private links private.

6. No scams or selling

Never ask for money, gifts, or financial details. No advertising, selling, recruiting, or promoting other services.

7. Adults only

Everyone on Polka Dots n Stripes must be 18 or older, parents and young adults alike. If you think someone is under 18, report them right away.

Reporting and blocking

If something feels wrong, report it. Parents can report or block from a profile or conversation, and young adults can report from their private page. Reports are confidential, and the other family is never told who reported them. Our team reviews every report.

What happens if guidelines are broken

Depending on what happened, we may give a warning, hide a profile, end matches, or permanently remove an account. Serious issues, like threats or anything involving someone under 18, lead to immediate removal and may be reported to the authorities.