1. Do NOT use the chat group to make group audio or video calls

   • This is a TEXT only support chat. Audio/Video Calls cannot be turned off but must never be used.

   • For voice discussions or in-person meetings, call the helpline (1300 853 437) or join a scheduled support meeting.

   • Why? Calls disrupt the group and lead to many muting/leaving - this harms its purpose as a safe written support space.

2. Be Respectful and Civil - NO stalking!

   • Treat others with respect. 

   • No personal attacks, harassment, insults, threats, hate speech, discrimination, or abusive behavior.

   • Efforts to track down and/or stalk others users (including univited friend or contact requests) will result in immediate ban. 

3. No Spam or Self-Promotion

   • No spamming (repetitive posts, excessive messages, or irrelevant content). 

   • No advertising, selling, soliciting, or promoting personal links/products without permission.

4. No Trolling, Disruption or 'Flaming'

   • No deliberate provocation, baiting, derailing threads, inflammatory posts or disruptive behavior. 

   • e.g. excessive drama, flamebait, trolling, attention seeking, exaggerated outbursts, dramatic theatrics, posts designed to provoke, anger or escalate conflict etc...

5. Stay On-Topic

   • Post in the appropriate channels/sections. 

   • Avoid off-topic discussions unless in designated areas.

6. No Illegal or Harmful Content

   • No sharing pirated material, illegal activities, explicit/NSFW content (unless allowed), or links to harmful sites.

   • 100% NO images or video's of minors - your kids or anyone elses. This is to protect them and YOU. 

7. No Doxxing or Personal Information

   • Think before sharing personal details about yourself that could be abused. e.g. medications

   • Do not share personal details about others without consent (this includes your kids)

   • Do not take or share screenshots with anyone else.

   • Always assume (a) the internet is forever and (b) a judge may see it

8. Use Appropriate Language

   • Limit excessive profanity, especially if directed at others. No shouting (ALL CAPS).

9. No Multiple Accounts or Evasion

   • One account per user; no evading bans.

10. Report Issues

    • Use report features for violations instead of engaging.

For the protection of the wider group, any decisions made by PBB admins are final. 

1. Protect your phone and app

   • If your phone allows, consider using biometric access to your phone AND the WhatsApp mobile app. 

   • i.e. use facial recognition, fingerprint or PIN to access your phone and/or app. 

2. Protect your account

   • Use two factor authentication to get into your WhatsApp account. 

3. Exercise caution in your sharing

   • Do not share something that you'd be worried others seeing. Assume everything you put on the net, anywhere, is forever. 

4. Minimise details others see

   • Consider how your profile looks to others - think profile image, displayed name and any 'status' you have up.

   • Review: settings > privacy > about (who ca see what)

5. Prevent others adding you to undesirable groups

   • Control, who can add you to 'other groups' by:  Settings > Privacy > Groups > change to your preference.

6. How to Set Up a Second WhatsApp Account for Maximum Anonymity

   •  For complete anonymity, obtain a second phone number (cheap prepaid physical SIM, eSIM, or virtual number from providers that minimize personal info requirements). WhatsApp only requires the number for initial verification (via SMS or call). Afterward, it works fully over data/Wi-Fi.

   • Disable incoming calls on the second number if possible (many providers offer this)—WhatsApp doesn't need ongoing voice service.

   • Use your primary SIM/eSIM for data; the second number handles just verification.

   • Running Two Accounts on One Phone (Official Methods)

     • No risky third-party cloning apps needed—stick to official options for security and end-to-end encryption.

     • On Android (native support since 2023):

     • In the standard WhatsApp app: Settings > tap arrow/next to your name > "Add account." Link the second number. Easy switching, separate notifications/privacy.

     • On iOS/iPhone (as of December 2025):

     • Native multi-account support is rolling out globally after beta testing in November 2025 (started in version ~25.34+).  Update to the latest WhatsApp app.  

     • Go to Settings > tap the plus/arrow next to your profile > "Add account."  

     • Register/verify your second number (new or existing).  

     • Switch seamlessly with separate notifications, chats, and privacy settings.

     • If not yet available on your device (rollouts are gradual), use the reliable alternative below.

   • Alternative (works for everyone): 

     • Install the free WhatsApp Business app from the App Store alongside the regular WhatsApp.  

     • Both apps are nearly identical for messaging (chats, calls, groups, etc.).  

     • Business adds optional tools (e.g., quick replies, catalog)—ignore them for personal/anonymous use.  

     • Register your primary number in regular WhatsApp and the second (anonymous) in Business. They run independently side-by-side.

What's the Virtual Veranda chat groups purpose

• To connect parents between the support groups and with others around the country

• As long as any chat is respectful, it can be about anything - the situation you're experiencing or just social chat

Whats it not about?

• The rules can been seen above but, in simple terms, its not about activism, bagging out the 'other' gender or bringing everyone down with 'doom postings.

• If you stray from the rules, an admin will generally message you but repeated or egregious breaches of the rules result in immediate banning.

I'm getting too many notifications

• You can mute notifications from individual people or groups

• Here's the link to the WhatsApp guide: https://faq.whatsapp.com/694350718331007/?cms_platform=web or try the steps below.

• You can mute individual or group chat calls and messages for a specified period of time. You'll still receive messages, but your device won't vibrate or make noise to notify you. To mute notifications for individual or group chats:

  • Open an individual or group chat.

  • Click the name of the individual or group chat.

  • Turn on Mute notifications.

  • Select the length of time you’d like to mute notifications for, then click Mute.

  • To turn notifications back on, click on the muted chat. Turn off Muted and click Unmute.

• Note: If you mute a group chat on your phone, it'll also be muted on WhatsApp Web and Desktop. All other notification settings are independent of your phone and computer and don't affect one another.

Been removed / banned?

• As long as you follow the rules, we're happy for you to use the chat group. 

• Contact your suport group facilitator or our helpline on 1300 853437 to discuss bringing you back in. You can also email helpline@parentsbeyondbreakup.com.

• Before you're let back in, you'll need to show you'll no longer break the rules.