Over the years, the Scratch moderation team has been thinking (and rethinking) our stance on content that references video games and other media which contain elements that are not suitable for all ages. One popular example we see a lot is Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF).

When content such as FNAF began appearing in the community, we heard from a number of Scratchers who questioned the appropriateness on an all-ages website. We’ve continued to hear from Scratchers, teachers, and parents who have expressed their concerns.

What’s the impact of this kind of content on Scratch? Multiple school districts have blocked access to Scratch. Several parents have reported their children having nightmares. A number of community members have expressed they feel uncomfortable browsing Scratch because of this type of content.

Which elements are considered inappropriate according to the Scratch Community Guidelines?

1. Graphic Content: Depictions or audio that emulate weapons, gore, or violence.
   
2. Intense Themes: Serious or scary topics.
   
3. Vulgarity: Disrespectful or mature language.
   
4. Jumpscares: Startling images that abruptly flash on the screen.
   

It is our policy to remove content that is too graphic, scary, or violent. We understand that unsharing and restricting content is no fun — but we hope you understand why this is a necessary step in ensuring the Scratch community remains a friendly and welcoming site for people of all ages.

Content moderation is difficult. We want to ensure that you are all able to express yourselves while also balancing the needs of the community.

Thanks,
Scratch Team

Questions and Answers

Why not implement an age appropriateness rating system on Scratch?
Everything shared in our community should be appropriate for all ages. Any type of age restriction by the Scratch Team, community members, or creators isn’t aligned with this philosophy.

Can I put a disclaimer on my Scratch project to warn people it's not for all ages?
Everything shared in our community should be appropriate for all ages. Any content that requires a disclaimer or warning isn't aligned with this philosophy and would not be suitable for Scratch. If a warning is needed, it is probably not appropriate for Scratch.

Will all Five Nights at Freddy’s and similar content be unshared?
No. We’ll only unshare content that violates our Community Guidelines. For example: An emulation of or conversation about Five Nights at Freddy’s containing any of the elements described above is not okay.

Will this lead to my account being blocked?
In most cases, no. However, continuing to share content that violates the Community Guidelines can result in your account being blocked.

Will I be able to reshare projects removed by the Scratch Team?
Yes, as long as you remove the parts that are inappropriate — the jumpscares, the scary backstory, the frightening images, or any other content that isn’t appropriate. If you have any questions about whether the changes you've made are appropriate for re-sharing, please reach out to Contact Us.

My project was removed. Where can I find it?
If your project violated the Community Guidelines, it was unshared. In most cases you can now find it in your Unshared folder.

Why are you unsharing FNAF projects instead of Scratch projects X,Y, or Z which are far scarier?
This policy applies to all content that is violent, scary, or too intense for all ages. Not just FNAF. If you are aware of other Scratch projects that you feel go against the Community Guidelines, please use the Report button on the projects so we can check them out.

Why are you unsharing my project for being “too scary” when my 6 year-old nephew / sibling / cousin loves it and doesn't think it's scary?
Finding one example of a younger person that is not disturbed by FNAF or similar content doesn't prove that there aren't many others who do find it disturbing. We have heard feedback from many kids, parents, and teachers over the years who feel that some FNAF and similar content in projects are not appropriate for Scratch.

(This policy has been revised as of August 2023)

first reply! Yes, I agreed, they should be unshared.

Some people will be happy, I know that. I've always been indifferent about FNAF.

when [chromometer altimeter v] = [5th length v] and [7th length v] with a [gap v] of (17) ::events hat
forge [chromometer v] altimeter until < (speed) = (velocity)> ::control cstart
	switch places with (759 v) altimeters with value of (speed) ::looks
	control [altimeter 1 v] at time (10):(17):(58) ::control
end
initialize sequence (24) so [object 3 v] moves to x (156) y (231) ::control
reveal [final answer v] and stop running this script ::events cap

Same. They always make my uncomfortable…

when green flag clicked
 eat a [potato v]:: motion stack
stop [wasting time v]

Finally, some closure on this topic. Thanks ST

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Oh man I'm glad a crackdown has finally been reached. I can have a huge sigh of relief knowing I won't get so bothered about FNAF projects literally streaming non-stop on the front page.

As I collect myself from this exciting news, I realize this historic decision has a lot of fine print to make. But it will be a worthwhile investment to make Scratch a friendlier place.

A huge thanks. I was concerned that Scratch was going down the wrong path by allowing it to break its own guidelines. This brings back my faith that the ST will do what is right for Scratch.

Finally! FNaF has haunted me from the time I started scratching.

I have created some FNAF projects in the past with jumpscares. Is that okay? They were mostly for humor.

PrincessPanda_test_ wrote:

I have created some FNAF projects in the past with jumpscares. Is that okay? They were mostly for humor.

Will this lead to my account being blocked?
Nah. No worries if you created a Five Nights at Freddy’s project in the past. However, we ask that you do not reshare the project if it violates the Community Guidelines.

I'm in the making of a FNaF type game, however it uses toons from Toontown, and not Freddy. It won't have any backstory or anything.
Is this okay?

It appears that the ST has fallen on their own swords here, after months of:

Paddle2See wrote:

We're not going to ban all FNAF projects out of hand because we think it is possible to make a project about it without going against the Community Guidelines. We will, of course, continue to moderate the site and hope that if you find *any* projects that you think are inappropriate for Scratch, you will click on the report button and let the moderators know.

But step back a bit and evaluate what you are looking at before deciding. Is it really too scary? Or is it just scary because somebody told you that everything FNAF-related is super scary? Try to be objective.

But I'm happy with the change! I agree that FNAF projects were getting out of hand.

speakvisually wrote:

.
In the coming weeks, the Scratch moderation team will begin to unshare some “Five Nights at Freddy's” content from the website.

Well, there goes half of the Recently Shared section. (ba-dum-tiss)

Scratcher1002 wrote:

I'm in the making of a FNaF type game, however it uses toons from Toontown, and not Freddy. It won't have any backstory or anything.
Is this okay?

That seems okay :]

speakvisually wrote:

Scratcher1002 wrote:

I'm in the making of a FNaF type game, however it uses toons from Toontown, and not Freddy. It won't have any backstory or anything.
Is this okay?

That seems okay :]

Yey, it isn't very close to being finished xD

I've always been too nervous to open up anything saying “FNAF”. Thanks, this should make a lot of people feel much better.

^._.^::control //This is Kallie. She is a certified siggy protector. She protects my siggy from kumquats.

abhinav21 wrote:

how dare you

The ST isn't trying to be mean. It's taking the input from concerned Scratchers, teachers, and educators.

too bad ! I did alote of work!

Yay, anyway I am very, very scared of FNAF because I have nightmares every night of them coming into the room!

My fault. I apologize for the FNAF posts.