Youth Protection Policy

Effective Date: October 15, 2026

1. Purpose and Commitment

Mortal Curiosity is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment for all attendees, especially children and teens.

We have zero tolerance for abuse, bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, threats, violence, or any behavior that puts a young person at risk.

Everyone attending or participating in a Mortal Curiosity event shares responsibility for helping keep others safe. If you see or suspect inappropriate behavior, report it to event staff immediately.

2. Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to everyone attending, working at, volunteering at, or participating in Mortal Curiosity events, including:

• Staff and volunteers

• Panelists and workshop hosts

• Island Guests, performers, and their accompanying guests

• Vendors, artists, exhibitors, and cosplayers

• Photographers, press, and other attendees

All participants are expected to follow this policy and the event's Code of Conduct. Violations may result in removal from the event and restrictions on participation in future events.

3. Eligibility and Screening

Mortal Curiosity may deny participation to anyone who:

• Provides false or misleading information during an application or screening process.

• Has been removed from a previous position or event for misconduct involving a minor.

• Has a substantiated history of abuse, exploitation, or other misconduct that raises legitimate youth safety concerns.

• Is otherwise determined to pose a safety risk to attendees or participants.

Mortal Curiosity may require background checks or additional screening for certain staff or volunteer positions. Failure to complete required screening may result in disqualification.

Panelists, Island Guests, vendors, artists, and other participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with this policy before the event.

4. Protecting Children and Teens

Children aged 13 and younger must remain under the supervision of a responsible parent, legal guardian, or designated adult chaperone at all times.

Mortal Curiosity staff and volunteers must not agree to take responsibility for supervising another person's child. Parents and guardians remain responsible for their children's supervision and safety.

If you encounter a child who appears lost, alone, or in distress:

• Notify event staff immediately.

• Do not leave the child alone in an unsafe situation.

• Whenever possible, have another staff member assist you.

• Do not take the child to a private or isolated location.

• Allow event staff to coordinate with the child's parent or guardian and, when necessary, security or emergency services.

If a child is reported missing, notify event staff immediately. Staff will coordinate appropriate efforts to locate the child and reunite them with their parent or guardian. A child's safety takes priority, and law enforcement or emergency services may be contacted when appropriate.

Staff and volunteers must not release a child to someone claiming to be their parent or guardian without taking reasonable steps to confirm the person's identity and relationship to the child.

5. Expected Conduct and Prohibited Behavior

All participants must treat children, teens, and other attendees with respect.

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:

• Physical violence, threats, intimidation, or abusive language.

• Bullying, harassment, stalking, or discriminatory conduct.

• Sexual comments, advances, contact, or communications directed toward minors.

• Exploiting, grooming, threatening, or otherwise endangering a child or teen.

• Sharing sexual content with a minor or requesting sexual images or contact from a minor.

• Inappropriate photography, recording, or attempts to invade someone's privacy.

• Any other conduct that violates the Code of Conduct or applicable law.

Adults participating in Mortal Curiosity events are expected to maintain appropriate boundaries with minors, including during online and social media interactions related to the event.

Adult-only content or activities, if offered, are restricted to individuals aged 18 and older. Minors may not enter or participate in designated adult-only activities.

Violations may result in immediate removal from a panel or event, removal of event privileges, and restrictions on future participation. Serious concerns may be referred to law enforcement.

6. Photography, Video, and Cosplay

Mortal Curiosity wants attendees to enjoy cosplay, photography, and creative expression while respecting everyone's safety and privacy.

• Ask permission first. Do not photograph, record, or film another person without their expressed permission. Respect anyone who declines or asks you to stop.

• Protect minors. Do not photograph or record a child in a private setting without the permission of their parent or guardian. Do not use photography to harass, intimidate, exploit, or sexualize a minor.

• Respect private areas. Photography and recording are prohibited in restrooms, changing areas, and other designated private spaces.

• No inappropriate angles or images. Photography intended to expose undergarments or body parts intentionally covered by clothing or cosplay is prohibited.

• Respect boundaries. Cosplay does not equal consent. Do not touch, pose, photograph, or interact with someone in a way they have not agreed to.

• Follow event rules. Unauthorized recording devices and any photography or recording that violates Mortal Curiosity's event policies are prohibited.

Report inappropriate or unauthorized photography and recording to event staff immediately.

7. Reporting Safety Concerns

Everyone is encouraged to report suspected abuse, harassment, misconduct, unsafe conditions, or other violations of this policy.

If you witness an incident or someone tells you they have experienced misconduct:

1. Notify Mortal Curiosity staff or event security immediately.

2. Provide the information you know, including what happened and where it occurred.

3. Do not investigate the incident yourself or promise to keep information secret.

4. If someone is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical assistance, contact emergency services.

Mortal Curiosity will take reports seriously and respond as appropriate to protect attendees and participants. Reports will be handled as discreetly as reasonably possible, while allowing for necessary safety measures and reporting to appropriate authorities.

Concerns may be reported directly to event staff. You do not need to be certain that misconduct occurred before raising a genuine safety concern.

8. Enforcement

Mortal Curiosity reserves the right to investigate reported concerns, take appropriate protective action, deny participation, remove individuals from an event, and restrict participation in future events when necessary to protect attendees and uphold our policies.

Serious violations may be referred to law enforcement or other appropriate authorities. Nothing in this policy prevents anyone from contacting law enforcement or emergency services directly.

Mortal Curiosity does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a safety concern in good faith.

9. A Shared Responsibility

Protecting young attendees is everyone's responsibility. By participating in a Mortal Curiosity event, you agree to follow this Youth Protection Policy and cooperate with reasonable safety instructions from event staff.

Our goal is to create an environment where families, children, teens, and fans of all ages can enjoy our events safely and respectfully.