Snapchat is a unique messaging and social media app that keeps you connected with numerous people with the click of a button. Most people use Snapchat for fun, but like any other social media platform, some users will use it for nefarious reasons.

Read on to find out why you would report a user on Snapchat and how to do it...

When to Report a User on Snapchat

Similar to Facebook and Twitter, Snapchat has Community Guidelines that you must abide by to use its platform. If you do not follow these guidelines, you risk getting your account suspended or permanently banned.

There are various reasons why you may want to report a Snapchat account. But these are the main types of posts that violate Snapchat's Community Guidelines:

  • Sexual content, such as pornography.
  • Child sexual exploitation.
  • Bullying, harassment, and threats to commit a crime or harm someone.
  • Attempting to contact someone who has blocked you from another account.
  • Sharing private information about someone else.
  • Showing someone in a compromising position without their consent.
  • The glorification of self-harm.
  • Graphic violence.
  • Spreading false information.
  • Impersonation.
  • Selling controlled goods such as drugs, firearms, and counterfeit goods.
  • Hate speech.

The company also bans terrorist organisations from using its platform.

It should be noted that breastfeeding or other forms of non-sexual nudity are allowed on Snapchat.

Most social media platforms have rules in place so that users can safely use these services without worrying about harassment or bullying. In addition to reporting, you can also block someone on Snapchat to keep them from contacting you through the app.

How to Report an Account on Snapchat

Reporting an account on Snapchat is simple.

When you report content on Snapchat, the moderators of the social media platform will receive the report and determine if the Story or account has violated its Community Guidelines.

To report a Snapchat account:

  1. Go to the contact you wish to report.
  2. Click their avatar in the top right corner.
  3. Select the three dots in the upper right corner.
  4. Tap Report.
  5. Continue through the next two prompts, selecting the reasons why you are reporting the Snapchat account.

How to Report a Post on Snapchat

In some cases, the person you want to report usually follows the rules, but they may have posted a Snap that is abusive or inappropriate.

In this situation, you can report individual Snaps or Stories on Snapchat.

To report a Snap or Story on Snapchat:

  1. Open the Story you want to report.
  2. Press and hold the Story, it will narrow in size and a flag option will appear on the bottom left corner.
  3. Select the Flag icon.
  4. Continue through the next two prompts, selecting the reasons why you are reporting the Story.

Once Snapchat has received your report, it will review your submission and determine if the account has violated its Community Guidelines.

What Happens When You Report a Snapchat Account or Story

As we mentioned above, when you report a Snapchat account or Story, a review will need to be completed by Snapchat before action is taken. It could take several days before you receive feedback from the moderators about your submission.

Related: Common Snapchat Terms You Need to Know

If the account or Story has violated Snapchat's Community Guidelines, the moderators will remove the Story or account from Snapchat. If the content you reported is illegal, law enforcement may be involved.

If you report another user's account or Story on Snapchat, you will remain completely anonymous.

Report Wisely

If you see a Snapchat account or Story that offends you, you have a right to report it.

However, it's important to remember that just because a Snap is offensive to you, doesn't mean that it violates Snapchat's Community Guidelines. Make sure to report wisely.