How to Report Someone on Discord: A Definitive Guide

So, you’ve encountered some disruptive behavior on Discord, and you’re looking to wield the reporting sword. Good on you! A healthy community depends on active participants who aren’t afraid to flag malicious activity. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to report someone on Discord effectively, and how to ensure your report gets the attention it deserves.

In essence, reporting someone on Discord involves submitting a detailed report directly to Discord Trust & Safety. This isn’t like simply flagging a comment on Facebook. You’ll need to provide compelling evidence to support your claim. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Gather Evidence: This is the MOST crucial step. Discord’s Trust & Safety team needs irrefutable proof of the violation. Screenshots, message links (explained below), and user IDs are your best friends.
2. Find the Message ID (and Server/Channel ID): Enable Developer Mode in Discord’s Advanced Settings. This lets you right-click on messages, users, and channels to copy their IDs. The Message ID identifies the specific offending message. To enable it, go to User Settings > Advanced > Toggle on Developer Mode.
3. Copy the Offending Message Link: With Developer Mode enabled, right-click the message and select “Copy Message Link.” This provides a direct, clickable link to the offending message, making it easy for Discord to locate the content.
4. Submit a Report: Go to Discord’s Trust & Safety request form (available on Discord’s official website under Support) and fill it out accurately. Select the appropriate report type (e.g., Harassment, Hateful Conduct, Spam). Be as detailed as possible in your explanation, and always include the Message ID and Server/Channel ID along with any screenshots.
5. Wait Patiently: Discord’s Trust & Safety team reviews reports in the order they are received. Response times can vary depending on the severity and complexity of the issue. Avoid bombarding them with follow-up emails unless you have new, relevant information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Reporting on Discord

Let’s tackle some common questions to ensure you’re fully equipped to handle reporting issues on Discord.

What kind of behavior warrants a report on Discord?

Discord’s Community Guidelines clearly outline prohibited behavior. This includes, but isn’t limited to: harassment, hate speech, threats of violence, doxxing (revealing someone’s personal information without their consent), illegal activities, spam, and distribution of malware. If you encounter any of these, report it.

How do I find the User ID of the person I want to report?

With Developer Mode enabled, simply right-click on the user’s name in a chat or on the server member list and select “Copy ID.” This is a unique identifier that helps Discord pinpoint the specific account.

What’s the difference between reporting a message and reporting a user?

Reporting a message focuses on a specific instance of rule-breaking. Reporting a user is for cases where the user exhibits a pattern of violating the guidelines, or for serious offenses that impact the community broadly. If you’re reporting a single message, just report the message. If it’s a continuous problem or severe, consider reporting the user in addition to specific messages.

What information should I include in my report to Discord?

The more detail, the better. Include:

• The offending user’s User ID and Discord tag (username#discriminator).
• Message IDs and links to the specific messages violating the guidelines.
• Server ID and Channel ID where the violation occurred.
• A clear and concise explanation of what happened and why it violates Discord’s rules.
• Relevant screenshots of the violation.
• Any context that helps Discord understand the situation.

Will the person I report know that I reported them?

No. Discord keeps reports confidential. The user you reported will not be notified that you specifically reported them.

What happens after I submit a report?

Discord’s Trust & Safety team will review your report and investigate the situation. If they determine that a violation has occurred, they may take action against the offending user, such as issuing a warning, temporarily suspending the account, or permanently banning the account. They might also remove the offending content.

How long does it take for Discord to respond to a report?

Response times can vary. Simple cases might be resolved quickly, while more complex investigations can take longer. Unfortunately, Discord doesn’t offer a guaranteed turnaround time, but providing a thorough and well-documented report increases the likelihood of a faster resolution.

What if I’m being harassed by multiple people on Discord?

In this case, report each instance of harassment individually. Include all relevant information, such as the User IDs of the harassers, message links, and screenshots. Highlighting that it’s a coordinated attack will also help the Trust & Safety team understand the severity of the situation.

Can I report someone for something that happened outside of Discord?

Generally, Discord focuses on violations that occur within its platform. However, if the behavior outside of Discord directly impacts the Discord community (e.g., threats made elsewhere are carried out within Discord), it may be considered. Provide as much context as possible, even if it involves external links or screenshots.

What can I do while waiting for Discord to respond to my report?

In the meantime, you can block the offending user to prevent further interaction. You can also leave the server if the harassment is severe and ongoing. If you are a moderator of the server, consider muting, kicking, or banning the user while Discord is processing your report.

What if I think someone is violating the law on Discord?

If you believe someone is engaging in illegal activities (e.g., distributing illegal content, making threats of violence), report it to both Discord and law enforcement. Discord will cooperate with law enforcement investigations.

What if I accidentally reported someone on Discord?

If you made a mistake, you can submit another request to Discord’s Trust & Safety team explaining the situation and retracting your previous report. Be honest and transparent about the error.

By following these steps and understanding the nuances of Discord’s reporting system, you can play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and positive environment for everyone. Remember, a vigilant community is a healthy community!