Community Guidelines

Highchat is an anonymous, school-based community app. These Community Guidelines explain what's allowed on Highchat and how we expect people to treat each other so the app stays fun and safe—especially for teens.

These Community Guidelines are part of the Agreement that governs your use of Highchat. Please also read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Help keep Highchat safe: downvote and report

We rely on the community to help us spot rule-breaking content quickly. If you see something that violates these Guidelines (or seems unsafe), please use the in-app tools to downvote and report it.

When you report content or conduct, we may review the reported content, related information, and surrounding context to decide whether to take action (for example, removing content or restricting an account).

We are not required to review every piece of content or every report, and we may take action (or not) in our discretion, consistent with the Terms and applicable law.

Protect Anonymity: No Personal Information (No Identifying Students)

General rule: Don't post, share, ask for, or threaten to share personal information about anyone (including yourself) on Highchat. Highchat is meant to be anonymous, and "trying to figure out who someone is" can put people at real risk.

What counts as "personal information"

Personal information includes anything that could reasonably identify, locate, contact, or harm someone, such as:

• full legal name (first + last) when it identifies a specific person
• home address, precise location, or location-tracking info
• phone number or personal email address
• social media handles/usernames or links that identify a person
• student ID numbers, schedules, or other school records
• photos/videos (or other images) that identify a person
• initials, unique nicknames, "everyone knows who this is" hints, or detailed descriptions that could identify a student

Don't identify students in your school community

You may not post "call-out" or "about" posts that identify (or try to identify) students in your school community

That means:

• 🚫 No student names, and no "it's the senior varsity QB who drives a red Jeep" style descriptions
• 🚫 No guessing / accusing who posted something ("this is definitely ___")
• ✅ You can talk generally ("some kid in my class…," "someone in my grade") without trying to identify a specific student
• ✅ Faculty, staff, and celebrity names are allowed, as is signing your own post with a pseudonym. TAs are students—not faculty.

No photos or videos of identifiable students

Don't post photos/videos that identify students in your school community. This includes:

• 🚫 photos/videos of students from school, sports, parties, hallways, classrooms, etc.
• 🚫 students' faces "covered" with an emoji, blurred, cropped, or partially hidden (people can still be recognized)
• 🚫 screenshots of private accounts, DMs, Snap stories, or "finstas" if they identify someone
• ✅ Images of faculty, staff, and celebrities are allowed (as long as the celebrity isn't also a student).

No doxxing (and no threats to dox)

Doxxing is sharing or threatening to share private or identifying information about someone. It's never allowed.

This includes posting or requesting:

• phone numbers, addresses, emails
• student IDs, schedules, locker combos, license plates
• private photos/videos or any other info that could identify, locate, contact, or harm someone

Public figures are subject to more scrutiny than private individuals. We moderate content less rigidly when public figures are involved.

What to do if you see identifying info

Please report any post or comment that includes personal information (especially about students), "who is this?" sleuthing, or threats to expose someone. We may remove content and take action on accounts that violate these rules.

Bullying and Harassment

General rule: No personal attacks.

Highchat is for fun, school-life chatter—not cruelty. We don't allow bullying, harassment, intimidation, or targeted hate toward anyone, including individuals or groups.

This includes content that's meant to humiliate, threaten, exclude, or repeatedly target someone—even if you think you're "just joking."

Not allowed

🚫 Targeted insults and name-calling

Don't attack someone's:

• appearance, body, or disability
• intelligence, mental health, or personality
• family, relationships, or identity

Harassment includes hostile or degrading content aimed at a specific person or group.

🚫 Shaming and degrading content

No:

• body-shaming
• slut-shaming or sexual shaming
• "kink-shaming"
• poverty/"poor"-shaming
• mocking someone's trauma, self-harm, eating disorder, or grief

🚫 Dogpiling or coordinated targeting

Don't encourage others to pile on, brigade, or "go after" someone. Coordinating harassment or directing others to target someone is not allowed.

🚫 Threats and intimidation

Threats of violence, threats to expose someone, blackmail, or "watch your back" style intimidation are not allowed.

Rumors, gossip, and "calling people out"

Highchat posts can be quick and unverified, but you may not spread rumors or accusations as fact in a way that's likely to cause harm.

You also may not spread knowingly false accusations or misinformation intended to harm someone's reputation.

Practical rule: If it's about a real person at your school and it could hurt them, don't post it. And remember: identifying or trying to identify people in your school community is not allowed (including "everyone knows who this is" hints).

Support each other: downvote and report

If you see bullying, harassment, or threats, please downvote and report it so we can review and take appropriate action (which may include removing content or restricting accounts).

Racism, Bigotry, and Hate

General rule: No discrimination or hate.

Highchat is for school community conversation—not for attacking people based on who they are. You may not post or engage in content that is hateful, discriminatory, or dehumanizing toward any person or group based on protected characteristics.

What we don't allow

🚫 Discrimination or hateful content

Content is not allowed if it promotes, supports, or normalizes hatred, harassment, or violence toward people because of protected characteristics (for example: race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, caste, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or similar protected status).

This includes:

• stereotypes meant to demean or exclude
• mocking someone's identity or protected status
• calls for segregation, exclusion, or "they don't belong here"
• praising or encouraging harassment of a marginalized group

🚫 Slurs

Slurs and derogatory terms targeting protected groups are not allowed, even if you claim you're "joking" or using them "ironically." Content that targets protected characteristics is prohibited.

Reclaimed slurs: In many online communities, context can be complicated. On Highchat—because it's a teen community—we generally treat slurs as not allowed, including "reclaimed" slurs, since they're easily used to harm and hard to moderate reliably at scale.

🚫 Extremism

We don't allow content that promotes extremist organizations or activities, or that praises/encourages violence toward protected groups.

If you see racism or bigotry

Please downvote and report it. We may remove content and take action on accounts that violate these rules.

Sexual Assault and Abuse

General rule: Don't invalidate survivors.

Highchat is a teen community. People may use the app to look for support or talk about difficult experiences. If someone shares an experience of sexual assault or other abuse, do not mock, dismiss, or attack them. Bullying, harassment, and targeted harm are not allowed on Highchat.

What's not allowed

🚫 Invalidating or attacking survivors

We don't allow content that dismisses or derides someone who shares an experience of sexual assault or abuse, including:

• calling someone a liar or saying "that didn't happen" to shut them down
• accusations like "they asked for it," "they deserved it," or other victim-blaming
• harassment, threats, intimidation, or "dogpiling" related to someone's disclosure

🚫 Jokes about sexual assault

Sexual assault is not a punchline. Content that makes light of sexual violence or normalizes it is not allowed.

🚫 Any sexual content involving minors (zero tolerance)

Highchat has zero tolerance for sexual content involving minors, or content that exploits or endangers minors—this includes sexual solicitation, grooming behavior, and any depiction or description of sexual activity involving a minor. We may report apparent child sexual exploitation to appropriate authorities as required by law.

🚫 Personal information or identifying allegations

Do not include personal information or identifying details when discussing sexual assault or abuse—about yourself or anyone else (names, initials, social handles, photos, schedules, "everyone knows who this is" clues, etc.).

Also, do not post allegations as "facts" in a way likely to cause harm.

What is allowed (with care)

• Sharing your feelings or asking for support in a non-graphic way
• Encouraging someone to seek help from a trusted adult, school counselor, medical professional, or local resources
• Discussing public news stories without identifying private individuals in your school community

If someone may be in danger

If you believe you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services right away. Highchat is not an emergency service or an official school communications channel.

If you see content that violates this section, please report it so we can review and take action consistent with our policies.

Drugs, Alcohol, Illegal Activity, and Dangerous Challenges

General rule: Don't use Highchat to do (or organize) anything illegal or dangerous.

You may use Highchat only for lawful purposes, and you may not use the app to break the law, violate someone's rights, or encourage wrongdoing.

Because Highchat is organized around high schools, you also may not use the Service to coordinate or encourage wrongdoing at school (like cheating schemes, theft, vandalism, or violence).

What's allowed

Discussion about drugs or alcohol in a general, non-instructional way (e.g., "people were vaping in the bathroom today") is usually okay as long as it doesn't include personal information or target someone and doesn't encourage harm.

What's not allowed

🚫 Buying, selling, or asking for drugs or alcohol

Don't use Highchat to request, offer, arrange, trade, deliver, or coordinate access to:

• alcohol
• cannabis or THC products
• vape products/nicotine
• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• any other controlled substances

This includes "DM me," "who has ___," "plug?" and any attempts to set up transactions or meetups.

🚫 Illegal activity or "how to commit a crime" content

Don't post, request, or encourage instructions or help for illegal activity or wrongdoing.

Examples include (not exhaustive):

• theft, vandalism, break-ins, trespassing
• fraud, phishing, hacking, counterfeiting
• extortion/blackmail
• threats or incitement of violence or wrongdoing
• trafficking/exploitation, cybercrime, or contraband. (For example: any sexual exploitation involving minors is prohibited and may be reported as required by law.)

🚫 Harmful activity, dangerous stunts, and weapons

Don't post content that encourages or instructs dangerous behavior, including:

• "pranks," stunts, or viral challenges that create a high risk of injury
• advice on using weapons or bringing weapons to school
• anything intended to incite violence or wrongdoing

Reporting and potential disclosure to authorities

If you see content involving drugs/alcohol transactions, weapons, or credible threats, report it.

We may investigate suspected violations and may take action, including removing content or restricting accounts.

In some situations, we may also take appropriate legal action and cooperate with law enforcement, and we may access/preserve/disclose information as permitted by law and consistent with our Privacy Policy.

Suicide, Self-Harm, and Eating Disorders

General rule: Don't encourage, glorify, or instruct self-harm.

Highchat is a teen community. People may share difficult feelings or ask for support, but we do not allow content that encourages, promotes, glorifies, or provides instructions for self-harm (including suicide, self-injury, or eating-disorder behaviors).

What we don't allow

🚫 Encouraging or glorifying self-harm

Content is not allowed if it:

• urges someone to hurt themselves (including "you should kms" or similar)
• romanticizes or celebrates self-harm or suicide
• portrays self-harm as a competition ("who can go longest without eating" / "highest number of cuts")
• includes "thinspo," "meanspo," or other content that promotes disordered eating or restriction in any form

🚫 Instructions, methods, or "how-to" content

No how-to content about self-harm, suicide, or eating-disorder behaviors, including:

• methods, tips, "safe ways," hiding injuries, or avoiding detection
• step-by-step content about restriction, purging, laxative/diuretic abuse, or compulsive exercise used for harm

🚫 Targeted self-harm harassment

Any content that bullies, harasses, or threatens someone—especially content telling someone to self-harm—is prohibited.

What can be okay (with care)

We aim to handle these topics with compassion. Depending on context, content may be allowed if it:

• shares personal feelings or experiences without instructions, graphic details, or promotion
• asks for help, support, or resources
• encourages reaching out to trusted adults, counselors, or professionals

Important: Even when content is allowed, do not include personal information about yourself or anyone else.

And remember: content on Highchat is not private and may be screenshotted or shared.

Humor

Humor can be a coping mechanism, but it can also harm people who are struggling.

• ✅ Humor about your own feelings can be okay if it isn't promoting self-harm.
• 🚫 Don't use self-harm, suicide, or eating disorders as a punchline to mock others, or to encourage harmful behavior.

If you or someone else may be in danger

If you think someone might be at risk of self-harm or suicide:

• Call 911 (U.S.) or your local emergency number if there is immediate danger.
• If you can, contact a trusted adult (parent/guardian, school counselor, coach, or another responsible adult).

Please also report the content in the app so we can review it and take appropriate action.

Nudity and Sexual Content

General rule: Keep it teen-appropriate (13+) and non-explicit.

Highchat is intended for 13+ users, so content visible to others must be appropriate for a teen audience. That means no pornography and no sexually explicit content, including explicit images, videos, or graphic descriptions.

What's not allowed

🚫 Nudity or sexual imagery

Don't post nudity or sexual images/videos, including:

• genitals or explicit "sex act" content
• pornographic content (including "porn links" or porn screenshots)
• "nudes," "leaks," or any sexually explicit images—even if you claim consent
• pornography includes explicit sexual content whether it's real, animated, drawn, or AI-generated.

Limited exceptions: Non-sexual, non-graphic educational or artistic content may be allowed in rare cases (for example, breastfeeding or medical/health contexts). If it's sexual, pornographic, explicit, or intended for arousal, it's not allowed.

🚫 Non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) / "revenge porn"

Don't post, re-share, screenshot, or threaten to share anyone's intimate images or videos without their permission — even if you think it's "already out there," even if it was originally shared with someone else, and even if it's edited or AI-generated.

Threatening to expose someone's intimate images to embarrass, control, or punish them is prohibited.

🚫 Excessively sexual or graphic sexual descriptions

Talking about relationships, crushes, dating, and sexual health can be okay. But don't post content that describes sexual acts in graphic detail or is intended for sexual arousal. (If it would read like pornography, it doesn't belong here.)

🚫 Sexual content involving minors (zero tolerance)

Any sexual content involving minors is strictly prohibited, including:

• sexual images of a minor
• sexualization of minors
• grooming behavior or requests for sexual images
• content that encourages or normalizes sexual exploitation of minors

When we become aware of apparent CSAM/child sexual exploitation, we will report to NCMEC as required by law. We also may also preserve/disclose information as permitted by law and our Privacy Policy.

🚫 Sexual solicitation

• Don't use Highchat to ask for sex, request sexual favors, or buy/sell sexual content (including "send pics," "feet pics," or "DM for content"). This includes any attempt to arrange sexual meetups.
• Don't offer, request, or coordinate sexual services — online or offline — including "meetups for money," "escort," "erotic massage," or paid sexual chat/video.
• Don't use Highchat to recruit, advertise, facilitate, or coordinate sexual exploitation or trafficking of any kind.
• Don't impersonate someone, lie about who you are, or manipulate people to get sexual content.

🚫 Sexual harassment

Unwelcome sexual comments or pressure are not okay. Don't:

• comment on someone's body in a sexual way
• make unwanted sexual advances
• pressure someone for photos, "proof," or DMs
• threaten to expose sexual content ("sextortion")
• repeatedly pressuring someone after they say "no"
• sending or posting explicit sexual content "at" someone to shock or humiliate them
• asking for sexual favors or "rate my body" style requests

🚫 Manipulation and coercion

Don't pressure, trick, bribe, or guilt someone — especially a minor — into sexual talk, photos, secrecy, or a meetup. Using fear, shame, or threats to keep someone quiet is never okay.

🚫 Child sexual exploitation (CSAM) is zero tolerance

Don't post, request, trade, send, re-share, screenshot, or "forward" any nude or sexually explicit content involving anyone under 18 — even if it's "of yourself," even if it's "a joke," and even if someone says it's consensual.

If we become aware of apparent child sexual exploitation (including CSAM, online enticement, or child sex trafficking involving a minor), we will report it to NCMEC's CyberTipline as required by law, and we may preserve related information as permitted/required by law and our Privacy Policy.

If you see violations

Please downvote and report nudity, sexual exploitation content, sexual harassment, or solicitation. We may remove content and take action on accounts that violate these rules.

Spam, Scams, and Promotion

General rule: Don't spam or use Highchat to push ads, scams, or repetitive promotions.

Highchat is for school chatter. Content that disrupts the community—like spam, repeated posts, or deceptive links—is not allowed.

What's not allowed

🚫 Spam and excessive repetition

We may remove content that is repetitive, automated, or posted primarily to drive engagement or attention, including:

• posting the same (or near-identical) content over and over
• mass-posting the same message across multiple school feeds (where applicable)
• "comment spam" or flooding threads
• using bots, scripts, or other automated tools to post or interact

🚫 Scams, fraud, or deceptive behavior

Don't try to trick people or manipulate them for money, access, or personal information. Fraud, phishing, impersonation, and similar deceptive conduct are prohibited.

🚫 Malicious links or unsafe content

Don't post links that are harmful, deceptive, or that try to steal information (including phishing links).

Link-sharing rule: If you share a link, include enough context so people know what it is and where it goes. Don't disguise URLs, shorten them to mislead, or post "click this" with no explanation.

What's allowed (within limits)

Highchat is not an advertising platform, but we understand schools have events and announcements. In general, it may be okay to post about:

• school games, dances, club events, fundraisers, and community activities
• local events that are relevant to students

But: keep it relevant, don't over-post, and don't use Highchat primarily as a marketing channel.

No commercial solicitation to minors

Because Highchat includes teen users, we take a cautious approach to commercial promotion. We may remove posts that:

• solicit purchases in a way that feels predatory or inappropriate for teens
• promote age-restricted products (e.g., alcohol, nicotine/vapes)

If you see spam or scammy links

Please downvote and report it. We may remove content and take action on accounts that violate these rules.

Violence, Threats, and Graphic Content

General rule: No threats of violence, and no graphic gore.

Highchat should never be a place where people feel unsafe. Content that threatens, promotes, incites, or glorifies violence is not allowed.

Because Highchat is intended for 13+ users, we also restrict graphic or disturbing content.

What's not allowed

🚫 Threats of violence (including "jokes" that read like threats)

Don't post threats to harm someone, or content that encourages violence against an individual, group, or community.

This includes:

• threats of physical harm ("I'm going to…", "someone should…")
• threats of sexual violence
• "bring a weapon to school" or similar intimidation
• celebrating violence or encouraging others to commit violence

🚫 Incitement and glorification of violence

Content that praises, promotes, or incites violence (including "call to action" posts) is prohibited.

🚫 Animal cruelty

Content that depicts, promotes, or encourages animal cruelty is not allowed.

🚫 Gore and graphic injury content

Don't post graphic images or videos showing:

• severe injuries, deep wounds, or mutilation
• excessive blood, violence, or brutality
• real-world violence footage

Even if posted "for awareness," graphic content can be harmful in a teen community and may be removed.

Fictional violence and context

We understand people discuss movies, sports, or video games. If you're referencing fictional violence, keep it clearly in that context and avoid language that reads like a real threat.

Serious threats and safety escalation

If you see a credible threat of violence or self-harm, report it immediately.

Highchat may take action on accounts and content, and in limited situations involving imminent/credible threats or emergencies, we may also preserve or disclose information to appropriate parties (including law enforcement or, where appropriate, school officials), consistent with law and our Privacy Policy.

Misinformation and Misleading Content

General rule: Don't present false or unverified claims as fact in a way that could cause harm.

Highchat is fast-moving "school chatter," and posts can be unverified—but you may not use Highchat to spread misinformation or deceptive content that's likely to cause harm, panic, or serious confusion.

What we mean by "misinformation"

"Misinformation" includes false, misleading, manipulated, or unverified content shared as fact—especially when it could affect someone's safety, reputation, or access to services.

What's not allowed

🚫 Harmful misinformation (even if you "didn't mean it")

We may remove content that is false or misleading and likely to cause harm—whether it was posted intentionally or not—and we may take action on accounts that repeatedly do so.

Examples include (not exhaustive):

• Medical misinformation or dangerous "remedies" (especially advice encouraging self-harm, eating-disorder behavior, or unsafe substance use)
• False claims that incite panic (e.g., fake emergencies, bomb threats, "active shooter at ___" when untrue)
• Manipulated or misleading media posted to deceive (edited screenshots, deepfakes, fabricated "receipts")
• False information about civic processes (e.g., voting/registration rules, election dates, or where/how to vote)
• Conspiracy theories presented as fact when they target, endanger, or harass individuals or groups

🚫 Knowingly false accusations intended to harm

You may not spread knowingly false claims or accusations meant to damage someone's reputation or safety.

This includes making up allegations about a specific person at school, or pushing "everyone knows it's ___" narratives.

How to post responsibly (especially with rumors)

If you're sharing something you heard:

• be clear it's unverified (don't state it as fact)
• don't include identifying details about anyone (names, initials, socials, photos, schedules, etc.)
• don't encourage harassment, dogpiling, or threats

Report misinformation that could cause harm

If you see misinformation that could create danger, panic, or targeted harm, please report it so we can review and take action consistent with our Terms and policies.

Minors and Child Safety

General rule: No exploitation of minors—ever.

Highchat is a teen-heavy app, and many users are under 18. We take child safety seriously and enforce strict rules to prevent grooming, sexual exploitation, and endangerment of minors.

Zero tolerance content (not allowed)

🚫 Grooming or predatory behavior

"Grooming" includes attempts to build trust with a minor for exploitation or abuse. This can include:

• pressuring someone into private chats, secrecy, or "don't tell anyone"
• requesting sexual content, "pics," or sexual conversations
• trying to arrange private meetups for sexual purposes

🚫 Sexual exploitation or trafficking-related content

Any content that facilitates or encourages sexual exploitation of minors is prohibited, including trafficking, coercion, or "trading" sexual content.

🚫 Sexualization of minors

We do not allow:

• pornographic images of minors
• sexualized depictions of minors
• sexually explicit conversations with or about minors
• any content that encourages or normalizes sexual activity involving a minor

Additional safety rules for a teen community

To reduce risk to minors on Highchat:

• Don't share personal information about yourself or anyone else (names, socials, photos, schedules, etc.).
• Don't attempt to identify people in your school community.
• Don't use Highchat to arrange risky meetups or to solicit sexual content.

Reporting and escalation

If you see grooming, exploitation, or any sexual content involving minors, report it immediately.

We may remove content, restrict accounts, and investigate suspected violations.

We may also preserve and disclose information as permitted by law and consistent with our Privacy Policy. Apparent child sexual exploitation may be reported to appropriate authorities as required.

Trolling and Bad-Faith Posting

General rule: Don't stir the pot at other people's expense.

Highchat is for jokes, memes, and real school chatter—not for baiting people into fights. We may remove bad-faith content that appears designed mainly to provoke, agitate, or derail the community, even if it doesn't fit neatly into another rule.

What we mean by "trolling" / bad-faith behavior

Examples include (but are not limited to):

• posting inflammatory takes just to start a pile-on
• "rage bait," harassment-by-proxy, or repeatedly trying to trigger a group
• intentionally misleading posts meant to cause chaos or panic
• spamming controversial topics to dominate the feed
• posting to provoke reactions and then mocking people for reacting

If your goal is to get attention by upsetting people, it probably doesn't belong on Highchat.

Jokes and satire are okay—when they're not targeted harm

We know humor is a big part of high school culture. Satire, sarcasm, and memes can be fine—as long as they don't become bullying, harassment, hate, threats, or harmful misinformation.

Enforcement

We may remove content or restrict accounts for repeated trolling, disruption, or attempts to evade moderation.

Feedback is welcome

It's okay to criticize Highchat or our moderation decisions, including with humor.

Language Support

Right now, Highchat's moderation tools and review processes work best for English-language content. Content posted primarily in other languages may be harder for us to understand and moderate accurately, and we may be less able to respond quickly or consistently.

If you're reporting content in a non-English language, adding a short English explanation in your report can help.

These Guidelines aren't exhaustive

These Community Guidelines are not a complete list of every prohibited behavior. We may remove content or restrict accounts if we believe the content or conduct harms the community, even if it isn't listed word-for-word here.

Enforcement and bans

Failure to follow the Terms or these Guidelines may result in enforcement action, including:

• content removal
• temporary restrictions or suspensions
• permanent account termination