How to Enable and Use Content Reporting in BuddyBoss

Introduction
The Content Reporting feature in BuddyBoss empowers community members to report inappropriate content for review by site administrators. It also provides auto-hiding and suspension options to maintain a safe and respectful community environment. This tutorial covers how to enable and configure the reporting feature, customize reporting categories, and manage reported content using the BuddyBoss Moderation component.

Setting Up Content Reporting

Step 1. Update to the Latest Version:

1. Ensure you are using the latest version of BuddyBoss Platform and BuddyBoss Theme.
2. Updating both ensures compatibility and applies the latest styling updates.

Step 2. Enable the Moderation Component:

1. Go to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Navigate to BuddyBoss > Components.
3. Locate and enable the Moderation component.

Step 3. Access Moderation Settings:

1. Go to BuddyBoss > Settings > Moderation.
2. You will see two main settings areas:
   • Blocking – Allows users to block members whose content they don’t want to see.
   • Reporting – Enables users to report specific pieces of content they find inappropriate.

Configuring Reporting Settings

Step 1. Enable Reporting for Specific Content Types:

1. Under BuddyBoss > Settings > Moderation, navigate to Content Reporting.
2. Select the content types that can be reported, including:
   • Activity Posts
   • Comments
   • Groups
   • Standalone Forums
   • Forum Discussions and Replies
   • Documents
   • Photos
   • Blog Comments

Step 2. Set Up Auto-Hiding of Reported Content:

1. Enable Auto Hide Content to automatically hide posts or comments after they reach a specified number of reports.
2. Set the threshold for the Number of Reports Required to hide content.
3. Example: If the threshold is set to 2, then the content will be hidden once two members report it.

Step 3. Enable Email Notifications for Admins:

1. Enable Email Notifications to notify administrators when content has been automatically hidden.
2. This helps site moderators review and take action on reported content promptly.

Step 4. Save Settings:

1. Click Save Settings to apply all configurations.

Managing Reporting Categories

Step 1. Access Reporting Categories:

1. Go to BuddyBoss > Moderation > Reporting Categories.

Step 2. Use Default Categories or Create Custom Ones:

1. BuddyBoss provides default categories, including:
   • Harassment or Bullying
   • Inappropriate Content
   • Misinformation
   • Offensive Content
   • Suspicious or Spam

2. You can use these defaults, edit them, or create new categories to better reflect your community guidelines.

Step 3. Add or Edit Reporting Categories:

1. To Add a New Category:
   • Click Add New Category.

• Enter a Name (e.g., Hate Speech, Fake News).
• Provide a Description to clarify the purpose of the category.

• Select Show When Reporting options:
  • Content – Displayed when reporting posts, comments, or media.
  • Members – Displayed when reporting user profiles.
  • Content & Members – Available for both scenarios.

• Click Save to create the new category.

2. To Edit or Delete a Category:
   • Select the category you wish to modify.
   • Click Edit to change the name or description, or Delete to remove it.

Reviewing and Managing Reported Content

Step 1. View Reported Content:

1. Go to BuddyBoss > Moderation > Reported Content.

2. You will see a list of all reported posts, comments, or media, including:
   • Content Type (Activity Post, Comment, Photo, etc.)
   • Content Owner
   • Reporter’s Name
   • Category of Report (e.g., Harassment, Misinformation)
   • Date and Time of Report

Step 2. Manage Reported Content:

1. Click View Reports to see detailed information about why the content was reported.

2. Options for managing reported content include:
   • Hide Content – Remove the content from public view while under review.
   • Unhide Content – Restore previously hidden content.
   • Suspend Content Owner – Suspend the user who posted the reported content.

3. If Auto Hide is enabled, content that meets the reporting threshold will automatically be hidden.

Step 3. Suspend or Unsuspend Members:

1. To manually suspend a user:
   • Go to BuddyBoss > Users.
   • Click Suspend next to the member’s name.
   • Confirm the action. The user will be logged out and unable to access the site.
2. To unsuspend a user:
   • Go to the Suspended Members list.
   • Click Unsuspend to restore their account and content visibility.

Customizing Email Notifications

Step 1. Customize Admin Notification Emails:

1. Go to BuddyBoss > Emails.
2. Search for Content Has Been Automatically Hidden.
3. This email template is sent to administrators when content is automatically hidden due to reaching the reporting threshold.

Step 2. Edit Email Content:

1. Click on the template to open the editor.
2. Modify the email subject and body content to better match your community’s communication style.
3. Click Save Changes to update the email template.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why can’t I see the reporting options?
A: Ensure the Moderation component is enabled in BuddyBoss > Components and that the specific content types are selected in BuddyBoss > Settings > Moderation.

Q: How can I adjust the number of reports required to auto-hide content?
A: Go to BuddyBoss > Settings > Moderation and adjust the threshold under Auto Hide Content.

Q: Can members see who reported their content?
A: No, reports are anonymous to the content owner. Only administrators can see the reporter’s details.

Q: What happens if I disable the Moderation component?
A: All hidden content will be unhidden, and suspended users will regain access. Blocking and reporting features will also be disabled.

Related Resources

• Creating a Safe Community with BuddyBoss
• Configuring Reporting Categories in BuddyBoss
• Using Email Notifications in BuddyBoss

The Content Reporting feature in BuddyBoss enhances community safety by empowering members to report inappropriate content while maintaining their privacy. Administrators can customize reporting categories, auto-hide content, and receive notifications for swift action. This ensures a respectful and secure environment for all community members.

We’re always happy to help with questions you might have! Search our documentation, contact support, or connect with our sales team.