Community Guidelines

Snail Mail works because opening a letter feels nice. Write the kind of letter you’d be glad to receive.

Don’t send

• Harassment, bullying, or letters to someone who has asked you to stop.
• Threats, encouragement of violence or self-harm.
• Hate aimed at people for who they are.
• Sexual content to anyone who hasn’t clearly asked for it, and never anything sexual involving minors.
• Spam, chain letters, advertising, scams, or requests for money or passwords.
• Someone else’s private information (addresses, phone numbers, photos) without their permission.
• Pretending to be someone you’re not.
• Anything illegal where you or the recipient live.

Writing to strangers

• The pen-pal directory is for adults. Don’t write to anyone you think is under 18.
• Never share your home address, financial details or passwords with someone you met here.
• If a pen pal makes you uncomfortable, block them. You don’t owe anyone a reply.

If something’s wrong

Open the letter and choose Report. A moderator will read it and may pause the sender’s mailbox. Reported letters are tucked away from your mailbox. Choose Block to stop someone writing to you at all. If anyone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.

What happens when guidelines are broken

Depending on how serious it is: a warning, removal of letters, a paused mailbox, or a closed one. Serious threats or illegal content may be reported to the authorities.

Something else on your mind? the Report button on any letter, or Settings in your mailbox.