all users can post directly to site without admin review

the URL looks like: wp-admin/options-general.php

and you have to uncheck the box next to “MEMBERSHIP” which says “Anyone can register”

then check if it solves what you want to solve

check the “USERS” page and see the kind of permission or access given to your contributor(s)

URL looks like:
wp-admin/users.php

as you are the administrator-user, you have control over others. sometimes, you (or a plugin) may have automatically set automatic approval after a certain quantity of posts approved. you may override things here.