As kids grow more connected through online platforms, it’s important for parents to understand the spaces their children are using to interact with friends and peers.
One platform that has gained immense popularity, particularly among young gamers and communities with shared interests, is Discord.
Let’s explore what Discord is, why kids love it, and, most importantly, how to ensure your child stays safe while using the platform.
What Is Discord?
Discord is a free communication platform that allows users to interact through text, voice, and video in real-time. Initially launched in 2015 as a chat app for gamers, it has since expanded into a versatile platform where people can create or join communities (called servers) centered around shared interests—whether it’s gaming, hobbies, schoolwork, or even professional collaboration.
While it’s a favorite among gamers, Discord’s appeal has grown beyond that, making it a hub for people of all ages to connect and collaborate online. However, with its public servers and open communication features, it also poses potential risks, especially for younger users, if not used carefully.
How Discord Works
Discord operates through a system of servers, which are like virtual communities or spaces where users can gather around shared interests.
Within Discord servers, there are channels that can be either text-based or voice chat/video chat-based, allowing for flexible communication. Users can join public servers or create their own servers, often inviting friends or like-minded individuals to participate. All they need to do is sign up for a Discord account.
In text channels, users share messages and upload files, videos, and links, while voice channels enable live conversations, much like a conference call or group chat. Direct messaging is also available for private, one-on-one conversations.
The platform is highly customizable, with features like roles and permissions that allow Discord server owners to manage who can participate and what actions they can take, helping to maintain order among server members.
The platform also supports integration with other apps, such as YouTube or Twitch, which enhances its appeal for both gamers and non-gamers alike.
Potential Risks for Kids on Discord
While Discord provides an engaging platform for kids to socialize and explore shared interests, there are still risks to be aware of.
Inappropriate Content
One of the biggest concerns is exposure to inappropriate content. Not all servers are monitored and some may contain explicit language, images, or discussions that aren’t suitable for younger Discord users.
Online Predators
Another significant risk is the possibility of interacting with other users who can expose kids to online predators or people with harmful intentions. The anonymity offered by Discord’s platform makes it easier for users to disguise their identities, increasing this risk.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is another issue that can arise in both public and private servers, where children may be subjected to harassment or peer pressure from other users.
The pressure to overshare personal information can also become a concern, as kids may not fully understand the importance of privacy online. Discord’s direct messaging feature also allows users to communicate outside of server settings, which can be difficult for parents to monitor.
Discord’s Safety Features: Keeping Kids Safe
Even though the platform has its risks, it also offers a number of safety features that you can activate.
- Age restriction: Discord requires users to be at least 13 years old, though parents can enforce this by monitoring sign-up processes.
- Privacy settings: These user settings allow kids to control who can send them friend requests, direct messages (DMs), and see their activity status. For added protection, users can limit DMs from server members they aren’t friends with, helping reduce unsolicited contact.
- Blocking and reporting tools: These tools enable users to block inappropriate communication or harassment. Discord also allows users to report inappropriate behavior, servers, or messages directly to the platform’s moderation team for review.
- Explicit Content Filter: This filter helps keep Discord safe by scanning and automatically blocking images and messages that contain inappropriate content. This ensures safe direct messaging.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA): This is another layer of security available to protect user accounts. By enabling 2FA, users are required to enter an additional verification code when logging in, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.
- Server moderation tools: Server owners can assign trusted members as moderators, set role-based permissions, and use bots to help manage conversations and flag inappropriate content automatically.
Alternatives to Discord for Younger Kids
For younger kids who may not be ready for Discord, there are several safer communication platforms designed with children’s safety and privacy in mind. These platforms offer similar features, such as chatting and video calls, but with more robust parental controls and kid-friendly designs.
- Messenger Kids – Created by Facebook, Messenger Kids is a free app where children can video chat and send messages with friends and family. The app is designed for children under 13 and gives parents full control over their child’s contact list. It has no ads, and parents can monitor conversations through a dashboard.
- Roblox – While primarily a gaming platform, Roblox has built-in social features like chat and messaging, but it includes strong parental controls that limit who can communicate with your child.
- Kinzoo – Kinzoo is a messaging app designed for kids that combines fun, creative communication features with privacy and safety. It allows children to send video, voice, and text messages, and parents maintain control over who their child can interact with. There’s no data collection, ads, or in-app purchases.
- PopJam – PopJam is a creative social platform designed for kids where they can share art, play games, and engage with other children in a moderated environment. It offers chat features but under strict moderation and with content filters to ensure a safer experience for younger users.
Whether you decide to let your child use Discord servers or not, there are features available and steps you can take to keep them safe. And, for kids younger than 13, there are some great alternatives available too. At XP League, young players can play and enjoy gaming in a safe, supervised environment. Learn more about our league.