Discord
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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? Discord is a free communication platform where users chat through text, voice, and video in private messages or community “servers.” Originally popular with gamers, it’s now widely used by young people to socialise, share content, and join interest-based groups. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution. Many parents and carers may overlook Discord because it is commonly associated with gaming. However, the platform is also used for private messaging and image sharing, and there have been cases where young people share nude or semi-nude images. It’s important for parents to understand that Discord is more than just a gaming app and to stay informed about how their child is using it. 🔞 Sensitive Content Filters Discord automatically enables image-based sensitive content filters for teens to help create a safer experience. These filters detect sexually explicit or graphic violent images and either blur or block them. For teens, sensitive images are:
💬 Direct Messaging Like any online platform, Discord can contain mature content depending on the servers users join and who they interact with. Age-restricted material should be placed in channels only accessible to adults, and teens can enable the “Keep Me Safe” filter in Privacy & Safety to block explicit media in direct messages. Setting clear family guidelines and keeping open conversations about online experiences helps teens use Discord more safely. On Discord, strangers can’t usually message teens unless they’re accepted as friends or share a server. Users control who can send friend requests or DMs, which servers they join, and whether messages are scanned for explicit content. Teens should only accept requests from people they trust, and they can block anyone at any time to stop messages and hide interactions. 🧑💻Online Predators and Grooming Discord lets teens control who can send them friend requests. Options include Everyone, Friends of Friends, or Server Members, allowing them to limit requests to people they already share connections with. If all options are turned off, no one can send them friend requests, though they can still send requests to others. Even with privacy and friend request settings in place, there is still a risk of grooming or exploitation. Some individuals may build trust over time, especially in shared servers, before attempting to move conversations to private messages. Teens should avoid sharing personal information, be cautious about new online connections, and feel confident blocking or reporting anyone who makes them uncomfortable. Open communication at home remains essential. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Like many social platforms, Discord’s messaging, voice, and group features can be misused for cyberbullying. Live audio and video calls are not automatically recorded, which may make it harder to review incidents that occur during them. Private servers and closed groups can also be created, potentially allowing exclusion or harmful behaviour without adult awareness. However, Discord does provide blocking, reporting, and moderation tools that can help address these risks. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Discord does not require users to provide their real name when creating an account, which can help protect personal identity online but may also make it harder to know who someone really is. The platform states that it does not sell user data, though, like most online services, it still collects certain information to operate and improve its features. Encouraging teens to think carefully about what they share and who they interact with remains an important part of protecting their privacy. 👀 Location Sharing Discord may know your approximate location from your internet connection, but it doesn’t track your exact position or show it to other users. ✅Discord previously tested a mobile “Nearby Friends” feature that used Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to help people add each other when physically close. However, this feature is no longer a core part of the platform, and Discord does not currently include a built-in system for finding or scanning for nearby users. |
SAFETY TIPS:
🔒🏠Helping your teen stay safe on Discord - visit Discord Safety Centre. Knowing how the app works will help you guide your child effectively. 📢Underage Accounts - Discord has a minimum age requirement, but it does not use formal ID verification during sign-up. This means some users may enter false dates of birth or create fake profiles. While Discord uses reporting systems and moderation tools to remove underage accounts when identified, parents should be aware that, like many online platforms, age restrictions can be bypassed. 👨👧Parental supervision - Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices. 👥Managing Friend Requests - Encourage your child to only accept friend requests from people they know and trust in real life. Remind them that “friends of friends” online may still be strangers, and mutual connections do not automatically make someone safe. 📷 Webcam Safety - Talk to your child about covering their webcam when it’s not in use. Help them understand the importance of being aware of what’s visible in the background during video calls, as personal items or surroundings can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trusting Their Instincts - Reassure your child that if something feels uncomfortable, they should leave the chat immediately. Encourage them not to engage with anyone who seems suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate, and to tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Keeping Devices in Shared Spaces - Where possible, keep internet-connected devices in shared areas such as living rooms or kitchens rather than bedrooms. This can help reduce risky behaviour and makes it easier to supervise online activity naturally. 🚨 Recognising Warning Signs - Be aware of changes in your child’s behaviour, such as increased anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These may indicate that something concerning has happened online. 💬Keeping Communication Open - Have regular, open conversations about online safety, including topics such as bullying, grooming, sexual or criminal exploitation, body image pressures, and how to report concerns or seek support. Creating a safe space for discussion helps children feel comfortable coming to you if something goes wrong. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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