DISCORD

DISCORD

MINIMUM AGE: 13+
 
WHAT IS IT?
Discord is a voice and text app designed for gamers. It allows you to voice and text chat across different platforms

WHAT WE SAY:
Treat with caution. Most parents and carers do not check this app because it is associated with gaming. However, some children are using Discord to share nude and semi-nude images for that reason. 

Download and share our poster.

Features:
Create an invite-only place to talk 

• This is organised text and voice channels for chat. 
• This is favoured by children and young people because it makes them feel as thought they're in the same room. 
• The space for each community on Discord is called a server. Discord servers are invite-only places where you can talk, collaborate, and share.
• Conversations on servers are only with people you choose to talk to and about the topics you want to discuss.

Stay close with text, voice and video 

• Users can wave hello over video, watch friends stream games or chat with screen share. 
• Users can share any image or video within the group also. 
• moderators can give members access to private channels, and much more. 
• There are always risks, especially when direct messaging options are available.
• If appropriate security measures are not taken when creating a chat group there can be privacy risks.
• It is vital to have conversations around the types of chatrooms being used, and accessed, as well as the types of servers a child may create.​

For a few or a fandom

• Users can create moderators, give special members access to private channels, and much more. 

SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER:

• Check their privacy settings
• For users under 18, we recommend choosing the “Keep me safe” setting. This setting is on by default and will ensure that images and videos in all direct messages are scanned by Discord and explicit content is blocked.
• Direct messaging (DM) can be accessed by going into User Settings and selecting Privacy & Safety and Server Privacy Default.
• By default, whenever a young person is in a server with someone else, they can send them a DM. You can choose to block DMs from users in a server who aren’t on their friends list.
• Friend request settings lets you determine who can add your child as a friend on Discord. You can access this setting by going into User Settings and selecting Privacy & Safety and Who Can Add You As A Friend.
• Users should only accept friend requests from users that they know and trust in the 'real world'. 
• Explain the risks associated with streaming a live video to an unknown audience - personal information could be shared.
• ​Live videos can receive responses which can mean that inappropriate content can be sent - ask your child to tell you if anything goes wrong​. Also make sure they use their device in a room whereby adults at home are present.
• For more information go to the 'Discord Safety Centre'. 

​FURTHER SUPPORT:
For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. 

If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. 

If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. 

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 Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips.

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