Discord has emerged as a popular communication hub for gamers, hobbyists, and communities of all stripes. It's become a go-to platform for real-time chat, but when it comes to kids and teens, how does it stand up to the safety test? Let's delve into the world of Discord to uncover the layers of protection it offers for younger users.
Understanding Discord's features
Discord is a free voice, video, and text chat app. Though it’s primarily aimed at gamers, anyone can join Discord servers through a variety of methods and connect with others who share common interests. It has various features such as voice and text channels, group chats, and the option to create private or public servers. While it provides a fun way for kids and teens to socialize with their friends, it also has features that may expose them to inappropriate content or interactions.
How to sign up for Discord safely
To sign up for Discord, you only need an email address, username, and date of birth. So, parents may want to guide kids through the process and set some ground rules when creating their account.
Tip: Consider using parental controls to monitor their activity on Discord. You can find the latest information on Discord safety for kids at the official Discord Safety Center.
Choose a username: Encourage your child to choose a unique and appropriate username that doesn't reveal any personal information.
Set a secure password: Make sure your child uses a strong and unique password to protect their account from unauthorized access.
Verify email address: Discord requires users to verify their email addresses before using the platform. This provides an additional layer of security for their account.
Enable two-factor authentication: Discord offers two-factor authentication as an extra security measure. Encourage your child to enable it to prevent any unauthorized access to their account.
Does Discord have parental controls?
Discord does not have built-in parental controls, so currently, you have to rely on your kids and teens to update whichever settings you want to manage. However, there are some options available to help parents monitor their child's activity on the platform. These include setting up a parent account to oversee their child's Discord usage and using third-party apps to monitor conversations and content. But even a Discord parent account has limitations, such as only being able to view conversations from the previous seven days.
Tip: Communicate openly with your child about online safety and establish boundaries for their Discord usage.
Compared to other platforms, Discord parent controls are leaner, especially if you’re not using third-party monotoring tools.
Privacy settings: Without a third party, parents cannot currently set up a parental control PIN on their child's Discord account to limit who can contact them and see their activity.
Server moderation: Only the account owner can enable server moderation.
Reporting features: Discord has various reporting options, including the ability to report users and servers for violating community guidelines.
Content filtering: Administrators can set up the “Explicit Media Content Filter” on a Discord server. As a parent, if you’re not the account admin, you can also look into third-party bots to see if any help filter or block inappropriate content from being shared on your child’s Discord server.
Popular features and how to use them safely
Disord offers features such as direct messaging, group chats, voice and video calls, and the option to create private or public servers. While these features can provide fun ways for kids and teens to connect with their friends, it's essential to discuss safe usage rules and monitor their activity if appropriate use is a concern.
Tip: Discuss the overall potential risks associated with sharing personal information or engaging in online interactions - with and without strangers.
To maximize safety, there are a few things you can do:
Direct messaging: Encourage your child to only accept direct messages from people they know and trust in real life.
Group chats: Discuss appropriate topics for group chat conversations and encourage them to speak up if someone is making them uncomfortable.
Voice and video calls: Remind your child never to reveal personal information during voice or video calls and never to allow strangers to join. This is one advantage of creating private vs. public servers.
Private servers: Monitor your child's private server activity and discuss the importance of keeping their server invite-only to prevent unknown individuals from joining.
Screen sharing: Make sure your child either never shares their screen or only shares their screen with people they trust. No matter the circ*mstance, kids should never give out their accounts or other personal information.
Public servers: Talk to your child about the potential risks of joining public servers and encourage them to only join private servers or those created by trusted friends.
Potential dangers and how to address them
While Discord offers various safety features, it's essential to talk to your child about the potential risks associated with online interactions and be aware of any changes in their behavior or activity on the platform. Some potential dangers include cyberbullying, sharing personal information, and exposure to inappropriate content.
Tip: Encourage your child to speak up if they feel uncomfortable about something they see or experience on Discord. Report any server activity that violates Discord rules to its Safety & Trust department, and help your kids know how to do so as well.
Cyberbullying: Keep an eye on your child's activity and encourage them to report any instances of cyberbullying.
Inappropriate content: Monitor your child's server activity and set up any content filtering tools available to prevent exposure to inappropriate content.
Online predators: Talk to your child about staying safe online, not sharing personal information, and never meeting strangers online or in person.
Phishing attempts: Educate your child about the dangers of phishing scams, which can come in the form of suspicious links or requests for personal information. Remind them never to click on unknown links or provide their personal details to anyone online.
Exposure to hacked materials: Make them aware that some users may share hacked or illegal content. Emphasize the importance of not downloading files from unknown sources to prevent the risk of viruses or exposure to sensitive data.
Addiction and overuse: Discuss the risks of spending too much time on Discord, which can lead to a technology addiction and interfere with daily life. Encourage regular digital breaks and set time limits for usage to promote a healthy online-offline balance.
Tips for keeping kids safe on Discord
It's essential to communicate openly with your child about their usage of Discord and monitor their activity regularly. Here are some additional tips for keeping kids safe on the platform:
Monitor friends list: Encourage your child to only add friends they know in real life to their friends list on Discord.
Set privacy settings: Review and adjust the privacy settings on your child's account, including limiting who can send them friend requests and messages. You can also disable their ability to join servers or access certain features.
Discuss appropriate behavior: Have a conversation with your child about what's appropriate to share and discuss on Discord, reminding them to never give out personal information or engage in harmful or offensive behavior - or any activity that violates Discord rules and your family’s internet safety protocols.
Use parental controls: Consider using parental control software or apps that can help monitor your child's activity on Discord and block inappropriate content.
So, is Discord safe for kids and teens?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on how you and your child use the platform. By setting boundaries, having open conversations, and monitoring their activity, Discord can be a relatively safe place for kids and teens to connect with friends and engage in shared interests. However, since Discord does not provide as many parental and content controls as other platforms, it's even more crucial to stay vigilant and address any potential issues that may arise while using the platform.
FAQs about Discord safety for kids
Q: Can you restrict who can contact my child on Discord?
A: If you have administrative account access, you can limit who can send friend requests and direct messages to your child's account.
Q: Is there an age restriction for using Discord?
A: The minimum age requirement to use Discord is 13 years old.
Q: Can my child's Discord account be deleted?
A: Yes, you can request to have your child's Discord account deleted by contacting their support team.
Q: How do I set up parental controls on Discord?
A: Parental controls are limited on Discord. To set up controls on Discord, you need access to your child's account to adjust privacy settings, enable server moderation tools, and set up a parental control PIN through a third party if possible.
Q: Is there a way to block certain users on Discord?
A: You can block users on Discord by visiting their profile, clicking on the three dots on the right side, and selecting 'Block.’ However, you must have account access to do so.
Q: What should I do if my child encounters cyberbullying on Discord?
A: Encourage your child to report any instances of cyberbullying to you and use Discord's report feature to notify the platform. Show them how to block the harasser and adjust privacy settings to prevent further contact.
Q: Can I control the content my child is exposed to on Discord?
A: While Discord has some built-in content filtering options, they are limited. Parents can also use third-party bots or parental control software to filter and block some inappropriate content.
Q: Can parents monitor their child's Discord activity?
A: Parents can monitor some of their child's Discord activity if they have account access. For more advanced monitoring, you can use third-party parental control software that tracks online usage.
Q: Is it possible for a child to disable parental controls on Discord?
A: While a child technically can attempt to disable parental controls, setting a secure parental control PIN through a third-party when possible and maintaining open communication can help deter them from doing so.
Q: Can my child safely join public Discord servers?
A: There is no way to guarantee a 100% safe experience online for anyone. When it comes to public Discord servers, discuss with your child the potential risks involved in public servers and guide them toward joining private or trusted community servers and setting controls to their maximum safety levels to enhance their own safety.
Q: What are some signs that my child might be spending too much time on Discord?
A: Signs of overuse can include neglecting responsibilities, diminished interest in offline activities, changes in mood or behavior, and interference with sleep or schoolwork. Setting clear, consistent boundaries for screen time and ensuring they take regular digital breaks can help.
Staying safe on Discord and any online platform involves a combination of secure software settings, fostering open dialogue, establishing trust, and equipping kids with the knowledge to navigate online spaces. By actively guiding your children through the use of these platforms, you can empower them to make smart decisions, help protect their privacy, and form healthy social habits.
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and so should our approach to online safety. Engage, educate, and use all the tools at your disposal to ensure a safe and positive experience on Discord for kids and teens alike.
Want more savvy parenting tips and tricks? Visit the Greenlight Learning Center for helpful resources on all things family, finance, and fun.
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