Is Discord Safe for Kids?

Discord can be a relatively safe platform for kids and teens, but its safety ultimately depends on how the platform is used and the proactive measures taken by parents. By setting clear boundaries, fostering open conversations, and actively monitoring their child's online activity, Discord can be a place for kids to connect with friends and engage in shared interests.

Understanding Discord's Environment

Discord is a popular communication platform that allows users to connect via voice, video, and text in private messages or communities called "servers." These servers can be public or private, focusing on a wide range of topics from gaming to academic interests.

Potential Benefits for Kids

When used responsibly, Discord offers several advantages for younger users:

Social Connection: Kids can connect with friends, classmates, and family members in a secure, private environment.
Shared Interests: Joining communities based on hobbies like gaming, art, or specific subjects allows children to find like-minded peers and explore their passions.
Skill Development: Participating in structured discussions can help develop communication, collaboration, and digital literacy skills.

Key Safety Considerations and Risks

While beneficial, there are important risks parents should be aware of:

Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Public servers may contain mature language, images, or discussions not suitable for children. Even in private servers, content can be shared.
Interaction with Strangers: Kids might be exposed to or directly interact with unknown individuals who could have malicious intentions, such as grooming or scamming.
Cyberbullying: As with any online platform, there is a risk of encountering cyberbullying or harassment from other users.
Privacy Concerns: Children might unknowingly share personal information or encounter phishing attempts.
Predatory Behavior: Predators may attempt to connect with children through seemingly innocent interactions.

Practical Steps for Ensuring Kid Safety on Discord

Making Discord safe for kids requires active parental involvement and education. Here are essential steps:

Open Communication is Key:
- Talk to your child about online safety, what information is safe to share, and what to do if they encounter anything uncomfortable or inappropriate.
- Encourage them to come to you with any concerns.
Utilize Discord's Safety Features:
- Privacy & Safety Settings:
  - Keep Me Safe: Discord's built-in feature to scan and block direct messages (DMs) containing explicit content.
  - Friend Requests: Restrict who can send friend requests (e.g., allow only "Friends of Friends").
  - Direct Messages (DMs): Disable DMs from server members by default for new servers.
- Reporting Tools: Teach your child how to block and report users who make them feel uncomfortable or violate community guidelines.
- Server Controls: For servers your child creates, they can manage roles, permissions, and moderation tools.
Set Clear Boundaries and Rules:
- Approved Servers: Only allow your child to join servers you have reviewed and approved, ideally those with active moderation.
- No Private Information: Emphasize never sharing personal details like full name, address, phone number, school, or photos with strangers.
- Screen Time Limits: Establish healthy screen time habits to prevent excessive use.
Monitor Activity:
- Regular Check-ins: Periodically check your child's Discord activity, including their friends list, DMs (with their consent and understanding), and the servers they are in.
- Join Their Servers (if appropriate): Consider joining servers your child frequents, if it's a family-friendly community, to observe the environment.
- Parental Control Software: Consider using third-party parental control software that can monitor online activity across various platforms.
Educate on Digital Citizenship:
- Teach responsible online behavior, respect for others, and the importance of critical thinking when encountering new people or information online.
- Explain the concept of digital footprints and online permanence.

By implementing these strategies, parents can create an environment where Discord becomes a beneficial tool for their child's social development and learning.

For more information on online safety and digital citizenship, consider resources from reputable organizations like Common Sense Media or NetSmartz.