A Parent’s Guide: Ensuring Safety for Kids on Discord

Discord, a popular voice, video, and chat service, has gained significant traction among adolescents and young adults in recent years. Initially designed for the gaming community, Discord has evolved into a platform used for a variety of purposes, from gaming to study groups, dating to therapy support. With 150 million monthly users, Discord offers a unique space for individuals to connect and interact virtually. However, with its increasing popularity, concerns about the safety of children using Discord have also arisen.

Titania Jordan, chief parenting officer for Bark Technologies, emphasizes the potential dangers of Discord for kids. She highlights the presence of inappropriate content on the platform, which can range from offensive to potentially harmful. Despite the platform’s age restriction of 13 years old, younger children can still access Discord, raising concerns about their exposure to cyberbullying, predators, and other inappropriate content.

One of the primary risks associated with Discord is cyberbullying. Even within private chat groups, bullying can occur, leading to emotional distress and harm to children. Marc Berkman, CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety, shares a disturbing account of a fifth-grade child experiencing suicidal thoughts due to cyberbullying on Discord. This highlights the serious consequences of online harassment and the need for parents to monitor their children’s online interactions.

In addition to cyberbullying, the presence of predators on Discord poses a significant threat to children. Despite Discord’s efforts to enforce terms of service and maintain a Trust and Safety team, adult servers with explicit content can still be accessed by minors. Parents are advised to be vigilant and cautious about allowing their children to engage with unknown individuals on the platform.

Another concerning issue on Discord is drug trafficking, as highlighted in a recent research article. Discord has been used as a platform to facilitate local drug-selling groups, creating a potential risk for adolescents who may be exposed to illegal activities. Parents need to be aware of these risks and take proactive measures to protect their children from harmful influences on the platform.

To ensure the safety of children on Discord, experts recommend several strategies. Firstly, parents should understand why their children want to use Discord and consider safer alternatives for communication. Setting ground rules, such as restricting interactions with strangers and monitoring usage hours, can help establish boundaries for safe usage. Utilizing Discord’s Family Center parental controls and third-party safety software like Bark can provide additional monitoring and protection for children using the platform.

Moreover, keeping lines of communication open with children is crucial in fostering a safe online environment. Internet safety expert Fareedah Shaheed emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for children to discuss their online experiences and seek help if needed. By empowering children to recognize and respond to potential risks on Discord, parents can help them navigate the platform safely.

In conclusion, while Discord offers a unique space for social interaction and community building, parents must be aware of the potential risks associated with the platform. By staying informed, setting boundaries, and maintaining open communication with their children, parents can help ensure a safer online experience for kids using Discord. Trusting their instincts and prioritizing their child’s safety are essential aspects of navigating the complexities of social media platforms like Discord.