Is Discord Safe For Kids?

What are the potential risks kids face on Discord?

Discord, like any online platform, carries certain risks, including exposure to inappropriate content, potential contact with predators, cyberbullying, and data privacy concerns:

• Inappropriate content: Discord allows users to share images, videos, and links, some of which may contain explicit or inappropriate material. Some ways to mitigate this risk include enabling content filters and closely monitoring your child's activity. It's also important to educate your child about the potential dangers and encourage them to report any inappropriate content they come across.
• Predators: Online platforms can attract predators who may attempt to exploit children. To combat this, ensure your child's account is private, teach them about the dangers of sharing personal information, and encourage them to report any suspicious activity. Regularly remind your child that they should never meet up with someone they met online without a trusted adult present.
• Cyberbullying: Discord's chat feature can be used to send hurtful messages. Encourage your child to report any instances of bullying and to block the offending users. It's also crucial to maintain open lines of communication with your child so they feel comfortable discussing any issues they encounter.
• Excessive screen time: Like many online platforms, Discord can be addictive and lead to excessive screen time. This can interfere with your child's sleep, schoolwork, and other important activities. To manage this, consider setting limits on how much time your child can spend on Discord each day and encourage regular breaks to rest their eyes and engage in physical activity.
• Data Privacy: As with any online platform, there is a risk of data breaches and misuse of personal information on Discord. Ensure your child understands the importance of not sharing sensitive information like their real name, address, or school. Regularly review and update the privacy settings on their account to limit the amount of personal data that is shared.

What precautions can parents take to ensure their child's safety on Discord?

Parents should always be proactive about their child's online activities, especially when it comes to platforms like Discord, where the live chat room environment can pose unique challenges. It's crucial to equip children with critical thinking skills and a clear understanding of right and wrong to navigate such platforms safely.

It's crucial for parents to take steps to prepare their children for such platforms and ensure their safety. Here are some strategies:

1. Set Boundaries and Use Parental Controls

Creating a structured environment for Discord use is crucial for child safety. This involves setting clear rules about when and for how long your child can use Discord, helping to prevent excessive screen time and ensuring they're not online late at night. Limiting the number of servers your child can join can also reduce exposure to potentially harmful content or interactions. Discord offers several built-in parental controls and privacy settings that can help filter out explicit content and manage who can contact your child. For additional oversight, parents might consider using third-party parental control software that can provide more comprehensive monitoring and time management features. These tools can help enforce the boundaries you set, making it easier to keep your child safe while they enjoy socializing online.

• Implement a daily or weekly screen time limit for Discord to encourage healthy usage habits.
• Use Discord's "Safe Direct Messaging" feature to automatically scan and delete direct messages containing explicit content.
• Explore third-party parental control apps that offer more detailed monitoring and restriction options, such as the ability to block certain servers or set specific times of day when Discord can be used.

2. Teach Privacy and Online Safety

Instilling a strong sense of privacy and online safety in your child is fundamental. Start by explaining why it's important to keep personal information private, such as their real name, age, location, and school details. Encourage the use of a pseudonym or non-identifying username on Discord and other online platforms. Activating two-factor authentication (2FA) on their Discord account adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access. Discuss the concept of a digital footprint and the long-term implications of sharing information online. By understanding these principles, your child will be better equipped to navigate online spaces safely and make informed decisions about what they share and with whom.

• Discuss examples of personal information and why it's important to keep them private.
• Guide them through the process of enabling two-factor authentication on their Discord account.
• Have regular conversations about the risks of oversharing online and the potential consequences.

3. Promote Responsible Use and Critical Thinking

Encouraging your child to use Discord and other online platforms responsibly involves teaching them about the importance of respectful communication and the impact of their online behavior. Discuss the types of content that are harmful or inappropriate and why they should be avoided. Equip your child with critical thinking skills to help them evaluate the information they encounter and the interactions they have, including recognizing when someone may be trying to manipulate or deceive them. Stress the importance of coming to you or another trusted adult if they encounter something troubling online. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and critical reflection, you can help your child develop the judgment needed to navigate online spaces wisely.

• Role-play scenarios to help your child practice responding to negative interactions or uncomfortable situations online.
• Encourage them to question the credibility of information they find online and to verify facts before sharing them.
• Discuss the real-world consequences of online actions, such as how hurtful comments can affect others emotionally.

4. Encourage Healthy Interactions

Guiding your child towards healthy online interactions starts with teaching them to be cautious about who they communicate with. Encourage them to only accept friend requests or join servers where they know the members personally. For younger children, creating a private server for them and their friends can provide a safe space for interaction under your supervision. Teach your child how to use Discord's block and report features to deal with inappropriate behavior or content. Emphasizing the values of empathy, respect, and kindness in all online interactions can help your child develop into a responsible digital citizen, contributing positively to the communities they're part of.

• Show them how to block users who make them feel uncomfortable or who behave inappropriately.
• Help them understand the importance of reporting harmful content or behavior to maintain a safe online environment for everyone.
• Discuss the impact of words and actions online, reinforcing the idea that kindness and respect are just as important in virtual spaces as they are in person.

5. Maintain Open Communication and Stay Involved

Keeping an open line of communication with your child about their online experiences is key to ensuring their safety. Regular check-ins about the servers they're joining, the friends they're making, and the content they're engaging with can help you gauge their online environment. Encourage your child to come to you with any questions or concerns they may have about something they've seen or experienced online. Staying involved in your child's online life doesn't mean invading their privacy but rather showing an interest and being available to support them. This approach can help build trust and make it more likely that your child will turn to you if they encounter problems online.

• Set aside regular times to discuss your child's online activities and experiences in a non-judgmental way.
• Encourage your child to share interesting things they've discovered online, fostering positive conversations about their online interactions.
• Be proactive in learning about the platforms your child uses, including Discord, to better understand their online world and the challenges they may face.

6. Educate About Phishing and Scams

With the increasing sophistication of online scams, educating your child about the dangers of phishing and other deceptive practices is crucial. Teach them to be skeptical of unsolicited messages or friend requests, especially those that contain links or ask for personal information. Explain how scammers may pose as friends or reputable organizations to trick people into clicking malicious links or divulging sensitive information. Encourage your child to always verify the identity of the sender and to consult with you before responding to suspicious messages. By understanding these risks, your child can better protect themselves and their personal information online.

• Discuss the common signs of phishing attempts, such as spelling errors, unusual requests, or offers that seem too good to be true.
• Teach them to hover over links (without clicking) to preview the URL and verify if it looks legitimate.
• Encourage a policy of "when in doubt, check it out" by verifying suspicious messages with you or another trusted adult.

7. Review and Approve Friend Requests Together

Actively participating in your child's online social interactions, such as reviewing and approving friend requests, can significantly enhance their safety on Discord. This collaborative approach allows you to discuss each friend request, providing an opportunity to assess whether the person is known and trustworthy. For younger children, this can be an essential step in safeguarding their online experience, ensuring they're only connecting with real-life friends and family. This practice not only helps protect your child from potential online predators but also fosters an environment of open communication and mutual trust between you and your child regarding their online activities.

• Make a routine of regularly reviewing friend requests and discussing each one to decide if it's safe to accept.
• Use these moments to reinforce lessons about online safety and the importance of knowing who you're interacting with online.
• Encourage your child to ask questions and express any concerns they might have about friend requests or online interactions in general.

8. Familiarize Yourself with Discord's Tools

Understanding how to navigate and utilize Discord's various safety and privacy tools is essential for parents wanting to protect their children. Take the time to learn about Discord's reporting system, which allows users to report inappropriate behavior or content directly to Discord's moderation team. Regularly updating your child's privacy settings can also help minimize risks, such as enabling the "Keep Me Safe" feature, which scans and filters out explicit content. By becoming proficient with these tools, you can more effectively guide your child in managing their account and interactions, ensuring a safer online experience.

• Explore Discord's Help Center and user guides to familiarize yourself with the platform's safety features and how to use them.
• Teach your child how to report inappropriate content or behavior, reinforcing the importance of contributing to a safe online community.
• Regularly review and adjust privacy settings together with your child, ensuring they understand each setting's purpose and impact.

9. Encourage Offline Activities

Encouraging a balance between online and offline activities is vital for your child's overall well-being. Engaging in offline hobbies, sports, or spending time with family and friends can help reduce screen time and promote physical health and social skills. These activities provide valuable opportunities for your child to develop interests and talents outside of the digital world. By fostering a well-rounded lifestyle, you can help your child build a healthy relationship with technology, recognizing it as one part of a diverse and fulfilling life.

• Plan regular family activities or outings that encourage your child to disconnect from technology and enjoy real-world experiences.
• Support your child in exploring new hobbies or interests that don't involve screens, such as sports, music, or art.
• Set a good example by also engaging in offline activities and limiting your own screen time, demonstrating a healthy balance between digital and real-life interactions.

What safety tools and resources does Discord provide for users, parents, and educators?

Discord provides a range of safety tools and resources to help users, parents, and educators navigate the platform safely and responsibly:

• Dedicated teams: Discord has teams dedicated to child safety and mental health. These teams work to enforce community guidelines, respond to reports of inappropriate behavior, and provide resources for users who may be struggling with mental health issues.
• Safety policies: Discord has comprehensive safety policies in place to protect users. These policies prohibit harassment, hate speech, and other forms of harmful behavior. Users who violate these policies may be warned, suspended, or banned.
• Partnerships: Discord partners with organizations like the National Cyber Security Alliance to promote online safety. These partnerships provide resources and educational materials to help users navigate the platform safely.
• Warning System: Discord's Warning System notifies users when they're breaking the rules and gives them a chance to correct their behavior before facing more serious consequences.

What features does Discord offer to help parents monitor their child's activity on the app?

Discord provides several features to help parents monitor their child's activity and ensure their safety on the platform:

• Family Center: The Family Center provides resources for parents and caregivers, including guides on how to use Discord's safety features and tips for discussing online safety with children.
• Activity dashboard: The activity dashboard shows what your child has been doing on Discord, including what servers they've joined and who they've been talking to. This can help parents keep an eye on their child's interactions and intervene if necessary.
• Weekly email report: Discord sends a weekly email report that includes a summary of your child's activity on the app. This can help parents stay informed about their child's Discord usage and spot any potential issues.

What are the limitations of Discord's safety features for parents?

While Discord provides several safety features for parents, there are some limitations to be aware of:

• Lack of access: Parents don't have access to the content of their child's chats or calls on Discord, which can make it difficult to monitor their activity. This means parents must rely on their child to report any inappropriate content or behavior they encounter.
• Comprehensiveness: Some experts believe that Discord's safety controls should be more comprehensive to better protect users. For example, the platform could offer more robust parental controls or stricter content filtering options.

How Can a Team Approach Improve Child Safety Online?

Ensuring child safety online requires the collective effort of parents, educators, and mental health professionals. Parents and educators can provide the necessary guidance and supervision, while mental health professionals can offer additional support to address any emotional or behavioral challenges that may arise from online interactions. HYM's team of experienced therapists can work alongside parents and educators to help children navigate online platforms like Discord safely.