Is Discord Safe for Kids?

Built for gamers but now used for everything — the private servers and DMs are where the real risks hide.

What it actually is

Discord is a messaging and voice chat platform originally built for gamers that has expanded into a general communication tool for teens. The public servers can expose kids to adult content, hate speech, and strangers. More concerning is the direct message feature — anyone can DM your child if they share a server. Discord has no parental controls and conversations are end-to-end encrypted in DMs.

Key settings to configure right now

Open Discord → tap your avatar (bottom right) → Privacy & Safety
Set "Safe Direct Messaging" to "Keep me safe" — this filters explicit images
Set "Who can add you as a friend" to "Friends of Friends" or "No one"
Set "Allow direct messages from server members" to OFF

How to review server membership

Tap the three lines (top left) to see all joined servers
Review each server — ask your child about any you don't recognize
Right-click any server → Leave Server for any that seem inappropriate

Check these regularly

Friend list (who has been added)
Direct message history
Server list for new additions

Minimum age	13
Strangers can contact	with settings
Location sharing	No
Disappearing messages
Parental visibility	Limited