Is Discord Safe for Kids? What Experts Want Parents To Know

Discord might not be on every parent’s radar, but for millions of teens, it’s where they spend much of their online time talking and connecting with like-minded friends.

Originally built for gamers, Discord has evolved into a massive online community where users can have real-time conversations via text, voice, or video. And while it can be a fun way for kids to connect over shared hobbies, experts say its open, largely unmonitored platform can create risks that parents might not see. 

We break down how Discord works, the risks, and what experts say families (and tech companies) can do to make online spaces safer for kids.

What To Know About Discord

Discord isn’t built like typical social media apps—it’s structured around group communication rather than personal profiles or photo sharing. “It is primarily a communication tool using servers, both private and public, allowing users to talk, text, and video chat in real-time,” explains Liz Repking, founder of Cyber Safety Consulting.

These servers (or private groups) are organized by topic, game, fandom, or shared interest. For example, if your child is into Roblox, they can join a Roblox server to chat with fellow players, share tips, or play games together. Servers can be public, meaning anyone can join, or private, where entry is by invitation only. While the app is especially popular among gamers, it can be used for virtually anything else, from book clubs and study groups to niche interests like anime, music, or art. 

“I sometimes think of Discord as being a little more similar to Reddit or Pinterest, where, in theory, you’re there more for activities and learning and engaging around those activities, versus a more purely social platform like Instagram or Facebook,”  says Megan Moreno, MD, MSEd, MPH, a professor and researcher who co-directs the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health.

Discord users can connect directly through friend requests, which allow private direct messages (DMs), or chat with other members of a public server using two types of channels: 

• Text channels: Written messages, links, and photos
• Voice and video channels: Talk or stream in real-time 

Currently, Discord requires users to be at least 13 years old; however, the app relies on self-reported birthdates, making it easy for younger kids to sign up. The company makes an effort to remove underage accounts when discovered and limit access to adult-only servers (for those 18 years and older), but experts note that these protections are not foolproof.

The Risks of Discord for Kids and Teens

While Discord has the potential to be a fun and creative space for tweens and teens, experts say its overall structure and limited safety features make it risky for younger users. Here are some of the top risks of using Discord, according to experts: 

Online predators

Since Discord revolves around interest-based communities rather than personal connections (like those found on Facebook or Instagram), kids can easily end up chatting with strangers, including adults posing as teens. 

“The functionality that allows users to interact with each other without any level of real identification or protection is worrisome on any platform,” cautions Dr. Moreno. 

Repking adds that, regardless of whether kids are online or out in the world, predators flock to unsupervised spaces. “The mantra of a predator is consistent: go where kids are and parents are not,” she says. “It is easier to lure a child on Discord than in a public park, given that the predator can present himself in a non-threatening way—meaning, a 40-year-old man can present as a 15-year-old girl.”

In one recent case, a 22-year-old man used Discord to prey on victims as young as 12 years old, coercing them into creating explicit content. He then threatened to leak those photos as a way to maintain control over his victims, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Unsettling cases like this highlight how quickly an innocent chat online can turn dangerous when predatory strangers gain the trust of younger users.

Cyberbullying 

Because the majority of communication on Discord operates in real-time through text and voice chats, it can be difficult to flag or moderate harassment or trolling, says Repking. 

“People are speaking in real-time and can abuse and troll in an anonymous way,” she warns. “It is also a strong aspect of gaming culture. Many kids find it completely acceptable and are often encouraged to behave this way.” 

Most recently, a 15-year-old boy died by suicide after being bullied and sexually exploited by another user on Roblox and Discord, leading his family to sue both platforms for failing to protect him. While tragic and extreme, the case points to the dangers of unregulated online communication and its impact on vulnerable users. 

Exposure to explicit or inappropriate content

Dr. Moreno notes that in today’s digital landscape, it’s nearly impossible to prevent kids and teens from coming across uncomfortable, inappropriate, or explicit content. 

“We used to have this idea, early in the days of the internet, that we could prevent kids from getting exposed to harmful content,” she says. “I think we’ve all sort of societally understood that there’s just so much out there, and your child is going to be exposed to something. It could be something that is inaccurate, or something that’s scary, creepy, or gross.”

And while some servers are labeled “age-restricted,” the platform’s unreliable age-verification method can lead to underage users finding a way in.

Extremist or hate group recruitment

Alarmingly, violent extremists are taking advantage of open platforms like Discord, using it as a recruiting ground for vulnerable and unsuspecting users. “Reports indicate that several hate groups are actively using Discord to recruit new members,” says Repking.

The most notable example is the online extremist network 764 that aims to establish trust with victims before coercing them into increasingly harmful, exploitative, or violent behavior, including sexual content, self-harm, or animal cruelty. 

Addiction and time management 

“Discord is an extension of online gaming, which we know is a regulation challenge for many users,” Repking says. “Moderation of a real-time app is very difficult.”

She adds that, in general, brain development is not fully formed during adolescence, leading to more risky behavior, adventure-seeking, and immediate gratification, which can override logic and self-regulation. These developmental vulnerabilities make it easier for kids and teens to become addicted to social media apps like Discord.

How To Keep Your Child Safe on Platforms Like Discord

Experts agree that keeping your child safe online starts with connection—not control. Here are a few practical steps you can take to create a safer online environment for your kids.

Keep communication open

The best safety feature available is trust, says Dr. Moreno. “It’s about starting with that message of support and safety and, no matter how bad the situation, you’re here to help and support,” she explains. 

Repking also stresses the importance of talking with your child, especially when it comes to potential dangers. She recommends discussing the dangers they may encounter and what to do if they find themselves in a difficult situation.

Ideally, this involves the parent and child viewing or talking about the content together, rather than a parent taking matters into their own hands. “For many families, if the parent goes and finds it on their own without the child knowing, it can be really tricky for that child to feel a sense of trust,” Repking says.

Reassure them they won’t be punished for speaking up

Most importantly, kids should know they can always come to their parents if something feels wrong online, and that they will never get in trouble for speaking up—a “no fault zone,” says Dr. Moreno.

“What we hear from youth is that they’re worried they’re going to get in trouble, or they’re worried that their parent is going to think they did something wrong when someone makes a weird comment or tries to contact them,” she says. “You can help your child feel like you are a safe place for them to go.”

Use privacy settings as much as possible

Repking advises parents to tighten Discord’s settings so only friends (not everyone) can send messages or friend requests. The app’s Family Center is a great addition, allowing you to view your child’s servers, who they’re messaging, and the users they’re connecting with. You can also encourage your child to block or report anyone who makes them feel uncomfortable.

Know when to take stronger action

If you suspect your child is being groomed, harassed, or exposed to harmful content on Discord, it’s important to act right away.

• Prioritize safety over punishment: Stay calm, thank your child for coming to you, and reassure them they’re not in trouble.
• Gather evidence: Take screenshots or save messages before deleting anything.
• Report the behavior: Use Discord’s in-app reporting tools or contact law enforcement if needed.
• Seek support: If your child is anxious, depressed, or traumatized, reach out to a health care provider or mental health expert. 
• Keep communication open: Continue checking in with your child—they are more likely to come forward again if their first experience getting help feels safe.

The Future of Online Safety

According to Dr. Moreno, online safety for kids and teens requires a multifaceted approach. Platforms like Discord present complex challenges, especially with the risk of inappropriate content and potential predators.

Ultimately, the future of online safety isn’t about banning apps—it’s about building safer ones, she says. This starts with tech companies designing platforms that prioritize kids’ well-being over engagement or revenue. That includes focusing on better age verification, default privacy settings, simple safety tools, built-in safeguards, and responsible data use.

While Discord has its risks, experts agree it isn’t all bad. “It’s a way for you to find people that share the same interests and to feel that connection that you’re not getting in your offline world,” says Dr. Moreno. With open communication, privacy protections, and mindful use, platforms like Discord can be part of kids’ digital lives in healthy, positive ways.