How to prevent kids from joining inappropriate Discord servers?

Discord, a popular communication platform among teens, has become a breeding ground for inappropriate content, posing serious risks to young users. While Discord can be a great platform for connecting with friends and playing games, it also harbors a dark underbelly of servers filled with explicit content, cyberbullying, and lurking predators. Imagine your child unknowingly stumbling upon a server where graphic images, hate speech, or even violent threats are readily available. This is the reality many parents face, and it’s crucial to understand the potential harm these servers can inflict on your child’s well-being.

Understanding Discord’s Server System

Discord is a popular platform for communication and socializing, but it also comes with potential risks for kids, especially when it comes to joining servers. Here’s how Discord’s server system works:

Servers are like online communities. They are organized into different channels, where people can chat, share files, and play games together.

Invites are links that people use to join servers. They can be sent through various platforms, including:

Direct messages on Discord
Text messages
Social media posts
Emails

While most servers require an invite to join, some servers can be public, meaning anyone can find and join them. These servers are often advertised online or in various communities.

This means that your child could be invited to a server without their knowledge or consent, potentially exposing them to inappropriate content or interactions. Servers can be made private, limiting who can join, but this requires the server owner to take the necessary steps to protect their community.

Parental Controls and Account Settings

Discord offers various parental controls and account settings that can help you restrict your child’s access to inappropriate content. Here’s a guide on how to utilize them:

Set Age Limits: Discord allows you to set an age limit for your child’s account. This will prevent them from joining servers that are designated for older users. To set an age limit, go to your child’s account settings and select ‘Privacy & Safety’. Under ‘Account Restrictions’, you can set the minimum age for servers they can join.
Block Certain Servers: You can manually block specific servers from your child’s access. In your child’s account settings, navigate to ‘Privacy & Safety’ and click on ‘Blocked Servers’. Enter the server name or ID you want to block.
Manage Friend Requests: You can control who your child can add as friends on Discord. In the account settings, go to ‘Privacy & Safety’ and under ‘Friends’, you can choose to ‘Allow everyone’, ‘Only friends of friends’, or ‘Nobody’ to send friend requests.
Monitor Discord Activity: Regularly check your child’s Discord activity. Look for suspicious messages, server names, or interactions. You can monitor their activity by accessing their Discord account settings.

While Discord’s built-in features can be helpful, consider using a third-party parental control app for more comprehensive monitoring and management. These apps can track your child’s activity, block inappropriate content, and even restrict their screen time.

Open Communication and Digital Literacy

Open communication is key to keeping your kids safe online. Start by talking to them about Discord and other online platforms they use. Make sure they understand the potential risks and how to avoid them. Here are some tips for fostering open communication about online safety:

Be approachable and non-judgmental. Let your kids know they can come to you with any questions or concerns they have about online safety.
Start with casual conversations. Ask about their online activities and friends. Show interest in their favorite games and content.
Use online safety as an opportunity to teach valuable life lessons. Talk about critical thinking, making responsible decisions, and standing up for what’s right.
Be clear about your expectations. Set rules for online behavior and use of devices.

In addition to open communication, teach your kids about digital literacy. This includes:

Identifying fake news. Help them understand how to evaluate information online and spot misinformation.
Understanding online privacy. Teach them about data security, how to manage privacy settings, and the importance of protecting personal information.
Recognizing potential dangers. Discuss the risks of interacting with strangers online, cyberbullying, and online predators.

Reporting Inappropriate Content and Servers

It is crucial to report any inappropriate content or servers you encounter on Discord to help maintain a safe online environment for everyone. Discord provides several methods for reporting issues, making it easier to flag problematic content and take action.

Here are some ways you can report inappropriate content and servers on Discord:

Report directly within Discord: Discord offers a built-in reporting system. When you come across inappropriate content, such as a message, image, or server, you can usually find a report button next to the content. Click on it, select the appropriate reason for reporting (e.g., harassment, spam), and submit the report. Discord will review the reported content and take appropriate action if necessary.
Contact Discord support: If you encounter a situation that requires immediate attention or cannot be reported using the built-in tools, you can contact Discord support directly. They can provide personalized assistance and handle more complex issues effectively. You can access Discord support through their website or by using the ‘Help’ option within the Discord app.
Report to a trusted adult: If you or your child come across any concerning content or activities on Discord, it’s essential to report it to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor. They can provide guidance and support in dealing with the situation.

Reporting inappropriate content and servers on Discord is important because it helps protect users from potential harm and contributes to a safer online community. By taking action when you see something wrong, you play a role in creating a better experience for everyone.

Creating a safe online experience for your kids is an ongoing process. You’re doing a great job by taking the initiative to learn about Discord’s potential risks and how to mitigate them. Remember, your involvement is crucial! Encourage open and honest communication with your kids about their online activities, including their experiences on Discord. Let them know that you’re there to support them. Make sure they understand Discord’s safety features and how to use them effectively. You can also utilize the resources provided by Discord and other organizations to gain further insights on online safety. Keep learning, keep talking, and keep creating a safe online world for your kids.