Discord has become one of the most popular platforms among children and teenagers for gaming, chatting, and forming online communities. My own daughter uses Discord daily to participate in several online communities. While it offers a space for social interaction and shared interests, it also poses significant dangers that parents, particularly fathers, need to be aware of. 
One of the primary risks on Discord is exposure to inappropriate content. Discord servers can be unmoderated or poorly moderated, allowing explicit language, images, and discussions that are not suitable for young users. Children and teenagers can inadvertently stumble upon or be invited to these servers, exposing them to harmful material. It’s even possible that our own children may decide to expose others to inappropriate content.
Cyberbullying is another significant concern. Discord’s anonymity allows users to engage in bullying behavior without fear of real-world consequences. This can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and even depression among young users. The platform’s private messaging feature can also be used to harass or manipulate children, often without the knowledge of parents.
Moreover, Discord can be a breeding ground for online predators. The platform’s structure allows predators to disguise their identities and engage with children under the guise of friendship or shared interests. This can lead to dangerous situations where children may share personal information or even agree to meet in person. At one point, my daughter and several of her friends tracked and warned their communities of a person who was encouraging other users to perform dangerous activities.
As a father, there are several steps you can take to protect your children from these dangers. First, maintain an open dialogue about online safety and the risks associated with Discord. Encourage your children to share their online experiences with you and reassure them that they can come to you with any concerns.
Second, set up parental controls and monitor your children's Discord activity. Familiarize yourself with the platform’s privacy settings, and consider restricting access to certain servers or features. Additionally, Discord’s web interface allows you to view activity on your child's account when logged in.
Finally, educate your children on the importance of online privacy. Teach them not to share personal information and to be cautious about accepting friend requests from strangers. By staying informed and proactive, you can help ensure that your children have a safe and positive experience on Discord.
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Works Cited
National Center on Sexual Exploitation (2022). The Many Dangers of Discord for Children. Retrieved from endsexualexploitation.org (NCOSE).
SafetyDetectives (2024). Is Discord Safe for Kids? What Parents Should Know in 2024. Retrieved from safetydetectives.com (SafetyDetectives).
FamilyEducation (2023). Is Discord Safe For Your Teen's Mental Health? Retrieved from familyeducation.com (FamilyEducation).
Ever Accountable (2024). 5 Hidden Dangers of Discord: A Safety Guide for Parents. Retrieved from everaccountable.com (Ever Accountable).