What Is Discord? Why Parents Should Pay Attention to This App

While scrolling through social media, I found myself wondering, “What exactly is Discord? And why is it so popular?” This prompted me to dive deeper into understanding the platform, especially as a parent.

Local discussions among parents revealed that their teens were spending hours on Discord, particularly during the summer months when school was out. With over 300 million users in 2020 and counting, it’s clear that Discord has become one of the fastest-growing social platforms. Yet, many parents express concerns about potential risks associated with the app, such as “catfishing” (where someone pretends to be another person online), privacy breaches, and the presence of extremist groups.

Eager to educate myself, I stumbled upon articles with alarming titles like “The Dark Side of Discord” and “Why You Should Avoid Discord.” While these pieces highlight valid concerns, it’s important to recognize that no technology is entirely good or bad. The key is to stay informed and empower both yourself and your teens.

Discord, launched in 2015, is a free chat application that connects users with shared interests, allowing communication through chat, video, and even streaming. While most “servers”—the term for community spaces on Discord—are invite-only, there are larger public ones discussing popular games like Fortnite. Unlike traditional social media, Discord doesn’t feature news feeds or ads, creating a more relaxed environment where users can simply engage without the pressure to go viral.

What Are Discord Servers Used For?

Discord servers can cater to a wide variety of interests, from fandoms like sports and movies to small groups of friends in a specific area. Jeff Haynes, a Senior Editor at Common Sense Media, explains that one of Discord’s biggest draws for teens is its ability to connect them with communities of like-minded individuals across the globe. Whether discussing an anime episode or debating the stats of favorite athletes, Discord offers a platform for that.

Users can create their own servers based on niche interests or simply tailor them to the people they connect with.

How Does Discord Work?

To get started, users download the Discord app on their devices, which then grants them access to various servers. The interface is reminiscent of Slack, allowing users to select servers, channels (specific conversation topics), and friends to interact with. This multimodal communication offers a level of freedom, but it can also present risks if users are not mature enough to navigate the environment responsibly.

Admins are responsible for server creation, establishing rules, and monitoring discussions to ensure a safe experience. Some servers are verified, providing a higher level of moderation.

What Should Parents Know About Discord?

If you’re unfamiliar with Discord, you’re not alone. Many parents feel overwhelmed by the platform’s complexity, especially since it was initially popularized among gamers and has a largely unenforced age limit of 13+. However, during the pandemic, Discord gained significant importance as a means for teens to connect socially when in-person gatherings were limited.

While Discord can foster diversity and open discussions, it’s essential to be aware of potential dangers.

What Are the Risks of Discord?

There are growing concerns regarding safety on Discord, particularly about predators posing as peers and instances of bullying and exploitation. Some users have reported hostile takeovers of servers by groups intent on spreading negativity. Additionally, there are security concerns regarding account hacking.

Instead of completely restricting access, parents can feel more empowered by understanding both the advantages and disadvantages of Discord. Active involvement in their children’s online activities allows parents to better support them, ensuring they are informed participants in a connected world.

Is Discord Safe?

Discord has some built-in safety features, such as message scanning and the ability to block messages from unknown users. However, it’s crucial for parents to understand how to guide their children in using these features effectively.

Here are some steps to help safeguard kids on Discord:

Open Dialogue: Discuss the benefits and risks of using Discord openly. Establish media usage boundaries, and consider a household media contract. Don’t overlook the importance of the age restriction; Discord isn’t suitable for younger children (Apple Play Store recommends 17+).
Review Terms of Service: Prior to your child creating an account, go over Discord’s terms of service with them to ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities.
Secure Account Setup: Encourage the use of multi-factor authentication and secure passwords. Adjust settings for maximum safety.
Stick to Verified Servers: Help your teen find verified servers and review their moderation policies.
Mindful Monitoring: Stay informed about your child’s online activities. Balance privacy with awareness to ensure Discord use doesn’t interfere with their daily life.
Join Discord Yourself: Create an account and explore the platform to better understand what your kids are experiencing. Family servers can also be a great way to stay connected.

Encourage your children to maintain friendships outside of online communities. While Discord has its benefits, real-life interactions are irreplaceable.

In conclusion, Discord is likely to remain relevant, especially as teens seek new ways to connect. The takeaway? No social platform is entirely good or bad; it ultimately depends on how humans choose to use it. As parents, staying educated about platforms like Discord can empower us to guide our teens effectively.

For more insights on related topics, check out this blog post on home insemination techniques, which provides helpful information for family planning.

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