eSAFETY GUIDE
Discord logo

Discord

13+
Minimum age according to Discord
13+ Minimum age according to Discord

What is Discord?

Discord is a social chat platform commonly used by online gamers that is available on computers and mobile devices, and accessible via a web browser. It lets you create a profile and interact with other users via online messaging, voice or video chat. You can share images, files and links to other services. There is also the option to use artificial intelligence (AI) image generator Midjourney[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/midjourney], where you can enter prompts and create new images. The paid subscription option on DIscord lets you upload larger file sizes, gives additional options for appearance customisation, and provides higher quality audio for voice chat. 

Initially designed for the gaming community, Discord now hosts servers on a wide variety of interests. Once you have created a profile you can join servers based on your interests or create your own server and invite people to join. Servers are broken down into specific topics known as channels which can be flagged as NSFW (Not Safe For Work), meaning not safe to be viewed at work. For NSFW channels a user must click a button to indicate that they are over 18 before entering the chat.

Website: discordapp.comExternal link[https://discordapp.com/]

Apps: Android appExternal link[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.discord], Apple iOS appExternal link[https://apps.apple.com/au/app/discord/id985746746]

How do people use Discord?

Lean more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use chat services like Discord.

Discord is used for: content sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/content-sharing], gaming[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/gaming], in-app purchasing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/in-app-purchasing], live streaming[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/live-streaming], messaging/online chat[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/messaging-online-chat], online relationships[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/online-relationships], photo/video sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/photo-video-sharing], screen capture[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/screen-capture], voice chat[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/voice-chat] and video calling[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/video-calling]. 

How can you report online abuse or block someone?

These links are provided by Discord:

  • How to report issuesExternal link[https://support.discordapp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000291932-How-to-Properly-Report-Issues-to-Trust-Safety%C2%A0] 
    Advice on how to report an issue to the Trust & Safety Team.
  • Blocking and privacy settingsExternal link[https://support.discordapp.com/hc/en-us/articles/217916488-Blocking-Privacy-Settings-%C2%A0] 
    How to control the messages you receive and stop someone from contacting you.

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by Discord:

These links are provided by Discord:

  • Community guidelinesExternal link[https://discordapp.com/guidelines] 
    The guidelines you are expected to uphold if you are an admin on a Discord server.
  • Trust & SafetyExternal link[https://support.discordapp.com/hc/en-us/sections/115000344951-Top-Questions] 
    The top questions around trust and safety on Discord.
  • NSFW channels and contentExternal link[https://support.discordapp.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000084051-NSFW-channels-and-content] 
    Information about Not Safe For Work and how you can use it as a safety feature in your channels.
  • Parent’s Guide to DiscordExternal link[https://blog.discordapp.com/parents-guide-to-discord-c77d91793e9c] 
    An article on the Discord blog that explains the features and privacy settings of the platform from a parent’s perspective.
  • Terms of ServiceExternal link[https://discordapp.com/terms] 
    The terms you agree to when you use Discord. A parent or guardian should review if under-18.
  • Privacy PolicyExternal link[https://discordapp.com/privacy] 
    This outlines how data is collected and used on Discord.

Last updated: 16/04/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parentsExternal link, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and appsExternal link and mental wellbeing resources for familiesExternal link.