Discord
Voice chat has slick features, some mature content.
Parents say
Based on 145 reviews
Kids say
Based on 421 reviews
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Discord
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Discord is a voice- and text-chat tool with a significant gamer presence. Its developers created it to replace other voice-over-internet protocol (VOIP) apps that gamers use to talk to each other in real time while they play games, especially MMOs (massively multiplayer online games). People with other interests now use the app, too. Users can log in with a username, and they can add friends, join a server, and chat by logging in with a code provided from an email invitation or from a real-life friend. People can send direct messages to each other, chat, and talk or listen in larger group chats. Using a feature that scans for people you know when adding friends (with location features turned on) lets you find users who are near you. In recent years, Discord has made some moves to reduce the amount of adult content – including settings that allow all direct messages kids receive to automatically be scanned and deleted if they contain explicit content, and friend requests can be limited to people they share a server with, and presumably would know. Users who are under 18 also can't view NSFW communities -- although if kids enter an older age when registering, that won't apply. While there are good features available for opting in to conversations, and some age-based controls that can help keep kids from accessing over-18 content, the app is primarily geared toward adults. As you might find on any social network, there are occasional issues with things like abusive language. Also, though the app doesn't generate iffy content, players may discuss mature games and other subjects, so sex, violence, and substances can potentially be a part of the conversation. If you're going to let your younger teen use it, check out these tips around how to use the settings wisely. Read the app's privacy policy to find out about the types of information collected and shared.
Community Reviews
Discord is not as bad as the reviews say it is
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Dont let your children post on Hero Wars Discord.
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What’s It About?
DISCORD is an app designed to help users talk to each other in real time. Users can log in and enter a group chat with one or more people. Connecting with friends involves joining an existing topic-based server or sending an email invitation. Using the Nearby feature when adding friends (and with location features turned on), you can find friends who are close to you. You can also block users and avoid content you don't want to see. Discord was originally designed for gamers to use to talk as they play -- and it's well-suited for that. It's since been opened up to host other communities, though, as well -- currently, groups exist that involve a variety of topics.
Is It Any Good?
While this chat tool was originally gaming-focused -- built for gamers, by gamers -- in 2020, the developers announced it was repositioning itself as place for communities involving other subject matter. Discord allows people to create a chat server and connect with a group of people. In addition to gaming fans, there are communities that focus on movies, music, and numerous other topics. Users can create a group for family members, fans of a TV show, or another subject, and appoint a moderator and administrator. There are desktop app versions of the platform for Windows and Macs, and iOS and Android apps are available for mobile devices. There's also a web browser version. Discord is free to use. You can also sign up for Discord Nitro -- the premium subscription tier ($9.99 per month, or $99.99 per year) offers benefits such as bigger upload size limits, HD video for streaming and screen-sharing, animated avatars, and custom emojis.
While Discord's intention to remain free and constantly improve its available functionalities is impressive, it's still a social network that's primarily meant for adults. Though the developers are committed to fostering a positive online space, there have been issues with abusive language and unkind behavior. Used wisely and sparingly, Discord may be a fit for teens. A closed network of people, for instance, would likely be a safer option than one of the public groups. With thoughtful limits set by parents and an ongoing dialogue about ways it would be acceptable to use the app, it could be used as a tool to help teens who are interested in gaming -- and other specific topics -- talk with their friends in real time. At least some guidance and supervision would likely be a good idea, though.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about your rules for messaging and social networking. How old do your kids have to be to use social networks like Discord - Chat for Gamers? What are your family's rules about devices and when they're appropriate to use?
What's OK to share on social media, and what's off-limits? Check out our parent guide for privacy and internet safety to get advice and good conversation starters for your kids.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows app
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: March 10, 2017
- Category: Social Networking
- Publisher: Hammer & Chisel Inc.
- Version: 1.8.3
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 10.0 or later; Android 5.0 and up
- Last updated: September 8, 2021
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