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 - Chat for Gamers is a voice- and text-chat tool geared toward gamers. 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. 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. Users can send direct messages to other users, chat, and talk or listen in larger group chats. They can also join a Stage channel where up to 1,000 users are listening to -- and potentially participating in -- a live audio broadcast. Using the Nearby feature when adding friends (and with location features turned on), you can find users near you. While there are good features available for opting in to conversations, this is still a social-networking app, and it's primarily geared toward adults. As you might find on any social network, there are occasional issues with abusive language. Also, though the app doesn't generate iffy content, many players are discussing mature games, so sex, violence, and substances are often 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.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Recommended for all 13+ gamers.
Discord isn't all that bad
To the parents/Clearing stuff up:
You get to chose a user name upon sign up, and discord automatically add a 4 digit... Continue reading
Discord and How it's PERFECTLY Safe for 13+ as intended (guide for parents like my own):
What's it about?
DISCORD - CHAT FOR GAMERS is an app designed to help gamers talk to each other in real time. While playing a game on their device, users can log in to Discord and enter a group chat with one or more other gamers so that they can talk while they play. The app is designed to run nicely alongside a game: The desktop version is designed to use less computing power than other voice-chat apps, and you can customize how the app looks on-screen to make it ride alongside your game rather than interrupting it. Discord has other features, too, including text-based chat rooms and direct messages. Connecting with friends involves joining an existing gaming server or sending an email invitation. Using the Nearby feature when adding friends (and with location features turned on), you can find friends near you. You can also block users and avoid content you don't want to see.
Is it any good?
This is a chat tool built for gamers, by gamers, and its developers seem to be constantly working to build features they've always wanted in other apps. They also seem committed to building better and better features, such as features that protect users' privacy and make it easier to find and talk to your friends. It's also appealing that they're committed to keeping the app free. Though premium users can pay for upgraded features, serious gamers can still get great value from what's available for free.
While those intentions are admirable, Discord - Chat for Gamers is still a social network that's primarily 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 could be a good fit for teens. With thoughtful limits set by parents and an ongoing dialogue about how it's acceptable to use the app, this could be a good tool to help gaming teens talk with their friends in real time.
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?
Talk about online safety. 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
- Size: 148.90 MB
- 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
For kids who love video games
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