Discord rolling out ‘teen-by-default’ settings to enhance safety for younger users

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (WBRC) - The popular chat and community service Discord is rolling out new default settings that it says will create a safer and more inclusive experience for users over the age of 13.

Beginning in early March, all new and existing Discord users will be set to teen-appropriate safety settings, requiring age verification to access certain settings or sensitive content.

“Nowhere is our safety work more important than when it comes to teen users, which is why we are announcing these updates in time for Safer Internet Day,” said Head of Product Policy at Discord Savannah Badalich. “Rolling out teen-by-default settings globally builds on Discord’s existing safety architecture, giving teens strong protections while allowing verified adults flexibility.”

The default teen settings will include content filters, age-gated spaces, message request inbox, friend request alerts and stage restrictions.

Default safety settings

• Content Filters: Discord users will need to be age-assured as adults in order to unblur sensitive content or turn off the setting.
• Age-gated Spaces – Only users who are age-assured as adults will be able to access age-restricted channels, servers, and app commands. 
• Message Request Inbox: Direct messages from people a user may not know are routed to a separate inbox by default, and access to modify this setting is limited to age-assured adult users.
• Friend Request Alerts: People will receive warning prompts for friend requests from users they may not know.
• Stage Restrictions: Only age-assured adults may speak on stage in servers.

To remove the teen safety settings, all users will be required to verify their age, with Discord providing different methods to do so. including facial age estimation or submitting identification.

“We design our products with teen safety principles at the core and will continue working with safety experts, policymakers, and Discord users to support meaningful, long-term wellbeing for teens on the platform,” Badalich said.

The changes come as countries worldwide are calling for more safety and transparency when it comes to children and teens on social media.

In August, a family in California sued Roblox and Discord, claiming that the companies failed to protect their 10-year-old daughter from being abducted by a predator.

Discord also announced they are establishing the Discord Teen Council, an advisory board consisting of teenagers.

“By embedding diverse teen perspectives directly into decision-making, the Council will help ensure Discord’s safety features are protective while balancing teen privacy and autonomy,” the company said.

Anyone between the ages of 13 and 17 interested in participating in the Teen Council can apply here until May 1, 2026.

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