A separate version of the app without the ability to access NSFW content at all (alternatively a version with no ability to view pictures, gifs, or videos at all).

Here are a few possible solutions to deal with the problem, and thereby allow Discord to be not only the best voice chat service, but also the safest. I am not one to bring up problems without providing possible solutions (I find that to be complaining rather than problem solving). Which means that all of your efforts with web filters, url blockers, and parental controls on your devices to keep your child from such content are made useless by allowing them to use a simple voice chat server. The “Privacy and Safety” settings can be changed by whoever is using the platform, with no passwords required, and children can easily figure out how, so you certainly couldn’t stop your 15 year old tech savvy son that way. Any of those words are invites to current adult content servers (and many more exist), and there is no challenge to enter except “are you 18 years old” which someone bent on inappropriate behavior will have no problem answering with a lie. It is as simple as going to the “Add a Server” Section, clicking “Join a Server”, and in the invite box typing in “porn”, “pornhub”, or “nudes”. Let’s say you have a 15 year old son who wants to see something he shouldn’t. Children can choose to change the settings at any time.

The issue is if they want to find inappropriate content. A child can choose to keep the settings restrictive so that people cannot bully or harass them, and to stay away from NSFW content, and the options will be successful most of the time. Fine for keeping things out, useless for keeping them in.

The settings that currently exist are akin to a lock on the front door of your house. However, it does not talk about the primary issues and concerns that most parents have with children the age that will most likely be using Discord: the lack of ability to keep children (teens) for looking for and finding inappropriate content. From the main Discord page, there is linked an article called “Parent’s Guide to Discord”, which discusses the safety and privacy options to keep users safe.The article is comprehensive about what Discord does currently have as options.

Discord parental controls