Discord is a popular platform that allows users to chat, voice call, and interact with others in various communities. However, it’s important to understand the age restrictions and guidelines set by Discord.
According to Discord’s Terms of Service, users must be at least 13 years old to create an account and join servers. But what happens if someone under 13 joins a Discord server? Let’s find out.
Age Restrictions on Discord
Discord is designed for users who are 13 years of age or older. This age requirement is in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States. COPPA aims to protect the privacy of children under 13 by placing certain restrictions on online platforms.
Important Note: If you are under 13 years old, it is against Discord’s Terms of Service for you to use their platform.
Account Verification
To create a Discord account, users are required to provide their date of birth during the registration process. While Discord does not actively verify users’ ages, they rely on the honesty and responsibility of users when providing this information.
However, if someone under 13 manages to create an account by falsifying their date of birth, they may still face consequences if discovered.
The Impact of Underage Users on Servers
If an underage user manages to join a Discord server, there can be several implications:
- Increased Legal Risks: Server owners and administrators can face legal risks if they knowingly allow underage users into their servers. COPPA imposes strict regulations on collecting personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. Server owners could potentially be held liable for non-compliance.
- Violation of Discord’s Terms: Discord’s Terms of Service clearly state that users must be at least 13 years old.
By allowing underage users onto their servers, server owners and administrators are breaching these terms.
- Inappropriate Content: Discord servers may contain explicit or mature content that is not suitable for children under 13. Exposure to such content can have negative consequences on the underage users.
- Potential Safety Risks: Younger users may not have the necessary understanding or experience to navigate online spaces safely. They might unknowingly share personal information, fall victim to scams, or encounter harmful individuals.
Discord’s Actions
If Discord becomes aware that an underage user has joined a server, they take appropriate actions to mitigate the situation. These actions may include:
- Account Suspension: Discord can suspend the account of an underage user if their age is discovered to be below 13. This prevents them from accessing any server until they reach the minimum age requirement.
- Server Deletion: If a server is found to consistently allow underage users, Discord may delete the server altogether.
Tips for Server Owners and Administrators
If you are a server owner or administrator, it’s important to take certain precautions to prevent underage users from joining your server:
- Vet New Members: When new members join your server, ask them about their age and remind them of Discord’s minimum age requirement. This shows your commitment to maintaining a safe community.
- Create Age-Restricted Channels: Consider creating separate channels for mature or sensitive content and restrict access to those channels to users who have verified their age.
- Encourage Reporting: Encourage your community members to report any underage users they come across. This helps you take appropriate action and maintain a safe environment.
Conclusion
In summary, Discord has an age requirement of 13 years or older. While it may be tempting for younger individuals to join Discord servers, it is crucial to abide by the platform’s guidelines and respect the minimum age requirement. Server owners and administrators should actively ensure that their communities comply with these rules to maintain a safe and legal environment for all.