Discord launches global teen safety settings with age verification

Discord introduces comprehensive teen safety overhauls in March 2026, featuring automatic content filters, restricted adult-only spaces, and privacy-focused age verification. New Teen Council will guide future youth protection features.

Discord is rolling out new teen-by-default safety settings globally, starting with a phased launch in early March 2026. The enhanced protections include content filters, restricted access to age-gated spaces, and updated communication settings that require age verification for adults to modify. The rollout builds on Discord's existing safety architecture whilst introducing a Teen Council to incorporate youth perspectives into platform development.

New default safety features

Starting in early March, all Discord users worldwide will receive updated default settings designed for age-appropriate experiences. Content filters will automatically blur sensitive material, with only age-verified adults able to disable the feature. Age-gated channels, servers, and app commands will be restricted to verified adult users only.

The platform will also route direct messages from unknown users to a separate inbox by default, with modification rights limited to age-verified adults. Friend requests from unfamiliar users will trigger warning prompts, and stage speaking privileges in servers will require adult verification.

"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 Savannah Badalich, Discord's Head of Product Policy. "Rolling out teen-by-default settings globally builds on Discord's existing safety architecture, giving teens strong protections whilst allowing verified adults flexibility."

Privacy-focused age verification

Discord's age assurance system offers multiple verification methods whilst maintaining user privacy. Users can choose facial age estimation, which processes video selfies entirely on-device without uploading data, or submit identification documents to verified partners for quick processing and deletion.

The platform will also implement an age inference model running in the background to help determine account age groups without always requiring manual verification. Users may be asked to use multiple methods only when additional information is needed for accurate age assignment.

Unlike Roblox's problematic verification system, Discord emphasises that verification status remains private between users, with confirmation delivered via direct message from the official account. Users can view their assigned age group in account settings and appeal the classification by retrying the verification process.

Teen Council advisory group

Discord is recruiting 10-12 teens aged 13-17 for its inaugural Teen Council, designed to bring authentic youth perspectives into platform development. The advisory body will inform future product features, policies, and educational resources by ensuring Discord understands rather than assumes teen needs and safety concerns.

The Council will help balance protective safety features with teen privacy and autonomy, focusing on how young users build meaningful connections through gaming and shared interests. Applications are open until 1 May 2026, with the Council expected to influence Discord's approach to teen-focused community building and digital wellbeing.

This initiative reflects growing recognition that young people's online preferences require direct input rather than adult assumptions about appropriate digital experiences.

Global expansion and safety context

The worldwide rollout follows successful pilot programmes in the UK and Australia, where Discord tested teen-by-default settings before expanding globally. The timing aligns with Safer Internet Day initiatives and broader industry focus on youth protection online.

The enhanced safety measures complement Discord's existing tools including Family Center, Teen Safety Assist, and the Warning System. These features address ongoing concerns about dangerous online trends that have prompted safety warnings from authorities including Dubai Police.

Discord's approach emphasises privacy-forward design whilst acknowledging regulatory pressure for age-appropriate online experiences. The phased rollout will begin with new users before extending to Discord's existing user base of over 200 million monthly active users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Discord's new teen-by-default settings?

Discord's teen-by-default settings include content filters that blur sensitive material, restricted access to age-gated channels and servers, separate inboxes for messages from unknown users, friend request warnings, and stage speaking limitations. These settings require age verification for adults to modify.

How does Discord's age verification work?

Users can verify their age through facial age estimation processed entirely on their device, or by submitting identification documents to Discord's verified partners. The platform also uses an age inference model running in the background to help determine account age groups automatically.

When will the new Discord safety features roll out globally?

The phased global rollout begins in early March 2026, starting with new users before expanding to existing Discord accounts. The timing coincides with Safer Internet Day initiatives and follows successful pilot programmes in the UK and Australia.

What is the Discord Teen Council?

The Discord Teen Council is an advisory group of 10-12 teens aged 13-17 that will provide authentic youth perspectives to inform Discord's future product features, policies, and educational resources. Applications are open until 1 May 2026.

Will these changes affect existing Discord users?

Yes, the rollout includes both new and existing Discord users globally. Existing users will receive the new teen-appropriate default settings, though verified adults can modify certain restrictions through the age verification process.