Under the update, which begins a phased global rollout in early March, all new and existing users worldwide will automatically receive teen-appropriate default settings. Access to sensitive content and certain platform features will require users to complete an age-verification process.
According to Discord, the changes reinforce its long-standing commitment to online safety while preserving user privacy and the meaningful connections that define the platform.
“Nowhere is our safety work more important than when it comes to teen users,” 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 while allowing verified adults flexibility.”
Age Verification With Privacy Protections
At the core of the update is a new age-assurance system designed to confirm whether users are teens or adults while respecting privacy. Users may verify their age through facial age estimation or by submitting identification to Discord’s vendor partners. Discord will also deploy an age inference model that works in the background to determine an account’s likely age group without always requiring direct verification.
Key privacy safeguards include on-device processing for facial age estimation, rapid deletion of submitted identity documents, and private age-verification status that is not visible to other users. Users will receive confirmation through a direct message from Discord’s official account and can view or appeal their assigned age group at any time via account settings.
New Default Safety Settings
From early March, Discord users globally will see updated default settings aimed at reducing exposure to inappropriate content and unwanted interactions. These include:
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Content filters that require adult age verification to unblur sensitive material
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Restricted access to age-gated servers, channels, and app commands for verified adults only
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Message request inboxes that separate direct messages from unknown users by default
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Friend request alerts that warn users about requests from people they may not know
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Stage participation limits, allowing only verified adults to speak on stage in servers
Discord noted that similar teen-by-default settings were previously launched in the UK and Australia, with positive results informing the global rollout.
Discord Launches Teen Council
Alongside the safety updates, Discord announced the creation of its first-ever Teen Council, an advisory group made up of 10 to 12 teens aged 13 to 17. The council will provide direct input on product features, policies, and educational resources, ensuring teen voices help shape the platform’s future.
Applications for the Teen Council are open until May 1, 2026.
Discord said the initiative is part of its broader safety ecosystem, which includes tools such as Family Center, Teen Safety Assist, Ignore, Warning System, and Guardian’s Guide, all designed to promote digital well-being and safer online interactions for young users.
