Discord Rolls Out Teen-by-Default Settings Worldwide, Introduces Age Verification and Teen Council

Highlights

• All new and existing Discord users globally will have teen-appropriate settings enabled by default starting March 2026.
• This will include stricter content filters, limited access to age-restricted spaces, and revised communication controls.
• Discord introduces privacy-first age assurance via facial age estimation or ID submission with safeguards like on-device processing and quick deletion of documents.
• Applications are open for Discord’s first Teen Council (10–12 members, ages 13–17).

Discord has announced a global rollout of enhanced teen safety features to create a safer and more inclusive platform for users aged 13 and above. With this update, all new and existing users worldwide will experience teen-appropriate settings by default. This includes revised communication controls, limited access to age-restricted spaces, and stronger content filtering. Here are more details on the recent announcement.

Discord’s Teen-by-Default Settings – Phased Rollout to Begin in Early March

Discord shared the details of the changes in a press release titled “Discord Launches Teen-by-Default Settings Globally.”

“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. Rolling out teen-by-default settings globally builds on Discord’s existing safety architecture, giving teens strong protections while allowing verified adults flexibility. 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.” – Savannah Badalich, Head of Product Policy at Discord.

The new changes will begin rolling out globally in phases starting early March, covering both new and current users. As part of the update, some users may be required to complete an age-verification process if they wish to adjust specific settings or access sensitive or restricted content. This applies to age-gated channels, servers, commands, and certain message requests.

The teen-by-default initiative complements Discord’s existing safety tools and resources including Ignore, Family Center, Teen Safety Assist, Warning System, and Guardian’s Guide.

(Image credit – Discord)

Privacy-First Age Assurance System

According to the press release, Discord’s new age assurance system is built with privacy and user choice in mind. Users can verify their age through facial age estimation or by submitting identification documents to Discord’s vendor partners. Additional methods may be introduced in the future.

The platform is also implementing an age inference model that operates in the background to help determine whether an account belongs to an adult, without always requiring direct age verification. In some cases, users may be asked to complete multiple verification steps if more information is needed to accurately assign an age group.

“For most adults, age verification won’t be required, as Discord’s age inference model uses account information such as account tenure, device and activity data, and aggregated, high-level patterns across Discord communities. Discord does not use private messages or any message content in this process,” said Savannah Badalich, Discord’s global head of product policy on The Verge.

Discord outlined several privacy safeguards within its age assurance process, which includes –

• Video selfies used for facial age estimation are processed directly on the user’s device and never leave it.
• Identity documents submitted to vendor partners are deleted quickly, in most cases immediately after age confirmation.
• Typically, users only need to complete the verification process once, after which their Discord experience automatically adjusts to their verified age group.
• Age verification status remains private and cannot be viewed by other users.

After completing the process, users will receive confirmation through a direct message from Discord’s official account. They can also check their assigned age group at any time in the “My Account” settings and appeal it by retrying the process if needed. Discord clarified that it prompts users for age assurance only within the app and does not send emails or text messages regarding the process or its outcomes.

Users who aren’t verified as adults will not be able to access age-restricted servers and channels. (Image credit – Discord)

Discords – Updated Default Safety Settings

Beginning in early March, Discord will assign updated default safety settings to all users globally to ensure age-appropriate experiences.

Users must be verified as adults to unblur sensitive content or disable content filtering. Access to age-restricted channels, servers, and app commands will also be limited to users who have been age-assured as adults.

Direct messages from unknown users will automatically be directed to a separate Message Request Inbox, and only age-verified adults will be able to modify this setting. Additionally, users will receive warning prompts for friend requests from individuals they may not know. Speaking privileges on Stage channels within servers will also be restricted to age-assured adults.

Discord previously launched its teen-by-default model in the UK and Australia last year. The global rollout expands on that framework to deliver consistent, age-appropriate protections worldwide.

Discord Teen Council Announced

Moreover, Discord has opened applications for its first-ever Teen Council. This advisory group will include 10 to 12 teenagers aged between 13 and 17 and aims to bring authentic teen perspectives into platform decision-making.

The Teen Council will help ensure that Discord understands rather than assumes what teens need to feel safe, supported, and connected online. By incorporating diverse teen viewpoints directly into product discussions, the council will influence future features, policies, and educational resources, particularly around gaming communities, shared interests, and digital wellbeing.

Teens interested in joining the council can apply until May 1, 2026.

FAQs

Q1. What are Discord’s new teen-by-default settings?

Answer. Starting March 2026, all users globally will have teen-appropriate settings enabled by default, including stricter content filters, limited access to age-restricted channels, and revised communication controls.

Q2. How does Discord’s age verification system work?

Answer. Users can verify their age through facial age estimation (processed on-device) or by submitting ID documents to vendor partners, which are quickly deleted after confirmation. Verified adults gain flexibility to adjust sensitive settings.

Q3. What is the Discord Teen Council?

Answer. Discord has launched its first Teen Council, a group of 10–12 teens aged 13–17, to provide authentic perspectives on safety, wellbeing, and platform features. Applications are open until May 1, 2026.

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