This study explores the experiences of children aged 11–16 with Discord, loot boxes, and gaming influencers. The aim is to give adults insight into these parts of children’s online lives and to highlight how we can best support them in navigating this world safely and confidently.

The survey is based on responses from 1,785 children aged 11–16 across Denmark. Data was collected by Epinion in December 2025, through a web-based questionnaire distributed to parents, who were asked to let their child complete the survey.

Key findings:

1. Nearly half of children use Discord.
   Overall, 47% of children use the platform, but there are significant gender differences: 69% of boys use Discord, compared with 25% of girls.
    
2. Discord is primarily used to communicate and stay connected with friends
   83% of children use Discord to talk with friends while gaming, and 49% say the platform has helped them stay in touch with friends.
    
3. Unpleasant experiences are common on Discord
   53% of children report having experienced something unpleasant on the platform. 32% have encountered offensive language, and 22% have come across hateful content.
    
4. Only 33% of children talk to someone about unpleasant experiences on Discord
   52% ignore such experiences, while 44% block the person involved, and only 33% choose to talk to someone about it.
    
5. One in three children feels like buying another loot box after opening one
   52% of children have spent money on loot boxes, and 34% report feeling like purchasing another after opening one.
    
6. Gaming influencers encourage children to make purchases
   48% of children have experienced gaming influencers encouraging them to spend money.