Moderation playbooks · Checked October 12, 2026

Write rules people follow

Structure, wording and enforcement, from Discord’s own moderation guidance.

Open in Kipp’s docs

1. 1. Start from Discord’s rules

   Your rules sit on top of Discord’s Community Guidelines and Terms (no harassment, hate, sexual content involving minors, self-harm content, spam or scams; members must be 13+). Restate the important ones and say how to report to Discord.

2. 2. Add etiquette, then your own rules

   Discord suggests three layers: platform rules, general etiquette, then rules specific to your server. Channels can have their own exceptions, such as a self-promotion channel.

3. 3. Only write rules you’ll enforce

   Prefer rules moderators can check the same way every time. Pick one official language so staff can follow every conversation.

4. 4. Say examples aren’t the whole list

   Make clear that moderators have the final say and that rules can change. Treat the rules as a living document and tell members when they change.

5. 5. Show them at the door

   Use Rules Screening (Community servers) or Kipp’s verification panel so new members see the rules before they talk.

   Learn more