This might help, but note that this is probably not exactly what you want:
Each individual user can go to their own profile and then do the following:
Preferences → Interface → “Skip new user onboarding tips and badges”
When enabled, this setting should prevent further badge notifications for most new badges, especially the standard Discourse ones.
Alternatively, if you want to disable them globally:
How to Disable Badges Globally:
- Go to your Discourse admin panel
- Search for the site setting called enable badges
- If you uncheck or disable this setting, the entire badge system (badges, awarding, and related notifications) will be turned off for your community
I have to say, I personally really like the badge system and think it encourages more community involvement.
On the other hand, maybe most just ignore it or don’t really care?