BlueSky
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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
WHAT IS IT? Bluesky is a social media platform similar to X (formerly Twitter) where users can share short posts, images, and links, follow other users, and join public conversations. The platform focuses on decentralised technology, allowing communities and users more control over moderation and how their feeds are organised. Like other social networks, users can interact with strangers and view a wide range of opinions and content. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with Caution. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Bluesky is designed as an open, public social network, meaning posts can be viewed by anyone on the web. Because conversations are largely public and moderation may vary between communities or servers, users may encounter explicit language, sexual content, graphic imagery, or other mature themes. This can expose younger users to content that may not be appropriate for their age. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Most activity on Bluesky is public by default. Posts, likes, and blocks can be viewed by anyone, and there are currently no private profiles. This means information shared on the platform can be widely visible and may remain accessible beyond the intended audience. Users should be cautious about sharing personal details or identifiable information. 📢 Limited Account Verification Bluesky does not require users to verify their real identity, which means people can create accounts without confirming who they are. As a result, users may encounter impersonation, misleading profiles, or individuals presenting themselves differently from who they are in real life. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Like many public social platforms, Bluesky allows open interaction between users. This can sometimes lead to negative interactions, including harassment, trolling, or harmful comments, particularly during public discussions or disagreements. 🚨 Unwanted Contact or Inappropriate Messages Because users can interact with others across the platform, individuals may receive messages or replies from people they do not know. In some cases, this may include inappropriate comments or requests. 🧑💻 Interaction with Strangers Bluesky allows users to communicate with people outside their existing social circle. While this can help build communities, it also means users may interact with strangers, which can carry risks if personal information is shared. 🚨 Public Conversations and Content Visibility Bluesky is built around public discussion. Even when posts are deleted, text content may still exist temporarily in the platform’s backend systems or archives before being fully removed. This means content shared online may not disappear instantly. ⚠️ Decentralised Network Structure Bluesky uses a decentralised protocol that allows different servers to host communities. Moderation standards can vary across these spaces, meaning the type of content and rules may differ depending on where users interact. 📌 Public by Design The platform is designed primarily for open conversation. Since posts, likes, and interactions are visible to others, users should assume that anything shared could potentially be seen or redistributed beyond their immediate followers. |
SAFETY TIPS:
📲 Understand the Platform Take time to learn how Bluesky works. The app is a public social network where users share posts, images, and replies that can be viewed by anyone online. Understanding how posts, replies, and public conversations work will help you guide your child in using the platform safely. 👨👧 Parental Awareness Stay involved in your child’s online activity and talk regularly about how they use social media. Because Bluesky is a public platform, it’s important for young people to understand what information is safe to share and how to interact respectfully with others. 📢 Underage Accounts Bluesky may have age restrictions, but there is currently limited age verification. This means younger users may still create accounts by entering incorrect information, and adults may also create anonymous profiles. 👥 Interacting with Others Online Bluesky allows users to follow and interact with people they do not know. Encourage your child to be cautious when responding to strangers and remind them that not everyone online is who they claim to be. 📱 Remember Posts Are Public Most activity on Bluesky—such as posts, likes, and replies—is public and visible to others. Remind young people to think carefully before sharing personal details, photos, or opinions that they would not want widely seen. 🧠 Trust Their Instincts If a conversation or interaction makes your child feel uncomfortable, encourage them to stop engaging, block the account, and tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Use Devices in Shared Spaces Where possible, keep internet-connected devices in shared areas of the home rather than bedrooms. This helps encourage safer online behaviour and makes it easier to notice concerning activity. 🚨 Recognise Warning Signs Pay attention to changes in behaviour, such as increased secrecy, anxiety after using a device, or suddenly deleting apps or accounts. These may indicate that something upsetting has happened online. 💬 Keep Conversations Open Maintain open discussions about online safety, including cyberbullying, grooming, harmful content, and how to block or report users. When children feel comfortable talking about their online experiences, they are more likely to ask for help if something goes wrong. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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