Bluesky is a social media platform that claims to give users more control over their experience. It started as a research project within the X platform but now operates independently, allowing for customizable feeds and moderation tools. With a focus on free speech and community-driven content curation, it has become increasingly accessible to younger users. In 2024, Bluesky opened to the public and now has more than 32 million users (Source: CNET).

Educators and parents: Guide your students' reflection and discussion with this student worksheet. (Log in to your Google account and select File-->Make a Copy)

What is Bluesky?

• Bluesky is a social media platform that functions similarly to X, allowing users to post, reply, send direct messages, and engage in conversations
• It was originally created as a project within Twitter; it later became an independent platform focused on open-source and decentralized social networking
• The app promotes free speech and a community-moderated approach, meaning content moderation is handled differently than mainstream platforms like Instagram or TikTok
• Bluesky launched with an invite-only model but has since opened up to the public, making it more accessible to students and younger users

Why do students want to be on Bluesky?

• Bluesky allows users to customize their feeds and moderate settings, giving them more control over trending topics and the content they see
• Since Bluesky recently opened to the public, parents and teachers are less likely to be on the app, making it feel more exclusive for teens
• The platform’s decentralized nature promotes community-driven discussions and a feeling of independence, making it appealing to students who want a space to express themselves more freely

Top concerns about Bluesky

• Bluesky has a decentralized structure which means content moderation is less strict than on platforms like Instagram; this could expose users to inappropriate content
• The app has more user control than many apps and allows individuals to choose their own moderation tools and feed algorithms
• Users can create accounts without linking them to their real identities, which may increase the risk of impersonation, cyberbullying, or predatory behavior
• Since Bluesky is newer and rapidly developing, its safety features and moderation policies may change over time
• Bluesky offers some content filtering options but currently lacks robust safety features that allow parents to monitor their children’s activity

What can parents and educators do?

• Parents can stay informed and learn about Bluesky’s features, how it works, and any new updates that impact safety
• Talk to teens and discuss online safety, appropriate interactions, and the risks of anonymous platforms
• Teach students how to report harmful content and adjust their settings to filter unwanted interactions
• While Bluesky lacks built-in parental controls, parents can use device settings to limit screen time and app access
• If safety concerns outweigh the benefits, guide students toward social media platforms with stronger safety measures

Privacy Setting Recommendations

Enable Content Filtering

Bluesky allows users to adjust filters to block or blur certain types of content, reducing exposure to inappropriate material

Access Settings:

• Tap the three-line menu (≡) on the left-hand side
• Select "Settings"

Navigate to Moderation:

• Scroll to find the "Moderation" section
• Tap on "Bluesky Moderation Service”

Adjust Content Filters:

• You'll see various content categories (e.g., "Self-harm," "Sensitive," "Extremist")
• For each category, choose one of the following options:
  
  • Off: The content will be visible
  • Warn: A warning will appear before viewing the content
  • ‍Hide: The content will be hidden entirely

Adjust Visibility Settings

Encouraging students to keep their accounts private can limit interactions with strangers. While Bluesky is primarily a public platform, users can manage their interactions by muting or blocking users. Muting prevents you from seeing notifications or top-level posts from an account, while blocking prevents any interaction between both parties.

How to Mute or Block Accounts:

• Navigate to the profile of the user you wish to mute or block
• Tap the three-dot menu on their profile
• Select "Mute Account" to silence notifications and posts from that user, or "Block Account" to prevent any interaction between you and the other account

How to Use the Blocking and Reporting Tools

It's essential to know how to handle harassment or inappropriate behavior

Blocking a User:

• Go to the user's profile
• Tap the three-dot menu
• Select "Block Account"
  

How to Report a Post:

• Click on the three-dot menu on the specific post
• Select "Report"

How to Report an Account:

• Visit the user's profile
• Tap the three-dot menu
• Choose "Report Account"‍

Customize Feed Algorithms

Bluesky allows users to fine tune personalized feeds, helping to select content that aligns with safety preferences.

Access Custom Feeds:

• Tap the hashtag icon (#) at the bottom of the app
• Browse or search for feeds that match your interests or safety requirements

Add a Custom Feed:

• Once you find a suitable feed, tap the plus icon to add it to your feed list

Manage Your Feeds:

• Go to the "Feeds" menu
• Tap "Edit" to rearrange, pin, or remove feeds as needed

What is Bluesky rated?

Google Play Rating: M (Mature)
Apple App Store Rating: 17+
Based in San Francisco, California, USA. Owned by  Bluesky Public Benefit LLCTerms of Service
Privacy Policy

Bluesky in the News

Government censorship, scam accounts, celebrity impersonation, propaganda and a user revolt over a journalist accused of demonizing trans people — these are just some of the hurdles faced by the nascent social media platform Bluesky - NBC

The surge in new users has brought with it concomitant growth in the number of tricky, disturbing, and outright bizarre edge cases that the trust and safety team must contend with - Platformer

More resources for parents, students, & educators

X (formerly Twitter) App Guide: What Parents, Educators, & Students Need to Know

Alternatives to TikTok: Short Form Video Guide for Parents, Educators, & Students

RedNote App Guide: What Parents, Educators, & Students Need to Know

Shine Online: Positive Impact of Social Media & Screen Time

Conclusion

Bluesky offers a decentralized and customizable social media experience, but its open nature comes with safety concerns, especially for younger users. With limited parental controls and evolving moderation policies, it’s important for parents and educators to stay informed, encourage responsible usage, and teach students how to adjust their settings for a safer experience.