eSAFETY GUIDE

Bluesky

13+
Minimum age according to Bluesky
13+ Minimum age according to Bluesky

What is Bluesky?

Bluesky is a social media service which allows you to post messages of up to 300 characters, as well as images or video. It was developed by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey as a decentralised social media service, which means that users have more control over what they see and who they interact with. 

Bluesky is similar to other social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter)[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide/twitter]. Its key difference is that users can post messages to specific servers based on their interests or the communities they are part of. Bluesky allows you to choose main feeds moderated by the community and segmented by topics such as art, science, cats, or adult content (among a growing list of user-curated feeds). 

Bluesky has moderation tools that allow you to block certain words or types of content. You can also mute or block users individually or in bulk through moderation lists. The app has a built-in reporting feature to alert Bluesky of any unlawful or harmful content or interactions. 

Bluesky is built on the Authenticated Transport Protocol (ATP)External link[https://atproto.com/specs/atp], a framework that allows you to use the same identity, follow lists, and data across different social media platforms.

Website: bsky.appExternal link[https://bsky.app/]
Apps: Android appExternal link[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.blueskyweb.app&hl=en_au], Apple iOS appExternal link[https://apps.apple.com/au/app/bluesky-social/id6444370199]

How do people use Bluesky?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use content sharing services like Bluesky.

Bluesky is used for: content sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/content-sharing], location sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/location-sharing], messaging/online chat[https://www.esafety.gov.au/lgbtiq/learning-lounge/meeting-online/online-chat], online relationships[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/online-relationships], photo/video sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/photo-video-sharing] and screen capture[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/screen-capture].

How can you report online abuse, ask for content to be removed or block someone?

These links are provided by Bluesky:

  • Community guidelinesExternal link[https://bsky.social/about/support/community-guidelines]
    Explains how to report, block or mute someone or a list of users using in-app features.
  • Bluesky FAQExternal link[https://bsky.social/about/blog/5-19-2023-user-faq]
    Frequently asked questions about how to use Bluesky, including what happens when you use in-app features to block or mute accounts or lists and report abuse.

How can you moderate content?

This link is provided by Bluesky:

  • ModerationExternal link[https://bsky.app/profile/moderation.bsky.app]
    Understand Bluesky’s moderation tools and the different terms that can be used to flag content.

How can you protect your personal information?

This link is provided by Bluesky:

These links are provided by Bluesky:

  • Community guidelinesExternal link[https://bsky.social/about/support/community-guidelines]
    The rules you agree to when using Bluesky.
  • Terms of serviceExternal link[https://bsky.social/about/support/tos]
    Information about the rights and responsibilities that Bluesky users have, and what is expected of Bluesky’s users and communities. 
  • BlogExternal link[https://bsky.social/about/blog]
    The Bluesky blog contain topics on safety, moderation and key features of Bluesky.
  • Privacy policyExternal link[https://bsky.social/about/support/privacy-policy]
    Outlines how Bluesky collects and uses your data.

Last updated: 10/04/2025

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parentsExternal link, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and appsExternal link and mental wellbeing resources for familiesExternal link.