Mastodon Safety Settings

Mastodon safety settings help parents and eligible young people review Mastodon post audiences, filters, server rules and account security. This guide explains the controls available, their limitations and practical ways to support safer use.

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning

Mastodon is a network of independently run servers. Check the chosen server’s terms and minimum age before creating an account. There is no single account age rule that can safely be assumed for every server. The official Mastodon app’s Irish Apple rating is 16+.

A server’s moderation, privacy policy and age rules matter alongside the app. Link verification confirms a relationship between a profile and website. It does not verify age or guarantee a person is safe.

Restrictions Available

Choose a restricted default post audience

New posts default to public unless you change the posting preference. A smaller default helps prevent accidental wider sharing.

• On your server’s website, open Preferences.
• Open Posting defaults.
• Set the default visibility to Followers-only and save the preference.
• Before each post, inspect the audience again. Review existing public posts separately.

Why it matters: The default applies to new posts. However, followers can copy material and older public posts do not become private automatically. Official guidance

Review profile and follower approval

A locked account requires approval for new followers. It does not change a public post’s audience.

• On the server website, open Preferences, then Public profile and Edit profile.
• Enable the locked account or manual follower approval option shown by your server.
• Save the profile and inspect incoming follow requests individually.
• Remove unnecessary identifying details from the bio and profile fields.

Why it matters: Follower approval works alongside post audiences. Also, inspect existing followers rather than assuming the lock removes them. Official guidance

Filter unwanted words and topics

A keyword filter can hide matching posts in selected places, such as feeds or notifications.

• Open Preferences, then Filters.
• Select Add new filter.
• Enter the keyword or phrase and choose the filter contexts.
• Choose an expiry if needed and enable Hide completely when appropriate.
• Save the filter and check its effect.

Why it matters: Filters work on matching words and selected contexts. However, different wording or an image without matching text may still appear. Official guidance

Mastodon Safety Settings and Why They Matter

Review Mastodon safety settings together, rather than treating one control as complete protection. Post visibility, follower approval and filtering serve separate purposes. A locked profile with public posts can still expose personal information.

For example, an audience choice concerns visibility, while reporting asks a platform to investigate. Neither establishes that another person is trustworthy. Therefore, revisit choices when features or friendships change.

How to Use Mastodon Safely

Choose a server with clear rules, active moderation and an understandable privacy policy. Read its contact and reporting information before joining. The app cannot make every independent server follow the same rules.

Avoid private family information in posts addressed to selected people. Server operators may have access to stored content, so do not treat a direct post as a secure private messenger.

Keep a unique password and protect recovery email access. Mastodon offers two factor authentication through account settings. The exact setup and recovery steps should be confirmed on the selected server.

Essential Safety Advice and Current Concerns

Public posts can spread across servers and remain in copies outside your control. Therefore, think carefully before sharing photographs, school details or personal experiences.

Harassment, impersonation and misleading links can cross server boundaries. Use account and server moderation tools where appropriate, and report concerns to your server’s moderators.

If someone pressures or threatens a young person, stop responding and seek help without blame. Keep safe details without forwarding sexual images involving children. Visit CODA’s helplines and support resources. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

Platform Support and Regional Differences

These instructions describe the Mastodon web interface. Official apps and independent clients can place controls elsewhere. Server versions and policies also differ.

Blocking, reporting, authentication and deletion need a final check on the server intended for the guide.

Safety Checklist

• Check the selected server’s age rule and privacy policy.
• Set Posting defaults deliberately.
• Review follower approval and existing followers.
• Create relevant Filters.
• Avoid sensitive information in direct posts.
• Locate your server’s reporting and recovery guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these controls guarantee safety?

No. Controls reduce particular risks. However, they cannot prevent every harmful post, copied image or misleading approach. Keep regular conversations and agree how to seek help.

Does deleting the app close my account?

No. Removing the app usually leaves the account and any subscription active. Follow the platform’s account deletion guidance and cancel billing with the payment provider separately.

Should parents review the settings with teenagers?

Yes. Explain each choice and respect age requirements. Also, agree what information stays private and who the teenager can approach when something feels wrong.

Related CODA Guides

• Resources for Parents for family guidance.
• Video Guides for Parents and Children for practical learning.
• Helplines and Support Resources for further help.

References

• Irish Apple App Store: Mastodon. Separate official app rating.
• Mastodon Preferences. New post audiences and sensitive media choices.
• Mastodon Profile. Follower approval and link verification.
• Mastodon Moderation. Word filters and server moderation limits.
• Mastodon Account Settings. Security, sessions and connected tools.
• Mastodon Sign Up. Independent server choice and account context.

About Children of the Digital Age

Children of the Digital Age supports families, schools and communities through online safety education, training and practical guidance. Our guides help you discuss online experiences and build safer habits alongside platform controls.

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Last updated: 9 October 2026