Mastering Facebook Fences: How to Block Someone’s Comments and Control Your Online Space

Let’s cut straight to the chase: Blocking someone from commenting on your Facebook posts is a crucial part of maintaining a positive and controlled online experience. There are a few ways to do this, depending on the level of restriction you desire. You can either block a user entirely, preventing them from seeing your profile and interacting with you in any way, or you can adjust your post privacy settings to limit who can comment on specific posts. This article will walk you through both methods, empowering you to curate your Facebook interactions effectively.

Blocking Users Entirely: The Nuclear Option

This method is the most comprehensive, effectively removing the person from your Facebook ecosystem. When you block someone, they can no longer see your profile, posts, friend requests, or send you messages. This is akin to erecting a digital fortress.

How to Block Someone on Facebook (Desktop):

1. Navigate to Facebook’s Blocking Settings: Click the downward-facing arrow in the top-right corner of Facebook and select “Settings & Privacy,” then click “Settings.” In the left-hand menu, click “Blocking.”
2. Enter the Name or Email: In the “Block users” section, type the name or email address of the person you want to block in the provided field.
3. Select and Block: Facebook will display a list of potential matches. Click the “Block” button next to the correct person’s name.
4. Confirm: A confirmation window will appear. Click “Block” again to finalize the blocking process.

How to Block Someone on Facebook (Mobile App):

1. Access the Menu: Tap the three horizontal lines (the “hamburger” menu) in the top-right corner (Android) or bottom-right corner (iOS) of the Facebook app.
2. Scroll to Settings & Privacy: Scroll down and tap “Settings & Privacy,” then tap “Settings.”
3. Find Blocking: Scroll down to the “Privacy” section and tap “Blocking.”
4. Add to Block List: Tap the “Add to block list” button.
5. Search and Block: Enter the name of the person you wish to block and tap “Block” next to their name in the search results.
6. Confirm: Confirm your decision by tapping “Block” again in the confirmation window.

Limiting Comments: A Targeted Approach

If you want to allow someone to remain your friend or follower but restrict their ability to comment on specific posts, adjusting your post privacy settings is the best approach. This offers a more granular level of control.

Adjusting Post Privacy Settings Before Posting:

1. Compose Your Post: Start writing your post in the “What’s on your mind?” box.
2. Choose Your Audience: Before posting, click the audience selector (e.g., “Friends,” “Public,” or “Only Me”) located next to your name at the top of the post.
3. Select “Friends Except…” or “Specific Friends”:
   • “Friends Except…”: This allows you to choose specific friends who cannot see the post, effectively preventing them from commenting. Start typing their name and select them from the list.
   • “Specific Friends”: This option limits the post’s visibility to only the selected friends, meaning anyone not on the list cannot comment.
4. Post: Once you’ve configured your audience, click “Post.”

Limiting Comments After Posting:

While you can’t retroactively change the audience of a public post to “Friends Except…”, you can adjust who can comment on it.

1. Find the Post: Locate the post you want to manage.
2. Click the Three Dots: Click the three dots in the top-right corner of the post.
3. Select “Who can comment on your post?”: A menu will appear with options for comment control.
4. Choose Your Audience: You can choose between “Public,” “Friends,” or “Profiles and Pages you mention.” Selecting “Friends” or “Profiles and Pages you mention” will limit who can comment.
5. Save: The change is saved automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blocking and Comment Control on Facebook:

Here are answers to some common questions:

1. What happens when I block someone on Facebook?

   • When you block someone, they can no longer see your profile, posts, friend requests, or send you messages. You also disappear from their search results. They are effectively cut off from interacting with you on Facebook. Blocking is mutual: you also cannot see their profile or interact with them.

2. Will the person I blocked know I blocked them?

   • Facebook does not directly notify someone when they have been blocked. However, they may deduce it if they can no longer find your profile or interact with you. There is no explicit notification.

3. Can someone still see my public posts if I block them?

   • No. Blocking overrides any public sharing settings. Even if a post is set to “Public,” a blocked person will not be able to see it. Blocking always wins.

4. Can I unblock someone?

   • Yes, you can unblock someone. Go to your Blocking settings (as described above) and click the “Unblock” button next to the person’s name. However, be aware that you will need to send them a new friend request if you want to reconnect.

5. If I unblock someone, will we automatically be friends again?

   • No. Unblocking someone does not automatically re-establish your friendship. You will need to send them a new friend request, and they will need to accept it. Unblocking is not a friendship reset.

6. Can someone comment on a post if they are not my friend but it’s set to “Public”?

   • Yes, if a post is set to “Public,” anyone on Facebook can potentially comment on it, regardless of whether they are your friend. “Public” means open to all.

7. Can I block someone from commenting on just one specific post?

   • Yes, use the “Who can comment on your post?” option, accessible via the three dots on the top right of the post. Select “Friends” or “Profiles and Pages you mention” to limit who can comment.

8. Can I block someone from tagging me in photos or posts?

   • Yes, you can manage tag reviews in your Profile and Tagging settings. You can enable tag review so that you have to approve any tags of you before they appear on your profile. This gives you control over your tagged presence.

9. What is the difference between blocking and unfriending?

   • Unfriending simply removes someone from your list of friends. They can still see your public posts and potentially interact with you in public groups or on mutual friends’ posts. Blocking, on the other hand, completely cuts off all interaction.

10. Can I report someone for abusive comments?

    • Yes. If someone is posting abusive or harassing comments, you can report them to Facebook. Click the three dots next to the comment and select “Report comment.” Facebook will review the report and take action if the comment violates their Community Standards. Reporting ensures platform safety.

11. How do I manage who can see my future posts?

    • You can set a default audience for all your future posts in your Privacy settings. This ensures that all your posts are automatically shared with your desired audience (e.g., “Friends,” “Public,” or “Only Me”) unless you change it on an individual post basis. Set it and (mostly) forget it!

12. If I limit who can comment on my post to “Friends,” can my friend’s friends still see the comments?

    • Yes. If your friend comments on a post set to “Friends,” their friends may see that comment in their news feed, depending on their privacy settings and relationship with your friend. Comments can have extended visibility.

By mastering these techniques, you can effectively manage your Facebook interactions and create a safer, more enjoyable online environment for yourself. Remember that online safety is paramount, and these tools are designed to empower you in controlling your digital footprint.