Meta partners with schools for improved student online safety

Schools are increasingly facing challenges related to students' online activities, such as digital distractions, online bullying, and harmful content. In response, a social media platform is collaborating with schools to create safer online environments for students and establish more effective systems for reporting and addressing issues.

EdSurge discussed this initiative with Antigone Davis, global head of safety at Meta, and Dr. Kevin Martin, principal at Parkway Northeast Middle School in Missouri. Davis oversees safety efforts across teams at Meta and has experience as a middle school teacher and senior advisor to a state attorney general. Her role involves integrating protections into products and policies while considering youth development and public policy.

"We’ve heard from educators, parents and experts that schools sometimes struggle to manage online student behavior," said Davis. "We also know teachers can play an integral role in equipping young people to have safe, responsible and enriching online experiences."

Meta recently introduced a new teen experience on Instagram designed to ensure age-appropriate interactions with built-in protections activated automatically. The School Partnership program was developed with support from ISTE+ASCD to help educators report potential teen safety issues directly for quicker review.

Dr. Kevin Martin expressed his motivation for participating in the pilot program: "As a middle school principal, I see firsthand how social media and digital engagement impact our students." He emphasized the need for partnerships with tech companies to better educate, support, and protect students.

Davis highlighted initiatives aimed at supporting schools in navigating digital environments: "We launched an extensive education resource providing research-informed lessons... Most recently, we partnered with an organization focused on child safety to develop a free curriculum."

Martin noted the positive impact of integrating partnership resources into their school's Technology Parent Advisory Board: "Moving to a phone-free school... has led to increased student engagement [and] decreased online bullying."

He also emphasized the value of having direct access to tools that allow quick reporting of disruptive social media posts: "Through this partnership... we’ve gained the ability to flag content for quicker review."

Addressing pressing challenges regarding online safety, Davis stated: "Teachers tell us that bullying is still a big concern... This new program makes it easier for teachers to report bullying on Instagram involving their students."

Both Davis and Martin underscored the importance of collaboration between tech companies and schools in creating positive learning experiences. Martin advised other schools considering joining the initiative: "Jump in! The work is timely... Online safety is not a suggestion — it’s a necessity."

For more information about joining the Instagram School Partnership Program or accessing ISTE+ASCD digital citizenship lessons, visit their respective websites.