Local Schools Optimistic as New Social Media Program Targets Bullying
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has launched a new school partnership program designed to tackle cyberbullying and other online safety concerns affecting teens and students.
Jennifer Hanley, Meta’s North American director of safety, explained that schools will now be able to expedite reports when harmful or questionable content involves their students.
Verified schools and districts can apply for direct access to a Meta portal, where reports will be addressed within 48 hours. “Schools are sometimes in a better position to have that full context of what’s happening.”
Hanley noted, emphasizing that the initiative is meant to support educators alongside parents and teens in creating safer online spaces.
While some education leaders welcome the effort, they are approaching it with caution. Mark Niehaus, speaking on behalf of the Cincinnati Public Schools teachers’ union, said the true measure will be whether these tools genuinely prioritize student safety or serve as marketing for Meta.
Cybersecurity expert Dave Hatter echoed that sentiment, saying the program could either be meaningful or just “security theater,” though he acknowledged that encouraging conversations between children and adults about online safety is always positive.
So far, Meta has partnered with roughly 2,000 schools across the U.S. in its pilot program, though none in the Tri-State area. Districts like Middletown have expressed interest, while others remain hesitant to comment.
Every child has the right to be protected from online harassment and bullying. Meta’s new school partnership program aims to support that right by giving educators a direct line to report harmful content quickly.
