How many of us rang in the New Year by posting a picture or status update for all our friends on Facebook?

Probably a lot of us.

Another year, another exponential increase in the amount of people engaged in social media in general and Facebook in particular.

With increased use, comes increased mis-use – predominantly it seems – by our teens.

Bullying is everywhere, and if the experts are to be believed, nowhere is it more present and oppressive than on the Internet.

So it was with much fanfare that (yet) another Cyber Safety program was launched last week by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

The computer security firm McAfee and Life Education Australia have partnered to create a cyber safety education and awareness package aimed at young Australians.

McAfee’s website states, “The cyber security element of the program will align with the State, Territory and future National Curriculum covering communication, relationships, decision-making and safety. It will provide knowledge, skills and strategies to empower children to use technology safely, build positive relationships and contribute to the safety of others online.”

I would like to hope that this is not seen as the silver bullet. I would hope that we understand that like “traditional” bullying, the answer isn’t a standalone program. Rather it is modelling and creating and inhabiting respectful, safe environments.

Why not increase the use of social media in schools, so it becomes part and parcel of everyday life at school?

Does your school have a Facebook or Twitter account? Are your kids allowed or- heaven forbid – encouraged to use mobile phones in school?

Is blogging, posting photos, playing online games a part of your school’s learning experience.

If not – why not?

I’m looking forward to working with schools this year to explore what is possible, and why it is essential that rather than just teaching kids about social media, schools, leaders and teachers themselves start to understand it.

Author: Dan Haesler, he is a teacher, consultant, and speaker at the Mental Health & Wellbeing of Young People seminars He writes for the Sydney Morning Herald and blogs at http://danhaesler.com/ and tweets at @danhaesler