Social Cotinga

Facebook

What's Facebook?

Facebook is a social media platform designed for connecting people through posts, photos, videos, groups, and events. Though its popularity among teens and young adults has declined slightly in recent years, Facebook remains a widely used platform by educators, parents, and institutions for communication and community-building.

How to create an account

To create a Facebook account, visit facebook.com and click “Create New Account.” Enter your name, email or phone number, password, birthdate, and gender. Click “Sign Up” and confirm your email or phone number with the code sent to you. Then personalize your profile and adjust privacy settings.

To navigate the Facebook News Feed, log in and scroll down to view posts from friends, pages, and groups you follow. Like, comment, or share posts directly. Use the top menu to filter content, and click on posts to view more. Refresh the page for new updates and notifications.

To post updates or photos on Facebook, go to your News Feed or profile and click “What’s on your mind?” Type your update or click the photo/video icon to upload images. Add text if desired, choose your audience with the privacy setting, and click “Post” to share it.

To join groups on Facebook, search for topics in the search bar, select a group, and click “Join Group.” To create an event, go to the Events section, click “Create Event,” fill in details like name, date, and location, set the privacy, and click “Create” to share it.

To use Facebook Messenger for private chats, open Messenger from the Facebook app or website. Click “New Message,” select a friend, and type your message. You can also send photos, videos, emojis, and voice notes. Press “Send” to deliver the message instantly. Use settings to manage notifications and privacy.

Do's and Don'ts of student use
  • Do use Facebook to join class groups and share school updates.
  • Do protect your privacy settings.
  • Don’t post anything offensive or inappropriate.
  • Don’t share personal details publicly.

Think before you post—what you share can impact your future opportunities.

Students can manage their digital footprint on Facebook by adjusting privacy settings, limiting what they share publicly, and regularly reviewing tagged posts. They should delete old, unwanted content, be mindful of comments and likes, and think carefully before posting to ensure they maintain a positive and professional online presence.

Students can join class groups or college clubs on Facebook by searching for official pages or group links shared by instructors or club leaders. They should participate by commenting on posts, sharing updates, attending virtual events, and engaging respectfully with peers to stay connected, informed, and involved in campus life.

Students can use Facebook Events to stay informed about campus happenings by following their school’s official pages and student organizations. They can RSVP to events, set reminders, and invite friends. Regularly checking the Events tab ensures they stay updated on workshops, social activities, and important academic or community events.

Students can manage their Facebook privacy settings by customizing their News Feed preferences and adjusting who they follow or prioritize. They can unfollow pages or people without unfriending them, hide specific posts, and use the “Favorites” feature to see important updates first, creating a more personalized and secure experience.

Students can report harassment or inappropriate content on Facebook by clicking the three dots next to the offending post, comment, or profile and selecting “Report.” They should follow the prompts to describe the issue. Facebook reviews reports confidentially, helping to create a safer and more respectful online environment for everyone.

  • Facebook Safety Center – facebook.com/safety
    (Official tips on privacy, security, and reporting abuse)

  • ConnectSafely’s Facebook Guide – connectsafely.org/facebook
    (Student-friendly guide on using Facebook responsibly)

  • StopBullying.gov – stopbullying.gov
    (Help and resources for handling online harassment)

  • Common Sense Media Facebook Tips – commonsensemedia.org
    (Practical advice for students on social media safety)

Setting up a class group for discussions and reminders

Set up a private Facebook group by selecting “Create Group” and choosing privacy settings to keep discussions secure. Invite students by sharing the link, post class updates and reminders, and encourage respectful discussions. Regularly monitor posts to maintain a positive and focused learning environment.

You can share a resource or host a live session on Facebook Live by going to your class group or page and selecting “Live Video.” Introduce the topic clearly, share key points or materials, and engage students through comments. Save the recording so students can revisit it later.

Establish clear guidelines for respectful interaction by posting group rules that emphasize kindness, constructive feedback, and appropriate language. Remind students to stay on topic, respect diverse opinions, and avoid sharing personal information. Regularly review posts and address any issues promptly to maintain a safe, positive environment.

Using a separate professional Facebook account helps protect your personal privacy. Keep all interactions with students on this account, adjust privacy settings to limit profile visibility, and avoid sharing personal details. This separation maintains professional boundaries while still allowing you to communicate and share class updates safely.

  • Create a separate professional account for school-related activities.

  • Adjust privacy settings to control who can see your posts and profile information.

  • Set clear communication boundaries with students and parents.

  • Use private groups for class discussions and updates.

  • Post appropriate, educational content that aligns with school policies.

Facebook use in college: Staying connected with friends, class groups, and events

Parents can stay connected with their kids’ class groups and activities on Facebook by joining official school or class groups, following event pages, and turning on notifications for updates. They should regularly check posts, participate in discussions when appropriate, and encourage open conversations with their child about online school activities.

Parents can encourage discussion about appropriate posts by talking with their kids about the importance of kindness, privacy, and respect online. They should set clear expectations, ask open-ended questions about what their kids share, and use real examples to guide conversations about thoughtful and responsible posting on Facebook.

Guide students to regularly check their Facebook privacy settings by walking them through the Privacy Checkup tool. Encourage them to limit who can see their posts, review friend lists, control who can send friend requests, and manage tagged posts. Remind them to update settings anytime Facebook releases new features.

Parents can help their kids avoid misinformation and scams on Facebook by teaching them to verify sources before trusting or sharing content. Encourage skepticism of sensational headlines, report suspicious posts, and avoid clicking unknown links. Regular conversations about critical thinking and online safety help build smarter, more cautious social media habits.

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Our mission is to provide clear, up-to-date resources that help families understand platforms, privacy settings, online etiquette, and digital wellness. With expert insights, practical guides, and engaging tools, we aim to bridge the technology gap between generations and foster smarter, safer online habits. Whether you’re a parent or student, Social Cotinga is your trusted source for guidance.

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