by Jonathan P-Wright | Mar 26, 2025 | Business News, Latest |
Photo by Never Dull Studio on Unsplash
In today’s digital age, bullying extends far beyond the physical boundaries of schoolyards and classrooms, with social media becoming a significant platform where such behavior often unfolds. This digital bullying can be just as harmful, if not more so, than traditional forms of harassment, but until now, teachers and school administrators have had limited means of responding to such incidents when they occur online. In an effort to combat this growing issue, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has introduced a new initiative aimed at giving schools more power to address online bullying. The program is designed to assist educators in reporting instances of cyberbullying that occur on Instagram, which can often be difficult to manage due to the platform’s vast and sometimes anonymous nature.
Meta’s School Partnership Program for Instagram is now available to middle and high schools across the United States. The initiative was created in response to growing calls from parents and educational professionals who wanted a more structured and supportive approach to handling online bullying. The program enables teachers, school staff, and administrators to directly report troubling Instagram posts and profiles that violate the platform’s Community Guidelines, potentially giving them a quicker way to resolve issues that may otherwise go unnoticed by authorities.
Meta has pledged to treat requests from schools with urgency. According to reports from Engadget, the company guarantees that it will respond to these reports within 48 hours, offering a level of accountability and speed that has often been missing in previous efforts to combat cyberbullying. Schools that utilize this new feature will be kept in the loop throughout the process, receiving timely notifications regarding the actions that Instagram has taken in response to their reports. A new section within Instagram’s interface, labeled “School Resources,” will allow schools to track their complaints and monitor the progress of the reports they’ve submitted.
One of the key components of the program is the provision of educational resources. Meta is working to ensure that teachers, students, and parents are equipped with the knowledge they need to navigate the app safely. These resources will address various aspects of online safety, ranging from how to recognize and handle cyberbullying to understanding privacy settings and content moderation. By providing these materials, Meta aims to foster a more informed and responsible community both inside and outside the classroom.
For schools that decide to participate in the program, there is an additional benefit. Their Instagram profiles will display a banner indicating their official partnership with Instagram. This banner is not only a sign of their commitment to ensuring a safe digital environment but also serves as an informative tool for others. When users tap on the banner, they will be directed to further information about the program, including how it works and how to get involved.
The development of this initiative was a collaborative effort, with Meta working closely alongside two prominent educational organizations: the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). These partnerships ensure that the program is grounded in educational best practices and that schools can access the expertise needed to handle online issues effectively. In early testing, the program was piloted in 60 schools, and Meta reported that the results were encouraging, with promising early feedback regarding its effectiveness.
While the program is now open to schools nationwide, there is still a waitlist for schools interested in joining, and Meta has encouraged institutions to sign up if they wish to take part. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to address the challenges that come with online interactions, especially in the context of children and teenagers who are navigating these spaces during critical developmental stages.
The launch of this partnership comes just as Meta has rolled out another feature aimed at improving safety for younger Instagram users. Last year, the company introduced Teen Accounts for users under the age of 16. These accounts are set to private by default, meaning that only approved followers can see the user’s posts and interact with them. Moreover, parents have the ability to adjust certain settings on their child’s account, which further enhances safety and ensures that kids have more control over their online presence.
However, despite these advancements, Meta has also faced mounting scrutiny regarding its role in fostering environments that can lead to harmful addiction and overuse among younger audiences. The company has been hit with multiple lawsuits, alleging that its features are designed in ways that hook children and adolescents into using Instagram and its sister platforms for prolonged periods. Critics argue that these platforms are deliberately engineered to keep users engaged for longer, which can lead to negative consequences such as mental health issues, decreased academic performance, and exposure to inappropriate content.
Adding to the complexity of the issue, several countries around the world have taken steps to limit or even ban social media use for minors. Governments are grappling with the dangers associated with young people’s increasing use of digital platforms, and many are taking proactive measures to regulate these spaces. Some countries have imposed age restrictions on social media accounts, while others have gone further by banning certain platforms outright in an attempt to protect children from the risks of online exposure.
In light of these challenges, Meta’s introduction of the School Partnership Program is an important step toward addressing one of the most persistent issues facing schools today: cyberbullying. The program not only provides schools with the tools they need to combat harmful behavior on social media but also helps to educate students and parents on how to protect themselves in the digital world. By giving educators a more direct way to report bullying incidents and track responses from Instagram, Meta is making an effort to bridge the gap between traditional forms of bullying and the new challenges posed by the digital age.
Furthermore, Meta’s collaboration with education professionals through ISTE and ASCD helps ensure that this initiative is not just a reactive measure but also a proactive one. The inclusion of educational resources will allow schools to build a culture of online responsibility, teaching students not only how to be safe online but also how to treat others with respect and kindness. This aspect of the program aligns with a broader movement in education, where digital literacy and online ethics are becoming an increasingly important part of the curriculum.
As online spaces become ever more integrated into our daily lives, it is clear that addressing the issue of cyberbullying requires a multifaceted approach. Meta’s School Partnership Program is a valuable tool in this fight, providing schools with resources and support to tackle online harassment more effectively. By ensuring that educators have a way to report problematic content and engage directly with Instagram’s team, the platform is empowering schools to take a stand against cyberbullying, ultimately contributing to a safer and more positive online environment for everyone.
The success of this initiative may set the stage for similar partnerships between social media platforms and educational institutions in the future. As technology continues to evolve and become an even more integral part of our lives, it will be essential for both tech companies and schools to work together to protect young people from the risks associated with online behavior. Meta’s program is a positive example of how this type of collaboration can help create safer, more responsible online spaces for future generations.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Mar 3, 2021 | Latest, Tech News |
To encourage more people to join Instagram’s Live Rooms beta test, the company has introduced Live Rooms today. In contrast to the previous limit of two, this new feature allows four people to video chat in a live broadcast, and this will be available globally. In a blog post made today, Instagram claims the feature encourages people to start their own talk show, host a jam session, or work together with other creators.
We expect the number of attendees in the rooms to increase with more participants. All followers will see the live room and will be notified via notifications if they are part of an ongoing event in the live room. All people who are blocked by the live participants will be unable to join.
The simple comparison to make here is to Clubhouse, the popular social audio app that enables people to broadcast themselves within the community. More than 10 people can talk at once, and rooms can host 8,000 attendees before they are at capacity. Facebook is apparently creating a direct competitor called Facebook Live, but Instagram Live could capture some users who might be interested in Clubhouse but are unable to use it due to their platform. This is due to it being invite-only and only available through iOS devices.
Unlike Clubhouse, however, which requires people to be on-camera, Instagram Live demands that users look good and be in a photogenic setting. Clubhouse popularity is thriving because it only requires a phone connection and lowers the audio expectation. People frequently talk when they are in the car, while out for a walk, or in a loud setting. Even so, Live Rooms should do well on the platform as people look to their followers and depend on the high energy people in a room will bring.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Feb 17, 2021 | Latest, Tech News |
Instagram may mimic one more component of TikTok’s design, with the incorporation of a new vertical feed for Stories. Essentially, when stories can be swiped up and down, they will act like reels, which was also incorporated to compete with TikTok. The new idea hasn’t reached the testing phase.
by Jonathan P-Wright | May 16, 2025 | Latest, Music News |
Image credit: credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com
Ciara has always known how to make an entrance, but this time, she’s sending shockwaves through the internet with a teaser so provocative, it has fans gasping, laughing, and begging for more. With a single photo, the Grammy-winning R&B icon has reignited excitement around her music — and reminded the world that her sensuality, star power, and creative fire are still very much intact.
This week, Ciara took to social media to unveil a smoldering image teasing her upcoming single, “Ecstasy,” and to say it got attention would be an understatement. In the photo, the superstar is seen poised on all fours on a pool table, wearing barely anything and exuding a confidence that only two decades of dominance in the music industry can deliver. With sultry lighting, a teasing gaze, and that unmistakable aura of star quality, the image immediately sparked conversation across platforms.
From Instagram to X (formerly Twitter), fans didn’t just double-tap — they spiraled. Comments poured in almost instantly, many filled with thirst, admiration, and unfiltered excitement for the single’s release. “She’s coming! Russell, it’s our turn. Get off her. We want the new music! Don’t be stingy!” joked one fan on Instagram, playfully calling out Ciara’s NFL-star husband, Russell Wilson, for keeping her too busy with family life. Others were more reverent, praising the singer’s age-defying beauty and ability to command attention like it’s 2004 all over again. “That’s one bad sister right there. She’s aging backwards,” said another fan on X, accompanied by fire emojis and throwback clips of Ciara’s iconic dance moves.
But the buzz isn’t just about looks — it’s about legacy. Ciara’s upcoming single “Ecstasy” marks a long-anticipated return to the music scene. It’s been several years since the release of her 2019 studio album Beauty Marks, and fans have been vocal about craving new music from the multi-talented performer. According to insiders, Ecstasy is set to drop on April 4, and if the teaser is anything to go by, this track will be sensual, stylish, and unapologetically bold — all the things we’ve come to expect from the Atlanta-bred star.
Adding even more excitement to the mix is the news that the music video for Ecstasy is directed by none other than Diane Martel — a name that carries weight in the music video world. Martel is the creative mastermind behind some of Ciara’s most iconic visual work, including “Promise,” “Like a Boy,” “Love Sex Magic” featuring Justin Timberlake, and the unforgettable “Ride,” which famously got banned from BET for its provocative imagery. With Martel at the helm, Ecstasy promises to deliver the kind of cinematic, sultry visuals that helped define Ciara’s artistic image in the first place.
For longtime fans, this moment feels like a full-circle return. Ciara isn’t just releasing a new single — she’s reminding the world of who she is: a visionary artist, a dancefloor icon, and a woman fully in charge of her narrative. At 38, with four children and a high-profile marriage, Ciara continues to balance the roles of mother, wife, entrepreneur, and performer with a grace that few in the entertainment industry manage to maintain. Her ability to switch effortlessly between family life and stage life is one of the many reasons fans continue to root for her — and why her comeback is being celebrated as both a cultural reset and a personal triumph.
It’s worth noting that Ciara’s impact goes far beyond her music. She has consistently pushed boundaries throughout her career — musically, visually, and socially. Her 2004 debut album Goodies introduced a new kind of R&B/pop hybrid, infused with crunk beats and slick choreography. Tracks like “1, 2 Step” and “Oh” became anthems of the early 2000s, while “Promise” and “Like a Boy” showcased a vulnerability and creative depth that set her apart from her peers. She has often used her platform to explore themes of empowerment, femininity, and transformation — and Ecstasy seems poised to continue in that tradition.
Ciara’s artistry has always been closely tied to her visual identity, and the teaser for Ecstasy is a masterclass in modern-day branding. The aesthetic is sleek, sultry, and striking — clearly designed to generate hype, but also to establish a tone. In a sea of pop releases that often feel disposable, Ciara’s teaser image manages to feel like an event. It’s not just a promo photo — it’s a statement of intent.
This is a woman reclaiming her narrative on her own terms. And fans are here for it.
Of course, with any major celebrity moment, there are critics. Some questioned the provocative nature of the teaser, citing her role as a mother and wife. But that discourse, too, feels dated — as if women can’t be sensual and maternal, confident and nurturing, all at once. Ciara has never shied away from embracing all aspects of her identity, and her fans are quick to defend her right to express herself freely. “Being sexy isn’t something you age out of,” one X user commented. “Ciara’s owning her body, her artistry, and her power. That’s real grown-woman energy.”
The anticipation around Ecstasy is more than just fandom — it’s cultural. Ciara represents a generation of Black female artists who changed the sound and style of pop music, and her continued presence in the industry is a reminder of that era’s enduring influence. As TikTok creators remix her old choreography and Gen Zers discover her catalog, Ciara’s legacy continues to evolve in real-time.
With April 4 quickly approaching, all eyes are on what Ciara will deliver. If the teaser is anything to go by, Ecstasy won’t be just another single — it’ll be a moment. A reclaiming. A celebration. A spark.
And with Diane Martel back in the director’s chair, a fire track on the horizon, and a fanbase already in a frenzy, one thing’s clear: Ciara isn’t coming back quietly. She’s coming back on her own terms — powerful, provocative, and fully in her element.
Let the countdown begin.
by Jonathan P-Wright | May 2, 2025 | Latest, Music News, New Music Alert |
Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash
In yet another twist to their complex love story, R&B singer and entrepreneur Ray J has confirmed that he is continuing with his divorce from Princess Love, despite the pair recently being seen locking lips in public. The surprising moment happened during a Millennium Tour stop, where the former couple, who share two children together, were captured on video sharing a passionate kiss.
The incident sparked a flurry of speculation online. Were they getting back together? Was this a genuine moment of affection or just another confusing chapter in their famously rocky relationship? While many fans hoped this could be a sign of reconciliation, Ray J swiftly shut down those hopes with a candid and emotionally charged response online.
Unexpected Intimacy at the Millennium Tour
Fans attending the Millennium Tour got more than they bargained for when they spotted Ray J and Princess Love, seated together in the audience, engaging in a full-on makeout session. The kiss took place while singer Trey Songz was performing, adding an unexpected emotional backdrop to an already nostalgic event.
A short clip of the moment quickly circulated online, showing Ray J reacting to the camera being pointed at them with a goofy expression. Though playful, his reaction also hinted at an underlying awareness: he knew this moment would spark conversation and perhaps reopen old wounds. And sure enough, it did.
A Conflicted Reaction From Ray J
Not long after the video made its rounds, Ray J took to his Instagram Story to explain what had happened. His post, filled with raw emotion and conflicting feelings, made it clear that while the kiss may have felt meaningful in the moment, it didn’t change the direction he had already chosen.
“She tasted good,” he admitted, reminiscing about the intimate moment. “I reminisced, man. I love her, but I don’t like her right now.” The emotional turmoil in his words painted a clear picture: here was a man caught between memory and reality, torn between affection and pain.
In his posts, Ray J expressed admiration for Princess Love, praising her as a devoted mother. “She’s my everything,” he wrote, “but I’m her f*cking nothing!” The hurt in that statement was palpable. Despite still harboring love for her, he seemed to accept that love alone wasn’t enough to heal the cracks in their foundation.
“She was kissing me like when we first f*cking met,” he continued. “Don’t ever do that to me again and play with my emotions!”
Love, History, and Heartbreak
Ray J and Princess Love’s relationship has always been layered, passionate, and—at times—volatile. Married for nearly a decade, the couple has experienced numerous breakups and reconciliations, several of which have played out under the watchful eye of the public.
Their love story began with fire and flair but quickly evolved into one riddled with dramatic confrontations, tearful makeups, and repeated attempts at salvaging what once was. Over the years, the pair has filed for divorce more than once, only to withdraw the paperwork or give the relationship another shot.
To fans who have followed their journey, this latest kiss was just another moment in a long saga that seems to defy resolution. However, Ray J’s latest comments suggest this time, things might truly be over.
Public Drama, Private Pain
Ray J’s emotional post wasn’t just about the kiss. He went further, revealing personal struggles that hinted at a man battling deeper issues. He confessed to having “sinned” extensively in the previous year—“up to sixteen times a day”—though he did not clarify what that entailed. Whether it was a metaphor for reckless decisions or literal behavior, it indicated a period of intense inner conflict.
While he stated that he had since changed, the admission gave fans a glimpse into his mental and emotional state during the relationship’s breakdown. It also underscored how the pressures of fame, fatherhood, and a public marriage may have contributed to the couple’s collapse.
A Relationship Marked by Turbulence
For those unfamiliar, Ray J and Princess Love’s romance has never been smooth sailing. Their dynamic has often played out like a reality TV subplot—with all the tears, accusations, reconciliations, and media coverage that one might expect from a celebrity couple constantly in the spotlight.
Their appearances on Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood showcased both their love and dysfunction, often painting a picture of a couple who couldn’t live with or without each other. Physical altercations, arguments in front of cameras, and public statements about betrayal have been recurring themes in their relationship.
In one of their more serious clashes, the LAPD was called to their home amid reports that Ray J was yelling and behaving erratically. He was detained, though not arrested, but the incident further cemented the narrative of a marriage teetering on the edge.
Fans React to the Whirlwind
As is often the case when celebrities share their personal turmoil online, the internet responded swiftly. Social media was flooded with hot takes, sympathy, criticism, and wild theories. Some fans expressed hope that the couple would find their way back to each other, while others advised both to move on for good.
One comment read, “This man clearly loves her, but sometimes love just isn’t enough. Let her go, king.” Another user tweeted, “Princess and Ray J need to either do this off-camera or just accept they’re addicted to the chaos.”
Others criticized the kiss itself, labeling it manipulative or performative. The division in public opinion reflects just how invested people have become in this couple’s journey—almost as if it’s a reality show that keeps renewing itself for another season.
What’s Next for Ray J and Princess?
Despite the recent makeout session and emotional Instagram confessions, Ray J insists that the divorce is still moving forward. Whether that process will finally come to a conclusion this time remains to be seen.
What is clear is that both parties will need to work together when it comes to co-parenting their children. In his Story, Ray J praised Princess for being an incredible mother and acknowledged that their children were the best part of their union. “She won,” he said, not in bitterness, but with what felt like genuine admiration.
That statement might be the most telling of all. It signals a man who, despite all the mess, recognizes that the most important legacy of their relationship isn’t the drama—but the family they created together.
In many ways, that passionate kiss at the concert felt like more than a moment of nostalgia. It felt like a farewell—a final flash of the chemistry that once defined them, now fading under the weight of experience and exhaustion.
Ray J’s plea, “Don’t ever do that to me again,” wasn’t just about the kiss. It was about reopening wounds, reigniting old feelings, and stirring a hope that was no longer sustainable.
It’s possible that this was their final moment as something resembling a couple—a spontaneous, electric, yet fleeting reminder of what once was. And now, both Ray J and
Princess Love must figure out what comes next. Whether that’s healing separately or navigating life as co-parents, the road ahead will require patience, honesty, and perhaps for the first time—distance.
If you’d like a follow-up article exploring Princess Love’s perspective or the impact of public relationships on personal healing, I can write that next. Would you like that?
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