Personally, I love Facebook and think it is a great way to communicate with people. I can effortlessly keep up to date with several friends at once – all without having to make dozens of costly phone calls. Sometimes catching up with friends can be difficult due to work and family commitments, so although I try my best – sometimes Facebook is the best option. For years now I have been using the Internet to communicate with friends. Starting with forums and MSN instant Messager, followed by MySpace and now Facebook. I feel that without these forms of communication, I wouldn’t hear half as much about my friends, and would probably get forgotten about.No matter the age, everyone enjoys communicating with people they like, and now, Facebook is making it that much easier.

Parents these days are hearing only negative feedback regarding Facebook. The news and media make it sound like every child on the Internet is being harassed, bullied, or having their identity stolen. The truth is, this doesn’t happen all the time. If you are prepared, well educated, and take precautions – it shouldn’t happen at all. There is little point hiding your family away from Social Networking websites as they will never cease to exist, or stop growing, so instead – provide your children with the education they need to use the site safely, utilising all of Facebook security settings – keeping you in control.

When educating your children, it is important that they understand that everything posted on the Internet, is there forever. A silly photo, a rude comment, or an inappropriate remark could jeopardise friendships, employment opportunities and reputations. Encourage your children to make personal connections in a safe and secure way, and create a Facebook network of close family and friends – first approved by you.

If they have not been familiarised with Social Media tools, such as Facebook, Parents may find it difficult to discuss the potential threats and precautions that children need to exercise. In saying that, children may also have trouble discussing issues such as online bullying with their parents, due to fear they will be punished, and banned from using the Internet and online socialising.

The best way to go about the safe use of Social Media tools, is to be educated. My half day TrainSEM Facebook for Families training course will ensure parents know everything they need to, providing reassurance that Facebook – when understood, and the correct precautions are taken – is a positive, happy place – where children can chat and share photos, form new friendships, and rekindle old ones.

When Gavin is not rocking out writing ground-breaking blogs, or speaking about Social Media, he works with young people as president of local non-profit organisation, Vibewire. What a star!Keep an eye out for Gavin’s up and coming book ‘The Social Way’, check out his daily blog http://www.servantofchaos.typepad.com/ or contact him for a casual conversation on twitter @servantofchaos.

Who said you need a ticket to see a Rockstar performance? Check out some of Gavin’s rocking blogs online…

• Even in B2B You Have to Think Like a Rockstar
• Saying is Momentary, Doing is Forever
• Don’t Target Your Fans, Target their Friends

Laurel Papworth
She is the star behind the fifth top website in the country LaurelPapworth.com, and with her Rockstar abilities, easily makes top 150 bloggers worldwide. Laurel Papworth runs a successful business based solely around Social Networking and how to use it. Twitter, Facebook, you name it, Papworth covers it.

Since 2005, Laurel has been teaching the tricks of the Social Media trade and these days, she has an army of clients and an amplifying amount of fans. She has also been creating and managing online communities for over 20 years, including Social TV such as Big Brother, Junior Masterchef and Idol – perfect for a Rockstar like herself! Become a groupie of Laurel Papworth, or just read some words of wisdom on Twitter @SilkCharm.
Some of Laurel’s blogs that will rock your socks off!

• Traditional Media brainwashing Australians about Social Media
• Facial Recognition, Privacy and Social Media
• Influencers- Friend or Stranger?

Nick Bowditch

Nick Bowditch opened the virtual doors of his family travel website http://nickbowditchtravel.com/ in September 2008, and since then, all it has done is rocked! The site has a massive 11,000 groupies!

Nick opted to run his travel website without any traditional marketing, or spending one cent on advertising – instead opting to market the business using online and social media marketing, most notably on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

If you want to turn over more than a million dollars, but want to leave singing for the shower… it might be a good idea to read some of Nick’s words… on his blog, or over on twitter.

Nick will rock you with his Social Media blogs, here are some fave’s!

• How to get the new Facebook Fan Page settings right
• The Top 11 Tips for Getting More Out Of Tweetdeck
• The Simplest Way To Create A New Facebook Page iFrame Tab

Trevor Young
A former journalist turned marketing communications specialist and PR entrepreneur, Trevor has a strong track record working with some of the world’s biggest brands. Today, he helps companies and organisations of all sizes make sense of the social web.

Trevor’s blog ‘The PR Warrior’ contains news, views and observations on all things Social Media, exposing a positive journey of a blogger/speaker/consultant with two decades of experience under his belt.

Follow this powerful Social Media Rockstar on Twitter @trevoryoung

For blogs that better than your average rock song, check these out:

• Social Media: Corporate Revolution or Oversold and Overrated?
• Brands Covet Influencers With Klout
• Australian Open Connects Tennis Fans Around the World