"We have to teach our kids to think differently ..."- with Superintendent Fred Van Ranken

Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletterJoin our next weekly live parent events:  https://smartsocial.com/eventsIn this insightful episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast, Josh Ochs speaks with Dr. Anthony Godfrey, the Superintendent for Jordan School District in Utah, about the challenges and strategies in keeping children safe on social media. The discussion focuses on the significance of teaching students to use technology responsibly, the impact of AI and social media, and the importance of maintaining open, judgment-free conversations with students. Additionally, the episode highlights ways schools and parents can stay informed and connected in the fast-moving digital landscape. This episode is packed with valuable tips for educators, parents, and guardians aiming to help kids navigate the digital world safely and build a positive online presence. Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member: https://SmartSocial.com/vipDistrict Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partnerDownload the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownloadLearn about the top 190+ popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/The SmartSocial.com Podcast helps parents and educators to keep their kids safe on social media, so they can Shine Online™

Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletterJoin our next weekly live parent events:  https://smartsocial.com/eventsIn this episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast, Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld of Wichita Public Schools joins us to discuss the challenges and strategies of integrating AI and social media in education. The conversation highlights the necessity of setting guardrails for AI use, educating both teachers and students, and ensuring safe and productive digital environments. Furthermore, the episode delves into trends and pain points in parent engagement, offering practical advice for parents and educators to navigate these digital complexities effectively. The importance of teaching kids how to use technology responsibly and fostering critical thinking is emphasized throughout the discussion.Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member: https://SmartSocial.com/vipDistrict Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partnerDownload the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownloadLearn about the top 190+ popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/The SmartSocial.com Podcast helps parents and educators to keep their kids safe on social media, so they can Shine Online™

Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletterJoin our next weekly live parent events:  https://smartsocial.com/eventsIn this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, Josh Ochs speaks with Dr. Robert Sormani, the superintendent of Manor ISD, about the challenges and strategies of keeping students safe on social media. They discuss topics like the inappropriate filming of students in crisis, the influence of social media on student behavior, and the importance of teaching kids to make better digital decisions. The episode also covers advice on managing screen time, recognizing dangerous online behavior, and utilizing AI tools responsibly. Additionally, the podcast provides tips for parents on how to engage with their children about their online activities and how to effectively use various communication methods to stay informed about their kids’ digital lives. Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member: https://SmartSocial.com/vipDistrict Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partnerDownload the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownloadLearn about the top 190+ popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/The SmartSocial.com Podcast helps parents and educators to keep their kids safe on social media, so they can Shine Online™

Sextortion is one of the fastest-growing online threats to kids today.In this episode, we unpack how predators build trust with teens, the red flag messages every parent should know, and why so many victims never speak up until it's too late.With thousands of cases reported and lives lost, this is a conversation every parent needs to hear.Learn how to spot the signs and support your child through even the toughest online situations.  

Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletterJoin our next weekly live parent events:  https://smartsocial.com/eventsIn this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, Josh Ochs interviews Fred Van Ranken, Superintendent of Newton Public Schools in Kansas, to discuss strategies for keeping students safe online. They emphasize the importance of teaching kids how to think critically rather than relying solely on policies and regulations. The episode addresses various challenges in the digital age, including the rapid evolution of technology, cyberbullying, and misuse of AI in classrooms. They also provide advice for parents on how to monitor and engage with their children's online activities, highlighting the need for community involvement and real-life connections over virtual ones.Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member: https://SmartSocial.com/vipDistrict Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partnerDownload the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownloadLearn about the top 190+ popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/The SmartSocial.com Podcast helps parents and educators to keep their kids safe on social media, so they can Shine Online™

Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletterJoin our next weekly live parent events:  https://smartsocial.com/eventsIn this episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast, host Josh Ochs speaks with Dr. Curtis Finch, Superintendent of Deer Valley Unified School District in Arizona, about the challenges parents face in keeping their kids safe online. They discuss the appropriate age for children to access the internet, the importance of setting boundaries, and the dangers of unsupervised online activities. Key topics include the rise of AI in creating realistic-sounding voices, the significance of 'safe words' for family security, and the worrying trend of sextortion. Dr. Finch emphasizes the need for community involvement, setting firm boundaries, and encouraging kids to have high-quality peer relationships to protect them from online threats. The episode concludes with actionable tips for parents to foster resilience and safety in their children's digital lives. Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member: https://SmartSocial.com/vipDistrict Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partnerDownload the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownloadLearn about the top 190+ popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/The SmartSocial.com Podcast helps parents and educators to keep their kids safe on social media, so they can Shine Online™

Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletterJoin our next weekly live parent events:  https://smartsocial.com/eventsIn this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs speaks with Dr. Andrew J. Sanko, the superintendent of the Council Rock School District in suburban Philadelphia. They discuss how technology impacts students across various age groups and emphasize the importance of parental guidance in digital use. Superintendent Dr. Sanko shares insights on keeping students safe online, proactive measures taken by the district, and the challenges of managing technology's fast pace. The episode also features advice for parents on how to navigate and stay informed about their children's digital activities, with practical tips on engaging with school events and setting family guidelines. Additionally, a student perspective on recognizing online stranger danger is shared. The episode is packed with valuable information for parents, educators, and administrators looking to ensure safe and responsible technology use among students. Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member: https://SmartSocial.com/vipDistrict Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partnerDownload the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownloadLearn about the top 190+ popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/The SmartSocial.com Podcast helps parents and educators to keep their kids safe on social media, so they can Shine Online™

Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletterJoin our next weekly live parent events:  https://smartsocial.com/eventsIn this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast's District Talk segment, host Josh Ochs interviews Ms. Norma Martinez, Superintendent of the Centralia School District in North Orange County, California. They discuss the challenges parents face in keeping up with evolving apps and digital safety for their children. Ms. Martinez shares insights on how her district collaborates with parents to teach cyber safety, the importance of open communication, and implementing rules like charging phones outside of kids' bedrooms. They also touch on the integration and education of AI technology in schools, addressing the anxieties it causes parents. Additionally, the episode features advice from a real teen on recognizing red flags when interacting with strangers online. Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member: https://SmartSocial.com/vipDistrict Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partnerDownload the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownloadLearn about the top 190+ popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/The SmartSocial.com Podcast helps parents and educators to keep their kids safe on social media, so they can Shine Online™

Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletterJoin our next weekly live parent events:  https://smartsocial.com/eventsThis episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast features an in-depth interview with Will Pierce, Superintendent of 27 J Schools. The discussion revolves around the importance of engaging both parents and students to navigate the complexities of social media and digital tools. Pierce emphasizes the need for schools to adopt a learning posture towards technology, focusing on understanding the benefits and consequences of online engagement. The episode also explores how misinformation spreads quickly on social media and the challenges of maintaining accurate and timely communication. Practical advice is offered for parents and school districts to collaborate effectively, ensuring the safety and success of students in the digital age. Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member: https://SmartSocial.com/vipDistrict Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partnerDownload the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownloadLearn about the top 190+ popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/The SmartSocial.com Podcast helps parents and educators to keep their kids safe on social media, so they can Shine Online™

Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletterJoin our next weekly live parent events:  https://smartsocial.com/eventsDr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil, Superintendent of Uniondale Union Free School District, discusses the vital topic of keeping students safe on social media with the SmartSocial podcast. The conversation covers the impacts of technology on youth socialization, the gender-specific effects of social media, and the significance of parental guidance. Dr. Darrisaw-Akil highlights the trends in student behavior and the crucial role parents play in managing children's digital presence. The episode also features advice for parents on recognizing online dangers and maintaining a healthy digital environment at home.  Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member: https://SmartSocial.com/vipDistrict Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partnerDownload the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownloadLearn about the top 190+ popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/The SmartSocial.com Podcast helps parents and educators to keep their kids safe on social media, so they can Shine Online™