"AI is here to stay. Let's use it to strengthen our critical thinking" with Brookie B. Ferguson

AI toys look like harmless gifts, but many of them work like a kid-friendly chatbot with a microphone attached. In this episode, we unpack why that matters for real families: how a child can start trusting a “friendly” toy voice, what that can lead to, and why privacy settings and data policies are not optional details. You’ll also hear a simple, realistic plan parents can use right away, including where these toys should (and should not) be used at home, what to check in the settings, and how to spot the red flags when a company’s privacy language feels intentionally confusing.

Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletterJoin our next weekly live parent events:  https://smartsocial.com/eventsEpisode Summary:In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs sits down with Dr. Mitch Young, Superintendent of Schools in Forsyth County, Georgia, to discuss the critical role of AI as a thought partner in education and the challenges schools face in maintaining digital safety. They cover a wide range of topics, including the impact of screen time on students, dealing with social media trends, the importance of building a culture of safety, and effective ways to collaborate with parents on digital safety. Tune in for practical strategies, insights from real students, and expert advice for keeping kids safe and successful 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/eventsEpisode Summary:In this episode of the Smart Social.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs converses with Brookie B. Ferguson, the Assistant Superintendent of Harnett County Schools. They discuss critical strategies for online safety, engaging students productively with technology, and managing screen time and smartphone addiction among students. The episode covers prevalent issues such as hidden direct messages, dangerous TikTok challenges, and the impact of social media trends on student behavior. Ferguson shares insights on implementing effective policies, promoting digital education among parents and students, and how AI can be used ethically to enhance learning. The episode also features actionable advice for parents to help their children manage digital risks and foster a positive online footprint.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/eventsEpisode Summary:In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs sits down with TJ Strain, Director of Teaching and Learning for Davis School District in Farmington, Utah. They discuss the importance of educating students about digital safety from an early age, both in schools and at home. TJ shares insights from his experience working with at-risk youth and his current role overseeing curriculum for nearly 70,000 students. Key topics include the impact of hidden direct messages, TikTok challenges, screen addiction, and the role of AI in education. The conversation also emphasizes the need for parental involvement and the benefits of restricting phone use during instructional time. Tune in for actionable strategies to keep students safe and help them build healthy habits 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/eventsEpisode Summary:In this episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast, host Josh Ochs talks with Dr. Bernard Frost, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction in Orangeburg, SC. They discuss the challenges and successes of integrating AI in lesson planning, managing screen time, and addressing social media issues among students. The episode explores how rural and urban districts share similar digital safety challenges and emphasizes the importance of effective communication between parents, teachers, and school staff. Dr. Frost also shares insights on using AI in education, managing screen time addiction, and ensuring students' online safety.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/eventsEpisode Summary:In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs sits down with Robert Smith, Superintendent of the Alpine School District in Utah, to discuss the evolving landscape of digital safety in schools. They delve into various online threats such as cyberbullying, screen time addiction, and inappropriate content. Rob Smith shares his unique perspective as a non-traditional superintendent with a background in accounting and management. They also explore how AI can be a supportive tool for learning, the importance of modeling healthy screen habits for children, and effective strategies for parental and community engagement in online safety.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/eventsEpisode Summary:In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs engages in a detailed conversation with Eric Turman, the Superintendent of the Central Dolphin School District, about the role of AI in education. They discuss the importance of using AI to enhance rather than replace student learning, the challenges posed by digital safety including hidden direct messages, dangerous TikTok challenges, and screen time addiction. Superintendent Turman shares his experiences and insights into how schools can create a balanced approach to technology use, and the importance of parental involvement and clear policies to navigate the digital landscape. Tune in for practical advice and strategies to keep students safe and successful 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/eventsEpisode Summary:In this episode of the Smart Social.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs talks with Dr. Sandra Rodriguez, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for the San Bernardino City Unified School District, about the importance of promoting digital safety and wellness among students. They discuss various challenges such as social media addiction, TikTok challenges, AI interactions, and inappropriate online content that schools and parents face in today's digital age. Dr. Rodriguez emphasizes the need for social-emotional learning, strong parent-student-school relationships, and structured screen time to foster a safe and thriving environment. They also explore the use of AI in education and the importance of family engagement in preventing future online issues.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/eventsEpisode Summary:In this engaging episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs sits down with Dr. Luke Clamp, Deputy Superintendent of Charleston County School District, to discuss the importance of instilling healthy digital habits in students. With extensive experience as a high school chemistry teacher, principal, and now a district leader, Dr. Clamp shares valuable insights into the challenges and strategies of managing digital safety in education. The conversation highlights the importance of parental involvement, the impact of screen time and phone addiction, and practical advice for educators and parents on navigating the evolving landscape of technology and social media. Tune in to learn more about developing safe and responsible digital footprints for the next generation.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/eventsEpisode Summary:In this engaging episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs discusses the importance of digital citizenship with Julie Garcia, Senior Director of Future Ready Learning, and Derek Suzuki, Program Manager for Instructional Technology, both from the San Diego Unified School District. They delve into topics such as online interactions, AI usage in education, screen time issues, and proactive strategies for fostering digital safety in schools. The conversation includes practical tips for parents and educators to enhance students' online experiences while mitigating risks associated with social media, AI, and excessive screen time.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™