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.

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.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs sits down with Dr. Rick Surrency, Superintendent of Schools from Putnam County School District, to discuss crucial digital safety tips for students. The conversation covers a range of topics including the dangers of compromising photos, social media challenges, hidden direct messages, and screen time addiction. Dr. Surrency shares insights into the recent legislation in Florida to curb phone usage in schools, and stresses the importance of parental involvement in monitoring online activities. The episode also features advice on recognizing red flags in online interactions and emphasizes the importance of maintaining open communication between parents and children.

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.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs interviews Dr. Dennis Willingham, Superintendent of the Walker County Schools, and Patrick Gann, District Technology Director. They discuss the integration of AI in education and strategies to ensure digital safety for students. Topics covered include the benefits of AI for learning, trends in social media challenges, the impact of new legislation on student screen time, and the importance of parent engagement in monitoring online activities. Key insights are shared on how educators can use AI to enhance learning without replacing teachers and the effectiveness of Alabama's Focus Act in limiting device use during school hours. The episode also provides practical advice for parents to support their children's digital safety and emphasizes the significance of communication between parents, students, and schools.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs talks with Dr. Scott Rowe, Superintendent of High School District 214, and Dr. Katie Page, Instructional Technology Coordinator, about how schools and families can adapt to rapid shifts in technology, AI, and student screen time habits. They explore how artificial intelligence is changing classroom instruction, the rise of “AI-proof” assignments, and how districts can maintain academic integrity while embracing innovation. The conversation also dives into social media’s ongoing challenges—from disappearing messages on Snapchat to secret Instagram accounts—and the importance of parent-school collaboration in building students’ digital resilience. Dr. Rowe and Dr. Page share actionable ideas for creating healthy screen habits, building stronger parent engagement, and preparing students for a world where technology evolves faster than ever.

In this episode of the Smart Social.com podcast, host Josh Ochs sits down with Dr. Francisco Duran, superintendent of Arlington Public Schools, to discuss key challenges and strategies for managing student screen time and social media use. They delve into issues like phone addiction, mental health impacts of social media, and AI in education. Dr. Duran shares insights from his district's successful implementation of policies to reduce screen time, including eliminating cell phones during school hours. They also discuss the importance of parent engagement and provide practical tips for maintaining an ongoing dialogue with children about their online activities. The episode underscores the value of fostering real-world connections and community involvement for student well-being and success.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs interviews Kelly Rivers, the Deputy Superintendent of Richland One School District in Columbia, South Carolina. The discussion centers on the benefits and challenges of AI in education, the impact of social media on students, and strategies for improving digital safety for children. Key topics include managing student screen time, understanding social media trends and challenges, and the importance of parent involvement in digital safety. The episode provides valuable insights for educators, parents, and district leaders on how to keep children safe and successful online.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs sits down with Dr. Neil Gupta, Superintendent of Oakwood City Schools, to discuss the importance of preparing students for a world that includes AI and other digital technologies. They emphasize the need for responsible use of technology and open lines of communication between parents and educators. Together, they explore the challenges schools face with social media, screen time, and digital safety, and offer practical advice for parents to better support their children's online experiences.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs sits down with Superintendent Dr. Dan Hornick, Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools in Virginia, to discuss the pressing issues related to student screen time, social media addiction, and online safety. They delve into the role of artificial intelligence, the pitfalls of social media, and the importance of educating students and parents on digital citizenship. The conversation highlights specific challenges like hidden direct messages, dangerous TikTok challenges, and the influence of devices on student behavior. Superintendent Dr. Hornick shares the importance of parental engagement and collaboration with schools to tackle these issues. The episode also provides practical advice on how parents can initiate dialogues with their children about online safety and managing screen time, and introduces valuable resources for both parents and educators.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs discusses digital safety strategies with Dr. Mike Kimbrel, Superintendent of the Park Hill School District in Kansas City, Missouri. They emphasize the importance of establishing strong, open relationships between parents and children to keep kids safe online. They also address the challenges presented by hidden direct messages, excessive screen time, phone addiction, and the rapid advancement of social media apps and AI technologies. The discussion includes practical advice for parents on fostering dialogue with their children about online safety and cyberbullying. Tune in for expert insights and valuable tips to help protect students in the digital age.

Join host Josh Ochs on the SmartSocial.com Podcast as he sits down with Dr. John Armstrong, Chief Officer for Technology and Innovation at Joliet Public Schools District 86. In this episode, they discuss proactive strategies for online safety, the impact of social media on students, and the importance of early digital literacy education. Dr. Armstrong shares practical advice for parents and educators on managing screen time, setting boundaries, and understanding the nuances of digital privacy.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs interviews Superintendent Dr. Gregg Slate of Davidson County Schools in Lexington, North Carolina. The discussion revolves around the importance of monitoring student screen time, the impact of social media on student learning, and the rise of misinformation among children. They explore key online safety issues like hidden messages, dangerous challenges, and cyberbullying. Dr. Slate shares insights on implementing a cell phone ban in schools, the benefits of early digital education, and the role of AI in learning. Parents are encouraged to engage in meaningful dialogues with their children and to participate in SmartSocial.com's free weekly events to stay informed and involved in their children's online safety and success.

In this episode of the Smart Social Podcast, host Josh Ochs speaks with Dr. Sean Davenport, Superintendent of Harlem Community School District 5 in New York City, about the crucial role technology plays in modern education. They discuss the importance of integrating technology into students’ lives safely and effectively, the value of strong parent-teacher relationships, and strategies for engaging with children about their digital experiences. Superintendent Dr. Davenport shares his journey in education, insights on current trends in student tech usage, and tips for parents to stay connected and informed. The episode also includes advice from real students on managing screen time and recognizing online dangers.

Roblox is more than just a game. It is a massive online platform where kids can chat with strangers, spend money, and even be exposed to inappropriate content. 🎮👀 Parents, treat it like a crowded public space. In this episode, Josh shares how to start the right conversations, set limits, and use parental controls to protect kids while they play. 💬 Listen now and get practical steps for families at SmartSocial.com ✅

Many teens see AI apps as a safer, cheaper way to share feelings. But these tools aren’t designed to notice red flags or guide kids through real struggles. When a child relies on a chatbot instead of you or a trusted adult, the risks grow. 🎧 Tune in to learn what’s happening and how parents can respond.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs converses with Dr. Jimmy Shaw, the superintendent of Florence City Schools in Alabama. They discuss the importance of real-life connections amid the digital age, exploring how digital safety strategies can help students shine online. The dialogue encompasses current trends in student behavior with technology, the challenges parents face in this fast-moving digital landscape, and practical tips for better managing screen time. Superintendent Dr. Shaw shares his personal and professional insights into keeping kids safe online and the importance of live interaction and community engagement. Additionally, the episode features advice from real students on identifying online red flags and managing screen time effectively.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs sits down with Priya Darbari, Superintendent of Keppel Union School District, to discuss the challenges parents face in guiding their children through the rapidly evolving digital world. They talk about the importance of building awareness rather than fear towards technology, the impact of digital devices on student behavior and well-being, and strategies for effective parent engagement and communication. The discussion also covers topics such as cyberbullying, AI misuse, and techniques for managing screen time. Additionally, the episode features real teenagers sharing their insights on recognizing dangerous online behavior and managing their screen time.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs sits down with Dr. Kwame Morton, Superintendent of Cherry Hill Public Schools in New Jersey, to discuss the impact of digital technology on students. They highlight the challenges of increased isolation, cyberbullying, and AI misuse among students. Discussing the importance of parental engagement, Morton shares insights on setting boundaries for technology use at schools and homes, including the introduction of cell phone policies. The episode also provides parents with practical dialogue starters to help maintain open communication about technology use with their children. Join the conversation for real-world tactics to keep students safe and successful online.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast, host Josh Ochs is joined by Dr. Karen Barber, Superintendent of Schools in the Santa Rosa County School District. The discussion highlights the overuse of devices with young children as a means of behavior modification, leading to a lack of executive functioning skills. The conversation also covers the dangers of sextortion, sharing real-world examples and strategies to prevent such incidents. Dr. Barber provides insights on balancing screen time, the impact of autoplay and algorithm-driven feeds, and signs of potential addiction. The episode concludes with practical tips for parents to engage in rich dialogue with their children about digital safety.