In this episode of the Smart Social.com podcast, Josh Ochs interviews Dr. John Barile, the Superintendent of Brookfield Public Schools, to discuss key strategies for keeping students safe and successful in a digital age. They explore how parents can set boundaries and expectations for their kids online, highlight the challenges of social media, and discuss the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on education. They also share practical insights on parent engagement and address real questions from parents on modern digital safety issues. Join us for a deep dive into how educators and parents can collaborate to ensure a safer digital environment for students.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, G. Elgin Card, Superintendent of Princeton City School District, joins the show to discuss the challenges and solutions for keeping students safe in a fast-paced digital world. With approximately 6,000 students, the Princeton City School District implements various policies to monitor and manage student use of technology. Superintendent Card discusses the importance of involving students in rule-making to ensure better compliance and offers advice for parents trying to manage their children's screen time. The episode also covers the significance of modeling appropriate behavior and maintaining face-to-face communication skills among students. Additionally, the podcast delves into parent engagement strategies, stressing the importance of multiple communication methods to effectively reach families. Tune in for valuable insights and practical tips for navigating the complexities of digital safety in education.

What does online exclusion really feel like for kids—and how can parents and educators help? In this Josh Talk, we explore the emotional impact of being left out online. Whether it's being ghosted in a group chat or seeing a party they weren’t invited to, these digital moments can affect a child's self-esteem. Josh shares practical ways to: •Recognize when your child is quietly hurting •Reframe online rejection and model healthy coping •Strengthen offline relationships to build confidence Tune in to learn how to support students through the ups and downs of digital life. Explore more talks and parenting resources at SmartSocial.com.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast, we feature Dr. Ann-Marie Foucault, Superintendent of St. Michael-Albertville School District. We discuss the importance of communicating the 'why' to students, building trust, and collaborating with parents to keep students safe in the digital world. Dr. Foucault shares insights on the district’s approach to managing technology, including their balanced cell phone policy and strategies for maintaining parental engagement. This episode highlights the ongoing challenges and successes of navigating social media and technology use among students, with real-world examples and valuable advice for educators and parents alike. Tune in to learn how districts across the nation are addressing screen time, cyberbullying, and AI misuse while fostering a supportive community.

Summer break is just around the corner… and suddenly, you’re the cruise director of your home. From planning activities and prepping snacks to managing screen time, even the most organized parents can feel overwhelmed. But what if AI could help? In this Josh Talk, we'll show you how tools like ChatGPT can help you create flexible daily routines, find low-cost family events, and keep your kids learning (without feeling like you’re running a summer school). Whether you're raising a curious kindergartner or a tech-savvy teen, this episode will help you make summer smoother—and remind you that you don’t have to do it all alone.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, we dive into strategies for promoting safe and productive social media use among students. Join Josh and district leaders, including Ogden School District Superintendent Luke Rasmussen and Executive Director of Student Achievement Adam McMickell, as they discuss the importance of parent engagement, the impact of excessive screen time, and the role of AI in education. They share practical advice on how to build healthy screen time habits, enhance communication between schools and families, and harness the power of AI responsibly. This episode also features insightful perspectives from students and touches on the resources available for parents through Smart Social’s various programs and live events.

What happens when “privacy” becomes the one thing standing between your child and an online predator? In this episode, we unpack why giving teens too much freedom online can have dangerous consequences. From grooming tactics on popular platforms like Snapchat, Discord, and Roblox, to the rise of coordinated predator groups like 764, we examine how digital secrecy is being exploited by people who want private access to your kids. We’ll explore how predators build trust, what parents can watch for, and why proximity and conversation are still your most powerful tools. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to create safer digital habits at home—and how to help your child feel protected, not policed, as they grow up online.

What happens when AI can copy your child’s face, voice, and personality—without them ever knowing? In this episode, we dive into the release of Google Veo, a powerful new tool that makes it easier than ever to create deepfake videos that look frighteningly real. These aren’t just harmless digital illusions. They’re convincing enough to fool friends, families, and even major companies. We’ll explore how tools like this could be used to impersonate kids, why a public social media presence puts teens at greater risk, and what families and educators can do to stay ahead of this fast-moving threat. 🎧 Tune in to understand how to protect your child in a world where even video evidence can be faked—and why critical thinking and open conversations at home are more important than ever.

Join the SmartSocial.com podcast as we speak with Dr. Gyimah Whitaker, the Superintendent of the City Schools of Decatur in Georgia, about the importance of parent participation in student activities and strategies for digital education. Dr. Whitaker discusses the impact of screen time on student behavior and academic success, and shares valuable insights on creating balanced screen time norms at home. Learn how schools and parents can collaborate to foster a safer and more engaging digital environment for students.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast, Josh Ochs talks with Kim Bekkedahl, the superintendent, and Brian Graves, the assistant superintendent of the Kuna School District in Idaho. The discussion covers various strategies for keeping students safe on social media, including effective ways to foster parent engagement, manage screen time, and address its impact on student behavior and academic success. The guests share practical advice and insights that can be applied by other school districts and parents nationwide. The episode also features a student perspective on recognizing online red flags and the importance of creating balanced screen time agreements at home.

What happens when a viral movie moment leaps off the screen and into real life? In this episode, we unpack the bizarre and fast-growing Chicken Jockey trend — a chaotic response to a scene in the new Minecraft movie that’s leading teens to disrupt theaters, post prank videos, and even bring live animals to screenings. We’ll explore how social media is fueling the chaos, why some theaters are calling in police, and what parents can do to help their teens think twice before following viral trends for likes and laughs. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to turn viral moments into teachable ones — and help your teen build a digital footprint that’s light, bright, and polite.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs interviews Kirk Koennecke, CEO and Superintendent of Indian Hill Exempted Village School District. They discuss strategies for reducing excessive screen time among students, its impact on mental and physical health, and the importance of alternative activities. They also address parent engagement, student behavior, and creating a balanced home environment regarding technology use. The episode provides valuable insights for parents, educators, and district leaders on fostering healthy digital habits and ensuring the well-being of students.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast, we interview Dr. John Federline, Superintendent of Union Public Schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. Federline discusses the critical role of parental involvement in student safety, the challenges posed by excessive screen time, AI interactions, and how districts can foster effective communication with parents. The episode also covers practical strategies for setting boundaries around screen time and ensuring online safety for students. Join us as we dive deep into these timely topics that affect the wellbeing and success of students both in school and at home.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, an entrepreneur with 15 years of experience discusses how video games can be effective teaching tools. Highlighting the benefits such as improved hand-eye coordination, communication skills, and emotional intelligence, he makes a case for the educational potential of gaming. The episode also explores signs of unhealthy gaming habits and recommends guidelines for maintaining a healthy gaming balance. Additionally, the guest introduces his innovative educational program, Game Class, which leverages video games to teach various subjects, emphasizing thoughtful decision-making and strategic thinking.

🚨 Parents, this game has landed teens in handcuffs and hospitals. Do you have a high school senior at home? Then you’ve probably heard of the “Senior Assassin” game, where students chase each other with water or Nerf-style guns for fun and prizes. It might seem innocent, but police departments across the country are warning families: this game has led to real injuries, community panic, and even armed police intervention. 🎯 Before your teen gets caught in a dangerous situation, have the conversation. Help them understand how quickly a game can turn serious—especially when toy guns look real and not everyone knows it’s just pretend. Make sure they stay safe, smart, and out of trouble. #SeniorAssassin #ParentAlert #TeenSafety #OnlineSafety #HighSchoolSeniors #CommunitySafety

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, Josh Ochs interviews James Gilbert, the superintendent of schools in Mountain Home, Idaho. He discusses the challenges and strategies for keeping students safe from social media distractions, enhancing parent participation, addressing excessive screen time, and tackling chronic absenteeism. James Gilbert shares valuable insights on how to create a more positive home environment and the importance of modeling good behavior for children. Additionally, we highlight SmartSocial's live events and resources designed to help parents and educators protect students in today's digital age.

Parents, have you heard your teen talking about wanting a "blind box"? They’re tiny, collectible, and being sold everywhere, but what makes blind boxes so irresistible to teens? From dopamine hits to TikTok-worthy unboxings, this toy trend taps into way more than childhood nostalgia. In this Josh Talk episode, we unpack the psychology behind the craze, the line it walks with gambling behavior, and how parents can help their kids enjoy the fun without falling into the FOMO trap.

In this urgent episode of Josh Talk, we uncover a disturbing trend that every parent needs to hear about: AI-powered “nudify” apps. These tools use artificial intelligence to turn everyday social media photos—often of teens—into fake, explicit images without their consent. It’s already happened in schools across the country and it is vital for parents to know that it's happening. We break down how these apps work, why they’re spreading so quickly, and the emotional, legal, and privacy risks they pose. Most importantly, we’ll share practical steps you can take today to start a meaningful conversation with your teen—and be their first line of defense in a rapidly changing digital world. If you're a parent looking to stay ahead of online threats and keep your child safe, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, we chat with Dr. Todd Fraley, Superintendent of Sedalia School District #200 in Missouri, about the importance of parent engagement in managing children's screen time and social media use. Superintendent Fraley shares valuable strategies for parents, such as the significance of balancing and managing device usage, the impact of social media on teen self-esteem, and tips to avoid online dangers. He emphasizes the role of parents in monitoring children's activities and advocates for family-oriented activities without technology. Tune in for practical advice and learn how districts are working to keep students safe online.

Parents, online spaces can be dangerous for your children without your supervision. 🚨 Would your child know if a predator was attempting to groom them? Are they aware of the dangers of fentanyl-laced pills before it’s too late? Are social media and AI “friends” rewiring their brains? Our latest Josh Talk dives into the dangers most parents never see coming—until it’s too late. 🔹 The deadly truth about fentanyl and how kids access it 🔹 7 tactics predators use to gain a child’s trust online 🔹 How TikTok & Snapchat hook kids’ minds—on purpose 🔹 The rise of AI companions & why they’re pulling students from reality #OnlineSafety #DigitalParenting #DigitalWellness #OnlineDangersForKids