Episodios

  • "Generate authentic thoughts first, and then use AI as support" with Robert W. Smith
    Dec 2 2025

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    Episode 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/vip

    District Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partner

    Download the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownload

    Learn 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™

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    21 m
  • You have to do your due diligence to make sure that students are going to be safe
    Nov 21 2025

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    Episode 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/vip

    District Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partner

    Download the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownload

    Learn 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™

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    20 m
  • "Friendships happen on social media because real-life interaction is missing" -Dr. Sandra Rodriguez
    Nov 12 2025

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    Episode 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/vip

    District Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partner

    Download the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownload

    Learn 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™

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    26 m
  • "If we create healthy habits with students now, then those habits can be replicated "Dr. Luke Clamp
    Oct 31 2025

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    Join our next weekly live parent events: https://smartsocial.com/events

    Episode 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/vip

    District Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partner

    Download the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownload

    Learn 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™

    Más Menos
    21 m
  • "How can we support students’ healthy online behavior?" with Julie Garcia & Derek Suzuki
    Oct 29 2025

    Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletter

    Join our next weekly live parent events: https://smartsocial.com/events

    Episode 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/vip

    District Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partner

    Download the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownload

    Learn 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™

    Más Menos
    34 m
  • "A compromising photo can become a permanent record" with Dr. Rick Surrency
    Oct 29 2025

    Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletter

    Join our next weekly live parent events: https://smartsocial.com/events

    Episode Summary:

    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.

    Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member: https://SmartSocial.com/vip

    District Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partner

    Download the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownload

    Learn 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™

    Más Menos
    18 m
  • "We are going to utilize AI to the benefit of our students" Dr. Dennis Willingham & Patrick Gann
    Oct 27 2025

    Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletter

    Join our next weekly live parent events: https://smartsocial.com/events

    Episode Summary:

    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.

    Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member: https://SmartSocial.com/vip

    District Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partner

    Download the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownload

    Learn 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™

    Más Menos
    17 m
  • "Screen time habits are a real problem for our kids' focus" with Dr. Katie Page & Dr. Scott Rowe
    Oct 22 2025

    Protect your family with our 1-minute free parent quiz https://www.smartsocial.com/newsletter

    Join our next weekly live parent events: https://smartsocial.com/events

    Episode Summary:

    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.

    Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member: https://SmartSocial.com/vip

    District Leaders: Schedule a free phone consultation to get ideas on how to protect your students in your community https://smartsocial.com/partner

    Download the free Smart Social app: https://www.smartsocial.com/appdownload

    Learn 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™

    Más Menos
    27 m