Episodios

  • "It's a beautiful world and our kids are missing it..." with Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil
    Jul 11 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

    Dr. 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/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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    16 m
  • "How do we incorporate cell phones into learning where it's a positive experience?" - Dr. Yarbrough
    Jul 9 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

    In this episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast, Dr. R. Terrell Yarbrough, Superintendent of Harlem Consolidated School District 122, discusses the integration of cell phones and AI in education. Dr. Yarbrough emphasizes the importance of teaching students how to use technology responsibly and incorporating it positively into the learning experience. He touches on the nationwide trend of banning cell phones in classrooms and stresses the need for intentional training for both students and teachers. The episode also covers the challenges of parent engagement and methods to improve communication and involvement in digital safety efforts. Parents and educators are encouraged to participate in ongoing dialogue and attend SmartSocial.com's live events for further guidance on keeping kids safe 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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    18 m
  • "We want safe and successful kids; this is a challenge as the world moves quickly"- Dr. Trent Bowers
    Jul 7 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

    In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, Superintendent Dr. Trent Bowers of Worthington City Schools shares how his district prioritizes student safety and success in a fast-moving digital world. With over 10,000 students under his care—and as a father of three—Dr. Bowers offers practical insights for parents navigating screen time, social media, and the challenges of raising kids surrounded by technology. He discusses the importance of in-person connections, healthy digital habits, and the power of “communicate, communicate, communicate” when partnering with schools. You’ll also hear how parents can work with teachers and principals to support their children while building a community that puts kids first.

    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
  • Gemini AI App For Kids: Is it safe for your kids to use AI?
    Jul 3 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

    Parents, Google’s Gemini AI for Kids might already be turned on for your child’s account. It’s designed to help with questions, but it can also feel like a “friend” to young kids and share wrong information.

    This episode breaks down what parents need to know about Gemini for Kids, how to adjust your Family Link settings, and how to guide your child’s curiosity while keeping them safe.

    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
    4 m
  • "It's the social, emotional, and the interpersonal skills that are being impacted" - Daniel Sullivan
    Jul 2 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

    In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, Superintendent Daniel Sullivan of Colchester Public Schools discusses the challenges and trends related to social media and technology use among students. The conversation covers the impact of digital devices on social-emotional and interpersonal skills, the role of parents in monitoring and educating kids, and the balance between beneficial and harmful screen time. The podcast also includes insights from a teenager on recognizing online red flags and highlights resources and events offered by SmartSocial to help parents and schools keep kids safe 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™

    Más Menos
    20 m
  • "There are strangers all over the internet handing out candy and it's at our kids' peril" -Dr. Mason
    Jun 25 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

    In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, we host Dr. Brad Mason, Superintendent of Whittier City School District, as he discusses the critical importance of keeping children safe in a fast-paced digital world. The conversation covers the role of technology in children's lives, the dangers of online strangers, trends in student safety, and effective parent engagement strategies. Brad also shares his experience as an author of children's books focusing on kid-friendly themes. Finally, insights are given on how parents can stay vigilant and informed, ensuring their children's innocence and safety as they navigate the complexities of social media and online technology.

    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
    19 m
  • "We are connected digitally, but a substantial relationship is not what is happening" -Dr. Robinson
    Jun 25 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

    In this episode of the SmartSocial.com podcast, host Josh Ochs interviews Dr. Marie Robinson, Superintendent of Bangor School Department in Maine, discussing digital safety and parent engagement. They explore the challenges students face in a digital age, including social media, AI misuse, and cyberbullying. Dr. Robinson shares insights on implementing cell phone policies and fostering meaningful human connections among students. They discuss strategies for integrating digital safety education into family events and highlight the importance of parent involvement. Parents can learn practical tips to manage screen time and keep their children safe 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™

    Más Menos
    21 m
  • "Parents really want to be involved, they just don't always know how" with Dr. Kenny Rodrequez
    Jun 24 2025

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

    On this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, Josh Ochs speaks with Dr. Kenny Rodrequez, Superintendent of Schools in Grandview, Missouri. They discuss the challenges parents and school leaders face in keeping kids safe online amidst rapidly evolving technology. The discussion highlights the increased impact of social media, AI, and digital engagement on students' lives, emphasizing the paramount importance of open dialogue between parents and children. Superintendent Rodrequez shares his experiences and strategies for fostering better online behaviors and community partnerships to support students' digital well-being. Additionally, practical advice, dialogue starters, and resources are provided to help parents and educators navigate these challenges effectively.

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

    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
    20 m