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Read SmartSocial.com's Among Us App Guide.What is the Among Us app?It’s a social deduction game, like Clue and Werewolf, where players attempt to uncover each other’s hidden role or team allegianceAmong Us is played online with 4-10 friends or strangersIt became extremely popular during the pandemic when TikTok influencers and YouTube gamers posting videos of themselves playingThe Among Us app is free on iOS and Android devicesIt costs $4.99 to buy the PC version on SteamWhere is the Among Us app available?Apple App Store: 9+Google Play: E (Everyone 10+)PC Version on SteamDeveloper’s Website: InnerSloth.com (Based in USA, Owned by InnerSloth LLC)Privacy PolicyWho can play?There is no age verification required to download or play the gameAnyone can join a public game with random strangers or create/join a passcode-protected local game with friendsHow do you play Among Us?The app designates 1-3 players as “imposters” and the rest as “crewmates”Crewmates are assigned tasks to complete in different rooms of the spaceship, sky headquarters, or planet baseThe goal is to discover which crewmate is “an impostor bent on killing everyone!”Votes are taken and emergency meetings are called (in the chatbox) where players discuss suspicious behavior and report each time a body is discoveredPlayers win by completing all tasks or by discovering and voting off the impostorWhat should parents know?Chats in Among Us are unmoderated but can be censored for profanity (in the game’s settings)Players create their own usernames which could include racist, sexist, or homophobic languageSome players may ask to connect on another platform, like Discord, where they can voice or video chatImposters kill other players during the game. The graphics are very cartoonish, but parents should be aware that weapons and blood are depicted on screenIn-app upgrades are available, ranging from $.99 to $2.99The app collects data to use for advertisements and video ads play after games unless you pay $1.99 to remove themHow can parents protect their kids on the Among Us app? Get some safety tips in  SmartSocial.com's Among Us App Guide. Learn social media safety from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/2020 Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online EnticementSubscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

What is the Walkie Talkie app?The app lets people communicate from any location, in the same style as a walkie talkie or two-way radioIt only works using cellular data or a Wi-Fi connectionThis is a voice-only app. Images and videos cannot be sharedLearn more by reading our app guide: https://smartsocial.com/walkie-talkie-app/How does the app work?Users can invite friends to chat on a specific channel or they can scroll through random channels by pushing the up or down arrowsTo join a channel, push the stop button until it says “connected”The number displayed on the top right shows how many people are tuned in to the channel at that momentTo talk, a user presses on the speaker area of the screenThe app must be open in order for the receiving person to hear a message (there are no notifications for Walkie Talkie)Why do students like it?The app is freeTeens can easily text a channel to friends or share a specific channel number on social media networksStudents can leave the app on, on a predetermined channel, wherever they go (including school) and communicate with friends without texting or making a phone callIndividuals or groups can chat on channelsWhat parents should know?Ads pop up while using the app, including advertisements for other apps unless you pay $3.99 to remove themAnother in-app upgrade,  available for $0.99, lets users change the Walkie Talkie colorThere is no way to make a channel privateThis means anyone can listen in on a conversationUsers can also scroll through channels and try to find strangers to talk toThere is no way to monitor a child’s conversation or who they are talking to unless you know what channel they are on and constantly listen inThere is a risk of exposure to foul or lewd language since conversations are not moderatedWhat can parents do?Explain the dangers of talking with strangers and ask your child not to invite strangers to chat with them on a channelRemind your student to avoid giving out personal information or oversharing on the Walkie Talkie appSince anyone could be eavesdropping on a channel, encourage students to refrain from discussing things they don’t want anyone else to knowLearn social media safety from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/2020 Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online EnticementSubscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

The Age of Distraction, in which increased technology use is significantly impacting teen depression and anxiety, necessitates a shift in the way parents parent their teens. Drugs and alcohol are a critical piece to the conversation, which is a different conversation than it was even just a few years ago. Parents must understand the changing landscape and the consequences, and they need to learn how to effectively approach these difficult conversations with their teens. About our guest: Christine Carter, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, coach, and Senior Fellow at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. She is the author of The New Adolescence: Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and Distraction.About our hosts: Jenn Curtis, MSW, Educational Consultant, author, and speaker, owner of FutureWise Consulting. Cindy Muchnick, MA, Educational Consultant, author, and speaker. Check out their new book, The Parent Compass: Navigating Your Teen's Wellness and Academic Journey in Today's Competitive World: www.parentcompassbook.comLearn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/2020 Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online EnticementSubscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Read 10 expert tips to help students combat FOMO: https://smartsocial.com/fear-of-missing-out/Learn social media safety from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/2020 Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online EnticementSubscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Learn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/2020 Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online EnticementSubscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Read SmartSocial.com's Sadfishing blog to learn 8 Ways to Talk With Tweens and Teens About SadfishingLearn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/2020 Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online EnticementSubscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Whether your kids are in preschool or high school (and beyond!) they have something to learn from How to Be a Person. Hilariously written and superbly illustrated, this book teaches us all how to be more self-reliant while also reminding us to help others along the way.About our guest: Catherine Newman is also the author of the memoir Waiting For Birdy. She is the etiquette columnist for Real Simple magazine, a regular contributor to the New York Times Motherlode blog, and editor-in-chief of the James Beard Award-winning kids cooking magazine ChopChop. She lives in Amherst, Massachusetts with her family.About our hosts: Jenn Curtis, MSW, Educational Consultant, author, and speaker, owner of FutureWise Consulting. Cindy Muchnick, MA, Educational Consultant, author, and speaker. Check out their new book, The Parent Compass: Navigating Your Teen's Wellness and Academic Journey in Today's Competitive World: www.parentcompassbook.comLearn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/2020 Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online EnticementSubscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Selepak's Tips for Cleaning Up Social Media Profiles:The best way for students to clean up and protect their online presence is to do a regular social media audit. Students should reexamine their Instagram posts, go back through their Twitter posts with Advanced Search, check their TikTok videos, and review their daily Facebook Memories notifications for posts that no longer accurately reflect their reputation or could damage their reputation.Too often we make posts when we are emotional that doesn’t accurately reflect our true views or at least our more articulate and subdued views, or posts we made when we were younger that embarrass us today. While it is always important to pause before making a social media post that might be made in anger or despair, it is just as important to pause and review any old posts that were made under similar emotional distress, or made without thinking. Parents and educators should also remind students that posts made today for likes, comments, and follows, could be the same posts that tomorrow prevent a student from getting a job, internship, or letter of recommendation. Learn more: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-clean-up/About our guest: Andrew Selepak is the Program Coordinator of the Master of Arts in Mass Communication Program with a specialization in Social Media at the University of Florida in the College of Journalism and Communications. He also teaches courses in the Department of Telecommunication at the University of Florida. Andrew holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia in American History, a M.A. from George Mason University in Communications, and a Ph.D. from the University of Florida in Mass Communications.Learn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/2020 Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online EnticementSubscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Noble's first tip? Don’t shotgun your proposal.  Start by finding the top 100 grants you may be interested in. From there, narrow it down to the top 20 worth spending time looking at and then hone in on 2-5 grants you’ll apply for. Be strategic with your time and with your proposal to make something worth reading.  Find out in this episode what question to ask the funder so you know whether or not to pursue it.  Be clear on the problem you want to solve if you were to win the grant.  Listen in for a bonus tip and a helpful resource called Instrumentl.com to make this process even easier.Learn more at LearnGrantWriting.orgLearn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/2020 Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online EnticementSubscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

The College Admissions Scandal highlights poor parenting behavior at its worst. Interviews with the families involved in the scandal reveal the fractured parent-child relationships that resulted from parents who acted out of their own greed. All parents have an opportunity to learn from the fallout of the scandal, namely to accept and embrace their children for who they are.About our guests: Melissa Korn is a reporter for The Wall Street Journal in New York covering higher education. Jennifer Levitz is a national reporter for The Wall Street Journal in Boston covering general news, economics, and politics. Learn more about Unacceptable.About our hosts: Jenn Curtis, MSW, Educational Consultant, author, and speaker, owner of FutureWise Consulting. Cindy Muchnick, MA, Educational Consultant, author, and speaker. Check out their new book, The Parent Compass: Navigating Your Teen's Wellness and Academic Journey in Today's Competitive World: www.parentcompassbook.comLearn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/2020 Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online EnticementSubscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Read our complete guide to TikTok for Parents, Students, and Educators:https://smartsocial.com/tiktok-app-guide-parents/Learn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/2020 Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online EnticementSubscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

The Triller app, first released in 2015, is a social media network where users make and share short videos. Anyone can view videos, but users must sign up for a free account to “like” videos, follow other users, read/make comments, and send direct messages. Users can create professional-looking music videos and vlogs in minutes with the app’s auto-editing algorithm. The app has 100+ filters and videos can be personalized with text, drawings and emojis. Triller’s music library features top trending songs. Since content is user-generated on Triller, it can contain profanity, suggestive dance moves, drinking, and drug use. Accounts and videos can be set to private in the Settings menu.Read SmartSocial.com's Triller Guide for Parents, Educators, and Students.Learn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/2020 Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online EnticementSubscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

In this episode of Parent Compass on the SmartSocial.com Podcast Jenn and Cindy share their thoughts on tutoring (or rather the trend of "over tutoring") and how it relates to self-advocacy. They also discuss the necessity for parents to practice self-examination--to take a good, hard look at why they parent the way that they parent and how their own upbringing might affect their desires for their kids. And lastly, they offer some advice on navigating the admission process during the current global pandemic.Be sure to pick up The Parent Compass: Navigating Your Teen's Wellness and Academic Journey in Today's Competitive World, launching on September 15, 2020 to learn more ideas that Curtis and Muchnick have to help your student be successful.Jenn Curtis, MSW, Educational Consultant, author, and speaker, owner of FutureWise Consulting: www.futurewiseconsulting.com Cindy Muchnick, MA, Educational Consultant, author, and speaker: https://cynthiamuchnick.comLearn from SmartSocial.com's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/2020 Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online EnticementSubscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

The Culture Reframed Program for Parents of Tweens and Program for Parents of Teens build young people’s resilience and resistance to hypersexualized media and porn while promoting their healthy development. Get free step-by-step modules to help parents understand the impacts of hypersexualized culture and how to support your tween/teen here.Learn from Smart Social's resources: 2020 Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online Enticement: https://smartsocial.com/sex-trafficking/Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Subscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Brittany Cufaude’s tips for educators who are navigating virtual learning:Make sure all instruction that’s occurring live with the teacher is actually interactive instead of just talking at the children for long periods of time. Use tool’s, like Pear Deck, to make your Google Slides more interactive.Utilize split screen features. Teachers should make sure they can see their students at all times.Consider buying an inexpensive second monitor, so you will have plenty of screen space to teach your class and see your students. Just make sure to keep the monitor at your eye level so you aren’t looking away from your students.Teachers and students should make a daily schedule at home, the same way they would if they were leaving the house for work or school. Make sure to include time for reading, hobbies, and relaxation.Teach students online classroom etiquette, including muting themselves when others are speaking, not eating or playing with toys or scrolling through their phones, etc.Record lessons for students, so they can watch them at their own pace and refer back to them when they need extra help while doing homework.Brittany Cufaude is a school improvement and literacy consultant.  She founded and operates Joyful Classrooms, which partners with California school districts, to design and facilitate high-quality professional learningLearn more about Joyful ClassroomsLearn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Subscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Read Melissa's tips on our blogMelissa suggests setting up a designated homework/homeschool space in your home to prevent distractions during online classes and homework time. Things to keep in mind:Try to choose a quiet space in a less busy part of the house, an environment that will naturally minimize distractions. It’s important to choose this area and stick with itChoose functional furniture and stock up on supplies. We suggest avoiding couches or lap desks and instead opt for a traditional desk or a small table and chair. Consider adding a soft cushion on the chair — when kids feel uncomfortable, they’re more prone to stirring and squirming, leading to distraction and disorganization. With regard to supplies, be sure to stock up on pens, pencils, and markers. We also suggest including a timer on your supplies list, which you can use to give your child a brain break for intervals of uninterrupted workReserve space for a calendar and to-do list. Important, visible anchors like these will make your child’s in-house homeschool/homework space an area that encourages building on small tasks to reach larger goalsMelissa Scatena is the CEO of Scattered Solutions, an online learning platform for toddlers to teenagers.Learn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Subscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

With easy access to the internet from any mobile device, it’s not a question of if our kids will be exposed to pornography; it’s a matter of when. That’s why one of the most valuable gifts we can give our children is an internal filter–one they can take with them wherever they go. Read Jenson's guest blog on SmartSocial.com, 5 Tips for Talking to Kids About Pornography.Learn more about Protect Young MindsLearn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Subscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

SmartSocial.com's Ultimate Guide To Child Sex Trafficking, Human Trafficking, Sextortion, & Online EnticementJoe Laramie is a retired police Lt. with more than three decades of law enforcement experience, including serving as the Commander of the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.Laramie Top 3 Tips to Protect Children Online:Stop focusing on the tech: While it’s impossible to know every app and online game out there, it is possible to know your own child. Laramie says to start focusing on your child’s behavior, rather than what apps they are using. If children learn early on what behaviors are appropriate and what consequences they will face for breaking rules online, they are more likely to maintain safe behaviors no matter what type of app they use. Think in terms of how to manage communication with your kids: Before parents hand over the car keys for the first time, they always give teens driving lessons, teach them the rules of the road and what consequences they will face for breaking a parent’s trust. Laramie says it should be the same scenario when it comes to technology. Parents should know what their kids are doing on their phones and computers and how long they are using their devices each day. It’s important to stay involved and keep an open dialogue.  Know who your kid hangs out with: If a friend comes over to play or hang out, parents know exactly who they are. With technology, many parents allow kids to communicate with their "friends" without ever knowing who is on the other end of the chat. Laramie says parents should regularly ask their children who they are chatting with and who their online friends are. When parents ask questions and show a genuine interest, it makes a big difference.Learn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Subscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

SmartSocial.com's Omegle Guide for Parents and Educators: https://smartsocial.com/omegle/What is Omegle chat?Users go to Omegle.com to instantly start a text or video chat with strangersVisitors can use keywords to find people with shared interestsCollege students can enter a .edu email address (which the site uses for verification) to find other studentsThere is also an “adult” sectionThe website is free to use and is available in multiple languagesA graphic on top of the website shows how many other users are online at any (it’s often 40,000+)Where is Omegle available?Omele.com is available on any web browserThe website shows users how to easily use add Omegle to the home screen of their phones to make it mobile-friendlyOmegle’s Privacy PolicyThere are several apps, include Omega in Google Play and OKAY in the iOS App Store, that have similar logos and offer the same random chat featuresWhy should parents care about Omegle?Age verification is not required to use OmegleThe website says all users must over 13It also says anyone under 18 should ask for parental permissionStrangers can easily ask for personal information, share explicit messages, or appear on screen nude Strangers often send usernames to connect on other apps, like Snapchat, Kik, and DiscordAlthough your student might feel like their chat is private, anyone can record their screen or take a screenshotOmegle.com offers “moderated” chats, but says “Moderation is not perfect. You may still encounter people who misbehave. They are solely responsible for their own behavior.”What can parents do?It’s important to not only tell your children not to visit sites like Omegle, but also to explain WHYYou can use settings or a parental monitoring app to block Omegle.com, but kids can often find ways around that (For example, visiting banned websites at a friend’s house)Teach your kids to never share personal information with strangers onlineRemind them about the dangers of meeting up with someone from the internet in real lifeTell them they can always come to you (or a trusted adult) if they ever feel uncomfortable about something that happened onlineLearn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Subscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Jenn Curtis and Cindy Muchnick felt like they were “punched in the gut” when they first heard about the 2019 college admissions cheating scandal.“We want to encourage parents to accept and love the child they have, not the child they want to inauthentically create,” explained Curtis.They believe that if you teach students to live life with their own intentions, you can help them better achieve success.“I think it’s the pushing kids that comes from parents that really creates this dissonance and this noise that is so hard for students to get passed because they’re so fragile and worried about pleasing their parents,” Muchnick explained.Instead, they urge parents to focus on building the “whole child” by teaching resilience, grit, and how to bounce back from mistakes.They also believe in the importance of praising students along their journey, rather than only for the end result. Watch the video version on this podcast here.The Parent Compass Book: https://www.parentcompassbook.com/Learn from Smart Social's resources: Join our free newsletter for parents and educators: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps: https://smartsocial.com/social-media-webinar/Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™): https://learn.smartsocial.com/Download the free Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/appLearn the top 100 popular teen apps: https://smartsocial.com/app-guide-parents-teachers/View the top parental control software: https://smartsocial.com/parental-control-software/Learn the latest Teen Slang, Emojis & Hashtags: https://smartsocial.com/teen-slang-emojis-hashtags-list/Get ideas for offline activities for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Get Educational Online Activity ideas for your students: https://smartsocial.com/offline-activities-reduce-screentime/Subscribe to our podcast on:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uqYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos