SmartSocial helps parents understand tech & social media to keep kids safe & successful!
Hello, I'm Josh, the founder of SmartSocial. Protect your family by taking my 1 minute quiz
This quiz will suggest safety tips for your family
Join Our Next Live Parent Q&A Events
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The Impact of Screen Time on Motivation, Health & Academics (Live Session #2)
Understand how screen time affects motivation, health and academics while gaining practical strategies to set limits and reconnect as a family.
The Impact of Screen Time on Motivation, Health & Academics (Live Session #3)
Understand how screen time affects motivation, health and academics while gaining practical strategies to set limits and reconnect as a family.
Reduce Arguments with a Family Media Plan (Bonus Live Event)
Learn how to set up a Family Media Agreement for your entire family in order to keep your family safer with technology and social media.
The Impact of Screen Time on Motivation, Health, & Academics (Live Session #4)
Understand how screen time affects motivation, health and academics while gaining practical strategies to set limits and reconnect as a family.
El impacto del tiempo frente a la pantalla en la motivación, la salud y el rendimiento académico (Sesión en Vivo en Español)
Comprende cómo el tiempo frente a la pantalla afecta la motivación, la salud y el rendimiento académico, y adquiere estrategias prácticas para establecer límites y reconectar como familia.
*Only for families in partner school districts or individual paid VIP members: simply attend the live event, join in the activities, and your family will be eligible to earn points and prizes to keep your family safe (while supplies last).
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Watch An On-Demand Replay Of Our Past Events
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Pros and Cons of Video Games
Discover the pros and cons of video games for kids. Learn how gaming can support learning and connection—plus tips for parents to manage screen time, safety, and balance.
Understanding Social Media’s Impact on Teens
Discover social media's emotional and behavioral impact on teens, the hidden risks they face, and practical tips for parents to promote safe and healthy online habits.
Avoiding Strangers & Dangerous Situations Online
Discover the hidden dangers of teens talking to strangers online, from emotional manipulation to exploitation. Learn how predators operate and how to keep your child safe with expert tips and conversation starters.
Shine Online: Positive Impact of Social Media & Screen Time
Learn how students can use social media to build a positive digital footprint that impresses colleges and employers.
How to Optimize Parental Controls: Balancing Safety & Privacy for Families
Learn how to optimize parental controls to protect your kids online while respecting their privacy. Discover tips for balancing safety and trust in your family’s digital life.
Disappearing Messages: The Hidden Dangers Parents Need to Know
Disappearing messages have been shown to promote impulsive online behavior and create a false sense of privacy and security. Learn about the hidden dangers, the long-term impacts, and dialogue starters to help keep your students safe.
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Combat Online Bullying: Supporting Positive Student Behaviors on Campus and at Home
In this app guide, we walk you through the top ways kids cyberbully each other and signs that your student is being cyberbullied. Learn how students and parents can work together to prevent cyberbullying.
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Sneaky Ways Video Apps Keep Teens Watching
Video apps can be a lot of fun, especially for students who are looking for some quick entertainment. Finding ways to use video apps in a balanced way can help students reduce excessive screen time and some of the negative impacts it can have on their lives.
Learn The Hottest Most Urgent Trends Covered Each Week
Get the latest digital citizenship resources and listen anywhere. Expert safety guests and social media app reviews will help you stay informed on the latest media literacy and common sense updates!
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Members Get Full Access to our Live
Events & Digital Citizenship Resources
We have more than 450 resources to help parents & educators keep students safe on social media so they can Shine Online™. Become a member today, log in here or have your school district request a digital citizenship program.
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The SmartSocial.com Program
Weekly live parent events & replays
Teen-led video lessons
Premium parent newsletter
Screen Time & Online Bullying Stats
9 hours is the average screen time for teens and preteens per day
Teens
9 out of 10 teens have seen someone get bullied online or experienced bullying themselves
67% of teenagers say they know how to hide what they do online from their parents
43% of teens say they would change their online behavior if they knew their parents were watching them
Who We Serve
We focus on helping adults become the most informed parent on the block to keep their students safe online so the student can shine online
Digital Citizenship Resources for School Districts
- Talk About Partnering With Us
- Learn About Our Student Helpline Text Message Platform
- View Our Latest TV/News Press
We help school districts protect their community and teach students how to stay safe on social media and Shine Online™.
With 50+ LIVE events each year and 450 + searchable resources, SmartSocial.com empowers families to stay informed about evolving changes and challenges online. Our events offer insights, practical strategies, and conversation starters so parents can get their questions answered and help students make safer, smarter choices online.
View Our Latest TV/News Press
Poughkeepsie City School Board Partners with Smart Social to Increase Online Safety
Request our Programs - Become a Member
Parent & Teacher Social Media Resources
With the current digital divide it's more important than ever to teach your students with our digital citizenship curriculum so they can improve their digital footprint and reduce their screen time with online games.
We understand your struggles and can help your student create a positive online identity
Positive
Planning
Proactive
Created by Josh Ochs and his team— a team of parents passionate about helping students shine online while safeguarding their social media activities
Josh's techniques help students use their devices with a purpose, not just as a pastime. He gives students digital citizenship skills to impress future colleges and employers by creating a positive high school resume using their social media accounts so they can Shine Online™.
Parents and educators use our social media safety message each year
Resources and training guides for parents and students of all ages
Families across the country watch our videos at home & school each year
Josh Ochs has directly presented to over 250,000 students (pre-Covid). Our monthly VIP member events keep parents updated all year long, and ahead of social media dangers
Josh teaches parents & students of all ages that everything they post on social media will eventually be discovered by colleges and employers. He shows families and teenagers practical examples they can use to always keep it “Light, Bright & Polite™” to help them Shine Online™.
What Parents & Educators Say About SmartSocial
The SmartSocial programs teach adults the essentials of social media and how to work with students to stay safe online
Good info for any parent or educator who wants to keep kids safe and happy online. Keep up the good work!
Kristen J.
Parent of Teen
Thanks for the program. Tons of great info that can help me protect my kids.
Cindy T.
Parent of 5th & 9th Graders
Josh's presentation about social media was fantastic. It was such a thoughtful process. My students learned what they should and shouldn't be posting online.
Director of College Advising
This webinar is a very helpful eye-opener on the apps that are popular with my students.
Irene C.
Educator Webinar Attendee
You hear all of these things about what kids are doing online and it was great to understand the things that are hidden behind the scenes on these popular apps. We are definitely better off now. Thank you for the presentation.
Dad
Parent Webinar Attendee
I really love the emphasis on having a dialogue. This presentation gives parents the tools to be able to communicate with their children effectively about what matters most.
Catholic Sister
Educator Webinar Attendee
I'm a counselor and Josh's presentation was fabulous and very very informative.
Counselor
Educator Webinar Attendee
This is great info, thanks for giving me some ideas on how to start a dialogue with my teen!
Sharon M.
Parent Webinar Attendee
I watched this presentation because I don't know anything about social media. Now I can teach my kids.
Mom
Parent Webinar Attendee