Research has shown that using social media at night creates side effects similar to the feelings travelers feel with jet lag. The cycle of social media jet lag effects and cyberloafing can make students (and adults) feel fatigued, make it harder to fall asleep when it is bedtime, and users can feel confused in daily tasks.
Digital Citizenship Blog at SmartSocial.com
2021 Kik chat app: What parents need to know
In September 2019, Kik announced that it will be shutting down. After learning that a 13-year-old girl communicated with her killer on the popular Kik Messenger app prior to her murder, a lot of parents are beginning to worry about the apps their kids use—and how they use them.
6 Cybersecurity Tips for Schools
We asked cybersecurity experts for best practices for employees, staff, or teachers to know about phishing, ransomware, and malicious downloads in their professional communications.
2021 LinkedIn Guide for Parents and Students
For students thinking about their futures in college or employment, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for taking control of one’sonline presence. Creating a profile with a positive intention can help students tell their stories and stand out.
Emerald Chat Parent Guide 2021
Students crave social connections and in the online world, those connections might seem safe with computer screens between users. However, young students who are eager to meet others can be exposed to foul language or nudity in live chats or can become victims of exploitation.
How to Limit Screen Time Without Conflict
We asked 14 experts to share their best tips parents can use to limit screen time. Learn how you can create a daily routine for your family, how to encourage your students to earn screen time, how to model positive behaviors, how to take a social media break, and more.
YouTube Parent Guide 2021
YouTube users add new videos each day, at an astonishing rate, making it challenging to keep unsuitable content away from kids. It’s a fantastic source for education and entertainment, but the Smart Social team wants parents to know the potential for danger is also limitless. We will cover ways to help make it safer for your family.
Minecraft: 2021 Parent Guide
Minecraft is often described as a virtual version of LEGOS, but with various modes and chat features, there are some dangers parents and educators should be aware of. Learn how Minecraft works and how to make it safer for students in this app guide.
2021 Roblox Safety Guide for Parents
Roblox, a user-generated online gaming platform, offers millions of games created by users. It’s targeted to kids ages 8+. This safety guide will help parents keep their students safe on Roblox.
2021 Parent Guide to the Negative Effects of Video Games
Like most hobbies, playing videos games can be safe in moderation. However, younger students who have not yet developed the ability to self-regulate their behavior need guidance and support to develop those skills. Learn the negative effects of video games and how you can protect your children.
Following Your Kids on Social Media: 24 Tips for Parents
Parents: should you be following your kids on social media? The Smart Social team consulted with 24 experts and they all agree– yes! So how can parents keep their kids safe online and encourage good digital behavior without being too intrusive? Read our article to learn more.
Snapchat App 2021 Parent Guide
Snapchat is extremely popular among teens. It’s also widely regarded as dangerous among law enforcement. Teens can have a lot of fun using the photo and video messaging app, but there are some major privacy and safety concerns we want parents to know about.
The Negative Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
When parents set a positive example of online behaviors, have open discussions about the unrealistic standards social media can promote, and help students honor their accomplishments with gratitude, they can help their children avoid the negative effects of social media on mental health.
Social Media Influencers: 11 Experts Advise How to Avoid Pressures
11 experts offer advice on how to combat unrealistic pressures and the fear of missing out that social media influencers create on teens and tweens.
MeWe: Is It Safe for Teens?
MeWe is a social network marketed to users who want more privacy. MeWe says the company does not track user data to sell to third-parties or to use to target users with advertising content. While more privacy may be attractive for your students, the MeWe policies have left the door open for hate speech, pornography and illegal activities.
Instagram App Guide For Parents in 2021
Instagram is one of the most popular apps for teens. The company claims more than 1 billion users worldwide are now logging on to share photos, videos, and stories. But is it safe? At Smart Social, we believe Instagram can have a positive impact on your student’s digital footprint, as long as they are using it responsibly.
How to Find Hidden Apps on a Teen’s Phone
Sometimes there are hidden apps on tween’s or teen’s phones. We show you a few simple steps you to find out if your kids are hiding apps from you.
OnlyFans: A Website Known For Porn
OnlyFans is a website for adults where users post photos for other “fans” to view via a paywall. The site is popular among Instagram influencers, models, and celebrities for making money, but has become a hot spot for pornography and adult entertainers.
Digital Safety and Bending Screen Time Rules While Students are Home
To help families prevent screen time addiction, depression, and other digital dangers during this difficult time, the Smart Social team reached out to experts for advice. Read 15 digital safety tips for families here.
22 Examples of the Positive Impact of Social Media
The negative effects of social media on teens and tweens can be obvious for parents and educators, but there are rarely discussions about the positive impact of social media. Here are 22 ways social media can have a positive impact on students