Smart Social Podcast: Keeping students safe so they can Shine Online

Latest Episodes:

How Predators and Sex Traffickers Target and Groom Children Online (w/ Love146.org) Jun 16, 2020

Show notes

"Just because you don’t live in an urban area where you see exploitation happening does not mean that your child, sitting alone with their computer or their phone, in their bedroom, is not being exploited.” - Erin Williamson, US Programs Director at Love146.org

Love146 is an international human rights organization working to end child trafficking and exploitation through survivor care and prevention. Learn more here: Love146.org

Learn from SmartSocial.com's resources:

Read the 2020 Ultimate Guide to Child Sex Trafficking: 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/app
Learn 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/id1269872857
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uq
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Mom Talk: Summer Schedules For Students At Home Jun 08, 2020

Show notes

April and Jennifer are making the summer of 2020 “the summer of grace.” They’re saying yes to their children more often and are giving themselves extra grace through it all.

Do you have a summer bucket list set up before the summer? How have all the cancellations affected your lives? April and Jennifer talk about changing up their schedules and navigating the world of cancellations.

One of their golden rules, however, is how bedtime is important no matter what time of year it is. Even in the summertime, both moms agree that bedtime is concrete.

What are the rules around screen time now? April and Jennifer talk about what has to be done before using screens, but also how to incorporate screen time into positive use.

Are your kids watching “screen candy” or “screen vegetables”? Screen vegetables can be reading, drawing, or some other form of learning using a screen. Screen candy includes scrolling through social media and getting lost in negative news. Try to feed your kids screen vegetables for a more positive use of time on screens.

How do you find time for yourself in the summer? Jennifer and April like to wake up early and go for a run. They say it’s one of the best ways they’ve found for taking time for themselves.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Jennifer and April agree it makes them better moms when they fill their cups so they can give their kids more.

April Whiting is a mother of 4, a TedX speaker, author, and founder of www.thescreensafeproject.com

Jennifer Zumbiel is also a mother of 4, author, and founder of www.togathermoments.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/app
Learn 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/id1269872857
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uq
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Students Explain Why They Like Fortnite (& What They Want Parents To Know) Jun 05, 2020

Show notes

Fortnite: Battle Royale is a free, multiplayer game that is incredibly popular with students. The concept of the game is simple – the last player to survive the battle wins. But this isn’t a traditional war game. Fortnite Battle Royale is set in a colorful, surreal world where players can dress their avatars up in silly costumes, dance, and have fun while trying to survive.

Watch SmartSocial.com's Fortnite Battle Royale app guide video for parents and educators

Why should parents care?

Fortnite is incredibly popular with students
The developers add new features and play modes every week to entice people to play more
Games can last up to 20 minutes and cannot be paused
The games are designed to keep players coming back, which can be difficult for teens and tweens who haven’t yet developed a healthy relationship with screen time
Students can chat with strangers while playing and can come across profanity, predators, and inappropriate language
Upgrades can add up. In addition to purchasing Premium Battle Passes, players can also buy 3rd party add-ons to make gameplay easier or to get certain upgrades
- Some of these 3rd party upgrades have been reported as being malicious in nature
- Hackers have targeted Fortnite accounts and spent hundred of dollars on in-game purchases

Register today for Smart Social's Fortnite Safety Workshop for Students. Students will learn how to play safely, better manage their gaming time, and what to do if they ever experience anything negative while playing.

Learn from our resources:

Join our free newsletter: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/
Take one of our 30+ additional courses on the latest teen apps: https://learn.smartsocial.com/
Download the Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/app
Learn 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 top 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/

Subscribe to our podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uq
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Zynn App: The New TikTok Copycat App That Pays Users Jun 03, 2020

Show notes

What is the Zynn app?

A free Chinese-owned video app where users watch and create content
It’s extremely similar to TikTok
- The main difference is Zynn claims to pay its users for watching content and referring friends
The app boasts a “massive” music library, cool stickers, and funny effects
Videos can be shared to Instagram, Snapchat, etc.
You don’t need an account to watch videos, but you do need an account to make a profile and earn rewards/money
Users can “like” and comment on videos and follow (or block) other users
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy

Who can use Zynn?

All new users must sign up with:
- A phone number
- Facebook account
- or Google account
The app’s Community Guidelines state:
- Zynn is only for users ages 13+
- The company won’t provide access to the account or information about the account to anyone other than the account holder
- Parents and guardians of account holders “are responsible for educating your child on internet safety”

How is money earned on the Zynn app?

As users scroll through the video feed, they accumulate points (each hour watched equals about $1.20)
Users also get up to $20 for every friend they refer and a bonus $10 for every fifth friend
- To qualify for the referral money, new users must download Zynn, sign up, and continually use the app
- Referral earnings can be transferred to PayPal or cashed in for gift cards to the Apple App Store, Walmart, Amazon, etc.
The app launched in May 2020 and already had glitches with its withdrawal feature by June

Why should parents care?

There are concerns over how the app protects a user’s privacy and data
There are NO content filters available on Zynn
- Since all content is user generated, videos range from cute animals and cooking to explicit song lyrics, partial nudity, and dangerous stunts
There is NO way to make a Zynn account private
- Anything your student posts on Zynn is public
- Users can follow other users and block individual users
The incentive to earn money on Zynn could lead to addictive behavior

What can parents do?

Download Zynn, spend some time using it, then determine if it’s safe for your family to use
If your student uses Zynn, ask for their username
Teach your students to come talk to you, or a trusted adult, if they are ever contacted by a stranger or ever feel uncomfortable on Zynn
Teach them to never share personal info in videos or comments
Remind your student that their online activity, even under a fake username, can impact their reputation and their future
Teach your students the dangers of participating in viral video challenges or doing anything dangerous for social media attention
Teach students they can block individual users and mark inappropriate videos as “not interested”

Learn more about the Zynn app on the Smart Social Blog

Use Smart Social's resources to keep students safe and smart online:

Join our free newsletter for parents and educators
Register for a free online Parent Night to learn the hidden safety features on popular apps
Become a Smart Social VIP (Very Informed Parents) Member and unlock 30+ workshops (learn online safety and how to Shine Online™)
Download the free Smart Social app
Learn 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:

Mom Talk: Bending Screen Time Rules During A Global Pandemic May 27, 2020

Show notes

Learn more on the SmartSocial.com Blog

April Whiting is a mother of 4, a TedX speaker, author, and founder of www.thescreensafeproject.com

Jennifer Zumbiel is also a mother of 4, author, and founder of www.togathermoments.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/app
Learn 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/id1269872857
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uq
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Fortnite App: Gaming Action… and Addiction? (Guide for Parents, Students & Educators) May 22, 2020

Show notes

Watch SmartSocial.com's Fortnite Battle Royale app video

Learn from our resources:

Join our free newsletter: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/
Take one of our 30+ additional courses on the latest teen apps: https://learn.smartsocial.com/
Download the Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/app
Learn 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 top 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/

Subscribe to our podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uq
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

Mom Talk: Becoming A More Present Parent In Today’s Digital World May 20, 2020

Show notes

Get to know the Smart Social Podcast's new "Mom Talk" Hosts April Whiting and Jennifer Zumbiel. They are two moms who are trying to raise strong families and are desperate to not let distractions win.

Listen as they tell the stories of the moments that changed their view of motherhood, and ultimately led to the creation of both of their businesses. They discuss being in the trenches of motherhood. The good, the hard, and the in-between.

April and Jennifer are big believers in quality over quantity when it comes to meaningful family time. April discusses the importance of eye contact, and Jennifer gives her tips on “stop, drop, and fold” to give your children moments of all of you.

April is the mother of 4, a TedX speaker, author, and founder of www.thescreensafeproject.com

Jennifer is also the mother of 4, author, and founder of www.togathermoments.com

Learn more: https://smartsocial.com/present-parent/

Learn from our resources:

Join our free newsletter: https://smartsocial.com/newsletter/
Take one of our 30+ additional courses on the latest teen apps: https://learn.smartsocial.com/
Download the Smart Social app: https://smartsocial.com/app
Learn 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 top 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/

Subscribe to our podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269872857
Google Podcasts: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Ikvg45xcfqi3cz5vxy7vsryf3uq
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SafeSmartSocial/videos

WhatsApp: Safety Guide for Students and Parents May 14, 2020

Show notes

WhatsApp is a free messaging app that allows students to use wifi to bypass their SMS/text messaging feature and directly communicate with other users on the app. The app offers free texting, voice calls, and video chats. WhatsApp can be accessed on a smartphone or a desktop. WhatsApp is now one of the largest messaging apps in the world, with two billion users, according to Facebook.

Read Smart Social's Guide to WhatsApp for Students and Parents here: https://smartsocial.com/whatsapp/

Learn from our resources: