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Episode Summary:
Join host Josh Ochs on the SmartSocial.com Podcast as he talks with Dr. Melissa McCalla, Chief Technology Officer for Pasadena Independent School District, about AI, screen time, student wellbeing, and how schools and families can help teens use technology with purpose. Dr. McCalla explains how excessive screen time can affect sleep, face-to-face relationships, self-esteem, online behavior, and the fear of missing out, especially when phone use becomes compulsive.
The conversation also covers why AI is part of a larger conversation about innovation, and why students need critical thinking, collaboration, character, and digital literacy to use new tools responsibly. Dr. McCalla shares how AI can support personalized learning and teacher relationships when used with clear guardrails around safety, privacy, data agreements, academic integrity, and open communication. She also discusses how schools can partner with parents, bring teen voices into the conversation, and create digital wellbeing practices that help students stay safe and successful online.
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The SmartSocial.com Podcast helps parents and educators to keep their kids safe on social media, so they can Shine Online™
