"Don't let emotions run your communication. Think before you talk and type"" with Dr. Jeff Fastnacht

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of the SmartSocial.com Podcast, host Josh Ochs sits down with Dr. Jeff Fastnacht, Superintendent of Bismarck Public Schools in North Dakota (about 14,000 students across 32 sites), to talk about student digital safety, screen time, and online reputation. Dr. Fastnacht shares his path from classroom teacher to leading the state’s largest district, and breaks down the trends schools are facing right now, including disappearing DMs, recurring TikTok challenges, group text drama that fuels bullying and anxiety, and off-campus content that quickly becomes a school issue. He explains why technology is not the enemy, but missing guardrails and training can leave students unprepared, comparing phone access to learning to drive with an adult in the passenger seat. You will also hear a student clip on red flags when strangers online get overly personal, plus practical guidance on repairing a digital footprint, apologizing publicly when a public post causes harm, and using AI in education with clear safeguards for privacy, accuracy, and critical thinking. The conversation closes with a reminder that keeping kids safe online works best when schools and families stay aligned, and when adults model communication that stays light, bright, and polite.

00:00 Think Twice Online
00:21 Podcast Intro
00:44 Meet Dr. Jeff Fastnacht
01:10 From Teacher to Superintendent
02:17 Digital Safety Mission
03:10 Nationwide Online Threats
04:43 Bismarck Reality Check
05:51 Phones as Driver Training
08:00 Screen Time Mental Health
10:58 Reputation and Apologies
12:53 Student Red Flags
14:15 SmartSocial Resources
15:43 AI in Schools Guardrails
17:42 Parents Schools Partnership
19:01 Final Tips and Wrap Up

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