Blog

• 28 March 2018
• Guest Posts By Our Smarties & Ambassadors

**This blog post was written by our SGS Ambassador, Abbie Mueller (and only slightly edited by our writing crew).** Research shows that teens definitely try to create an online “self” that will appeal to our friends, to adults, and to the people that matter to us.  

• 21 March 2018
• For Parents and Educators

Last week, we started the discussion about Sextortion and Your Child. This week, we’re back to finish up the discussion.

• 14 March 2018
• For Parents and Educators

When SGS goes into schools or organizations to speak about social media and how it affects America’s youth, we generally include a section on Sextortion. We have run into questions about what Sextortion is, where Sextortion is prevalent, warning signs of Sextortion, how to avoid Sextortion, and how to combat Sextortion if it happens to your child. We have decided to take this week and next week on our blog to cover Sextortion in more depth to help parents and teens understand the seriousness of the topic.

• 07 March 2018
• Guest Posts By Our Smarties & Ambassadors

**This blog post was written by one of our Smart Students (and only slightly edited by our writing crew).** Middle schoolers seemingly no longer have awkward stages, but are looking more and more like models in their twenties. All because social media stars are influencing them into trying new things like makeup and dressing like a model.

• 28 February 2018
• For Parents and Educators, Technology

If you have ever perused our Resources for Parents page, you may have seen that certain popular apps and social media sites are not COPPA Compliant (such as Twitter). But what does that really mean? Today, we’re diving into what COPPA is, who COPPA protects, and why COPPA is important.

• 21 February 2018
• Guest Posts By Our Smarties & Ambassadors

With a speedy search of a couple keywords, you can access a plethora of articles on any topic, of an amount which would probably take more time to read than you have before a deadline. But in a world where information can be accessed at our fingertips, there is one word that stops any tidbit of findings from ever being totally accepted: FAKE.

• 14 February 2018
• For Parents and Educators

Online bullying, or cyberbullying, can be just as damaging as physical bullying. And while parents won’t be able to see the “injuries,” there are definite warning signs your child may show for this abuse.

• 07 February 2018
• Guest Posts By Our Smarties & Ambassadors

**This blog post was written by a student and only slightly edited by our writing crew.** The individuality of our phones boosts our own individuality, and ultimately our personal identity. We start to see phones as an extension of ourselves.

• 31 January 2018
• For Parents and Educators, For Teens

Everything that you do online, post on social media networks, comment on when it comes to others’ posts, or share online all adds into your personal Digital Brand. If you have a device that is connected to the internet, you HAVE a personal, digital brand. For businesses, digital branding consists of building a brand story; using creativity in digital media and marketing; and creating digital relationships. But what does this mean for individuals? Basically, a personal brand says who you are, what you are known for, or should be known for, and what you have to offer the world at large.

• 24 January 2018
• Guest Posts By Our Smarties & Ambassadors

**This blog post was written by a student and only slightly edited by our writing crew.** As I am preparing for a wedding later today, I can’t help but think back on all the pleasant weddings I’ve been to, and whether or not those marriages lasted.