Below are a few of the many endorsements we have received from the people we have worked with over the past few years.
Stephen’s commitment to parents, students, and teachers facing incredible social media risks is admirable! Through his thoughtful, well-researched presentations and communications, he is saving lives and influencing policy.
Robert Sommers, PhD
Oklahoma Secretary of Education Emeritus
Chief Academic Officer
MindPlay, Inc., Tucson, Arizona
Steve is an impressive leader in his field with extensive expertise in social media risks and trends. All students, parents, and educators can benefit from his presentations, research, and articles. I have seen his work positively impact thousands of students and educators.
Dr. Jill Hollander
VP of Academic Services
FerskenED, Dallas, Texas
A Wired Family by Stephen Smith is an eye-opening educational tool for parents. It equips them with essential knowledge to navigate the digital world, ensuring their children’s online safety and well-being.
Megan Baker Rivet
Assistant Superintendent, Teaching & Learning
Three Rivers Local School District
Stephen communicates evidence-based research in a way that compels change. Rather than leave people hopeless, he shares concrete ideas for translating risks to action. As a parent and psychologist, I can’t recommend his resources enough to anyone committed to improving student mental health outcomes.
Heather McCarren, PhD
CEO, MindWise Therapy and Mental Health Consultation
As president of a large IT Consulting company, Steve worked for me for over 15 years, launching several impactful education partnerships. The most notable was the A Wired Family program, which helped schools and parents understand the dangers and benefits of social media and technology. During that time, Steve became a leader in assisting families to mitigate social media risks. Since taking the program private in 2017, it has been used by nearly 400 schools.
John Burns
Founder & CEO
Encore Technologies, Cincinnati, Ohio
Stephen Smith has presented to over 1,000 educators as part of the Character Education graduate classes we provide for teachers. These educators are captivated by the invaluable information provided. All educators should be exposed to Stephen’s information. His passion for helping others is transcendent.
Jim Place
CEO
JPS Character Education, Dayton, Ohio
As a counselor who has invited Steve Smith to our school for many years, I can attest to his invaluable guidance for students, parents, and educators navigating the digital age. Over the past two decades, his powerful presentations have educated and protected families from social media pitfalls, promoting a safer, healthier, and happier lifestyle.
Marie Joseph, M.A., M.Ed
Counselor
As part of my role to educate the public on the dangers lurking online to children, I have worked closely with Stephen Smith for over ten years. His commitment to protecting our young people and informing parents about this serious and growing threat is sincere, comprehensive, and shockingly informative. Please listen to Stephen about this growing, impending tragedy.
Steven J Franzen
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Campbell County Attorney
Stephen is an authority in the ever-changing world of internet safety for children. Few others speak with such an in-depth knowledge of the evolution of social media dangers while also staying apprised of all the latest threats. His presentations are an asset to children and parents alike.
Hon. Rob Sanders
Commonwealth’s Attorney
16th Judicial Circuit of Kentucky
Stephen Smith presented for our professional psychology group, and his skills in both counseling and information technology were evident. He is able to identify problem areas for our youth and offers tech-savvy solutions to keep teens and families safe. I highly recommend his program for any school.
Dr. Thomas W. Heitkemper
Clinical Psychologist (Retired)
As a principal with 15 years of experience, I have seen the challenges and opportunities technology presents to today’s youth. Stephen Smith’s insights and strategies have been instrumental in safeguarding students’ well-being. After attending his presentation, my wife and I implemented his safety measures for our children, greatly enhancing our family’s digital well-being.
John Vander Meer
Middle School & High School Principal
I admire Steve Smith for his commitment to help parents students and teachers navigate the huge social media risk they face today. His well researched presentations through his books and website have had a profound effect. He is saving lives with this valuable awareness program. Many school systems have turned to him for advice on communicating to parents on the social media risk their children face today. Most importantly, he provides the information they need to create a safe social media environment and avoid the many pitfalls families have experienced in the past.
Rick Curry
Grandparent
If you think you know what your children or grandchildren are experiencing on their phones, think again. Steve Smith helps families navigate the fast-changing, potentially dangerous digital world through his website, books, and lectures. His practical strategies and insights offer real-world solutions to keep families safe and informed in the digital age.
Paul & Jill Staubitz
Parent & Grandparents
Our school district has had the pleasure of welcoming Stephen Smith on multiple occasions over the past few years. His presentations to both parents and children have provided invaluable guidance in navigating the rapidly evolving world of technology and social media.
Mandy Longbottom
Parent, PTO President
Hello! I wanted to let you all know that in March, Steve Smith came to Macy’s to speak with our associates about Cyber Safety, and gave his talk titled “Social Media: Your Digital Tattoo” to our associates. The event was sponsored by our Working Families Employee Resource Group, and this was the second time we’ve asked Steve to speak to our associates, as he also presented to us in 2015. One of our Managers heard him speak at her daughter’s school and was very passionate about bringing him back to Macy’s, which we did with no hesitation. We had about 30 people attend the session and we had a robust discussion with the group.
We loved that he not only helped us to understand the dangers out there, but as parents, how to really tune into what our kids are doing, and know how to help keep them safe and to understand the dangers of the social media world. His stories are compelling, and his enthusiasm for the topic is captivating.
We really appreciate that Cincinnati Bell provides such a valuable resource in Steve to help the community stay informed and aware of how we can keep our kids (and ourselves) safe. Technology changes quickly and we are lucky to have Steve on our side. We hope that he can continue to provide this valuable service to the Cincinnati community!
Thanks so much! Dena Benesh
Director, HR Business Partner | Macy’s, Inc.
The Kroger Company
The past four years associate’s at the Kroger General Office have had the opportunity to observe Steve Smith’s presentation, Children Living in a 24×7 World. Steve’s presentation is one of the most popular lunch and learn offered to our Kroger associates. We offer it once a year but we could easily offer it twice a year as it is that popular. I couldn’t begin to put a price on the value of Steve’s presentation. The information is priceless.
Technology is quite beneficial to our children as it will give them the exposure to what they need. However, as fascinating as it is to know how to use the technology, this comes with its own set of challenges. Steve Smith provides information so we may better coach and manager our children. Equipping our Kroger associates with the tools, Steve Smith empowers our associates to manage/coach their children through this crazy changing world of technology. The lunch and learns have likely saved our children from messy situations at school, with friends, future colleges, future employers and more.
You don’t know what you don’t know! The fast-paced world of social media and apps can simply be too much for our parents to wrap their brain around. Steve Smith is able to deliver enough material during the lunch and learn to get the conversation started. As well as the tools to help our parents, www.awiredfamily.org.
Below are some of my key take aways from Steve’s presentation
- The increase in teenage depression is directly related to the innovation of the smart phone and social media.
- Bullying is different in today’s environment. Gone are the days of going home from school and not worrying about any bullying at school. Bullying is now 24×7 and grows from 2 children at school to 100 or more of their friends on social media.
- Social Media – the good and the bad. The watch outs and long term effects of posting photos and texts.
- Technology can be controlled. Many cell phone providers offer tools to help parents set boundaries and monitor activity.
- Apps that are available to track your child’s usage of various apps and social media platform
- Ensure children’s apps and social media are set to a privacy mode visible to friends only. This will protect them from predators and other individuals that could take advantage.
- Stay informed using Steve’s website, as new apps and social media pop up almost monthly.
I look forward to working with Steve next year. It is very rewarding to know we have empowered our associates so they may better manage their children’s technology.
Respectfully,
-Victoria Woeste
The Kroger Company
Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office
I have witnessed the impact that the Cincinnati Bell SOCIAL MEDIA: Your Digital Tattoo program has had on Students across both Hamilton County and Clermont County. This program introduces topics of social media/internet responsibility, risks, and awareness to the students. For many, this program is a wake-up call to the modern communication pitfalls. The Program’s creator and presenter, Stephen Smith, uses language the students understand and presents the topics in a way that make them relatable to the students. The idea that these students are creating a “brand” for themselves on social media in the way they present themselves online is an ingenious message to the kids that they understand. It makes the kids think about what image they are projecting online and how that image can impact their future and follow them for years to come. The Program is a success for many reasons, but the most important, in my mind, is that the Program makes kids stop and think. You can see the students’ minds working while Mr. Smith is speaking.
I have also witnessed the gratitude from Parents who Mr. Smith presents to. Like me, most parents grew up in a non-smart phone, non-internet household and were completely unaware of the potential risks of both social media and online communication. The resources that Mr. Smith outlines for parents and his website www.awiredfamily.org provides are invaluable to parents of all ages.”
-Dotty Smith, Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office
Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office
The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, Juvenile Division has paired with Cincinnati Bell on numerous occasions to present its program SOCIAL MEDIA: Your Digital Tattoo. This program was initiated by Cincinnati Bell’s Steve Smith to educate the community on the influence technology has on our young people, both positive and negative. Each of Steve’s presentations is customized to educate the specific age group Steve is addressing. For younger kids, he talks about cyber bullying and the emotional affect it can have on those targeted by it. For teenagers, he addresses risk factors associated with social media such as how it can affect one’s ability to get into college, receive scholarship funds, or obtain a job upon graduation from college. He makes parents aware of the popular social media sites and apps that are being used by their children. He educates parents about the information that can be sent and received through these sites and apps. A specific emphasis is placed on educating parents about the sexting trend that is so prevalent with today’s younger generation and the unforeseen consequences and criminal charges that can result from this behavior. Overall, his presentations emphasize privacy concerns associated with technology and the responsible use of social media.
The Juvenile Division of the Prosecutors Office interacts with tweens and teenagers on a daily basis, yet it seems almost impossible to stay abreast of the newest trends in technology being used by them. Thus, Steve’s up to date presentations act as an invaluable tool for Prosecutors and parents trying to keep up with the younger generation.
The presentations are very informative and worthwhile, and help both young people and parents understand the risks and rewards of using social media.
Jennifer Deering
Assistant Chief, Juvenile Division
Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office
Forest Hills School District
Staying ahead of the digital curve presents a continual challenge for school districts. How do we keep our students safe online? Do parents know how to help keep their children safe online? How do we attack this problem? For us, our partnership with Cincinnati Bell and Stephen Smith provides an invaluable service providing videos, articles, and workshops for parents.
Stephen sends us his latest video monthly for inclusion in our parent newsletters. The videos are short but to the point, providing parents a way to understand what new apps students are using, what it does, and whether or not it is cause for concern.
Cincinnati Bell’s service is invaluable and will continue to be part of our strategy for cyber safety. Thanks, Stephen!
— Christine McCormick
Director of Technology
Forest Hills School District
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Fairfield Middle School
I have had the opportunity to see the impact that Stephen Smith can have on students through his presentation on both a professional and personal level. As an administrator, I have heard his presentation to our school’s students about the “digital tattoo” they make for themselves each and every time they text, utilize social media, etc. He presents very important and needed information to help young adults be more aware of their presence online and how to be cyber safe. As a parent, I have heard comments about the impact that his presentation made on my own daughter after she listened to him at her school. He helped reinforce some of the same conversations that we have started in our home, as well as helped her realize how to protect herself online and interact with others responsibly.
–Aileen Ernst
Principal
Fairfield Middle School
Brookwood Elementary School
I work as a counselor at Brookwood elementary which is an urban elementary in Hamilton, Ohio. We have been blessed for the past two years in having Mr. Steve Smith from Cincinnati Bell come into our building and provide a great presentation. Mr. Smith presented on the perils of social media with his presentation titled, “SOCIAL MEDIA: YOUR DIGITAL TATTOO. The presentation was not about threatening or scaring our 5th and 6th grade students, it was about being informative with discussion of real consequences for choices that are made. This information was well received by our staff and students. I had the student body complete a survey after the presentation and the data was overwhelming in support of how informative the presentation was. Multiple students stopped Mr. Smith as he was leaving the presentation to share their story and ask more questions. Our building would love the opportunity to have this Cincinnati Bell presentation every year!
Zane Lykins
Student and Family Support Specialist
Brookwood Elementary, 868-5590
Ridgeway Elementary School
Ridgeway Elementary had the opportunity to have Stephen Smith of Cincinnati Bell visit our school to educate our students about social media usage. Mr. Smith was very professional and efficient with his presentation: SOCIAL MEDIA: YOUR DIGITAL TATTOO. It was obvious that Mr. Smith had experience with and was comfortable teaching a large group of students. The information was relevant and was explained in a way that was easily understood by the age group served. This presentation provided our staff and students with new information and has served as a conversation starter with students about safe social media use. We are very appreciative that Cincinnati Bell and Mr. Smith are willing to serve the community and invest in our children!
Mindee Callahan
Student & Family Support, Ridgeway Elementary
Butler County Prosecutor’s Office
Assisting Steve with his presentations over the years has been a pleasure. He is providing a valuable community service by providing students and parents alike the information necessary to be an informed citizen in an ever changing digital world. Steve does a great job of keeping his program updated in a fast changing landscape of social media. Its becoming harder and harder to protect yourself from lurking digital dangers, but with Steve’s presentation you can become more informed and help limit those risks. Also, by giving assistant prosecutors, like me, a forum to come into the schools and inform students of the potential legal consequences of their acts, Steve Smith has a provided an invaluable opportunity to make sure individuals make informed choices and understand the possible consequences.
Jeff Schlessman
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Butler County
Immaculate Heart of Mary
Social Media: Your Digital Tattoo is a powerful presentation for parents, students and school staff. It addresses some of the most important topics that surround youth: social media safety, cyber bullying and mental health concerns associated with the use of technology. IHM parents were enlightened at how many ways they could help teach and protect their children. Immaculate Heart of Mary School thanks Cincinnati Bell and Mr. Stephen Smith for offering this essential and valuable presentation. We will use the program as long as our students are asked to use electronic devices.
– Immaculate Heart of Mary Administration
Sycamore School District, Sycamore Junior High School
Stephen Smith recently presented Social Media: Your Digital Tattoo to parents of Sycamore Junior High students. His informative presentation gives parents the tools to better monitor their child’s online activity. With technology ever-changing, he keeps parents abreast of new apps and social media trends. His talk is easy to understand and gives parents more confidence in understanding what happens when their child goes online and clear steps on how to keep kids safe when they are.
Ashley Ellis
Sycamore Jr High PTO
Lebanon City Schools, Lebanon High School
WOW! The timing of Stephen Smith, and his presentation on SOCIAL MEDIA: Your Digital Tattoo, could not have been better! We have been dealing with students making poor choices on social media. His message not only reiterated what we have been telling students, but opened their eyes to how these poor choices may negatively impact their future options! Mr. Smith’s presentation was interactive and engaged students from beginning to end! Thank-you to Cincinnati Bell for allowing Stephen Smith to come to our school and share this powerful presentation! We look forward to having him back!
Butch Ferrero
Lebanon High School, Asst. Principal
Nagel Middle School
Over 600 Nagel Middle Students had the privilege of hearing Stephen Smith present SOCIAL MEDIA: YOUR DIGITAL TATTOO. This was hands down the best presentation of the year. Stephen has a way of captivating all students’ attention and providing information that not only warns students of the dangers of their online life but educates them how to stay safe.
His presentation sparked a lot of conversation among the students and had a lasting impact on them. Every school needs SOCIAL MEDIA: YOUR DIGITAL TATTOO to be presented to their students!
Carolyn Heller
Counselor, Nagel Middle School
Lakota School District, Hopewell Elementary School
As an elementary school guidance counselor, I thought the Cincinnati Bell program about the safe use of technology/social media for our students was very informative and relative to the lives of our fifth and sixth grade students. Students were very engaged during the program & asked in-depth questions after the program was finished. The presenter spoke in a very knowledgeable manner & had practical tips to offer our students. I would highly recommend Cincinnati Bell’s program to students, educators, and parents alike.”
Thanks & Best Regards,
Brad Rubin
Counselor, Hopewell Elementary School
St. James School
For several years St. James School has taken advantage of Cincinnati Bell’s program, Social Media: Your Digital Tattoo. I consider this program essential for our students in our junior high to hear! Stephen Smith is extremely knowledgeable and up to date with the latest trends in social media. Keeping our kids safe and helping them make good choices is important and this program helps with both of those things.
Thanks!
Jeffrey Fulmer
Principal, St. James School
Beech Acres Parenting Center
Over 30 foster parents had the pleasure of participating in a conversation with Stephen Smith as he presented Social Media: Your Digital Tattoo. Stephen did an excellent job of helping participants understand how technology affects their everyday life and the importance of helping the youth in our community understand how their use of social media has a lasting imprint. I would highly recommend Cincinnati Bell’s program to anyone in the community with an interest in becoming more knowledgeable in the latest social media trends and the impact that social media and technology plays in our lives!
Sarah Sizemore, LSW
Beech Acres Parenting Center
Elder High School
Steve Smith and his team at Cincinnati Bell did an excellent job of presenting material in a comprehensive and engaging way. The presentation entitled Social Media: Your Digital Tattoo made students realize the information they share in cyberspace is there forever. Steve related real life stories and practical examples of safety and consequences. The feedback from this presentation was very positive and well received. Thanks for your time and commitment to this most important issue.
Joe Driehaus
Guidance Director – Elder High School
