“Use AI to complement their learning… but not as a replacement” with Kerrie Torres

Join host Josh Ochs on the SmartSocial.com Podcast as he talks with Dr. Kerrie Torres, Deputy Superintendent of Newport-Mesa Unified School District in Orange County, California, about AI, screen time, student safety, and the guardrails families need as technology becomes part of everyday learning. Dr. Torres explains how excessive screen time and social media can affect teen mental health, focus, anxiety, and feelings of disconnection, even when students appear more connected than ever. She also shares how parents can teach kids to use AI as a learning partner, not a replacement for their thinking, so students can refine their work without losing foundational skills. The conversation covers AI privacy concerns, why students should not rely on AI for major life or mental health decisions, how schools can create safer digital ecosystems, and practical dialogue tips parents can use to better understand what their child enjoys and worries about online.