Protect Kids Online: Recent Episodes
Wisconsin Department of Justice
The Protect Kids Online (PKO) Podcast is brought to you by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. This podcast is designed for parents, grandparents, guardians, or caregivers of children. Get information about the trends and updates on the latest apps, websites, and online activity of children 17 yrs and younger. Topics include: activities of the Wisconsin ICAC Task Force; App of the Week; tips & methods for combating online child exploitation and sextortion; Internet safety laws; cyberbullying; healthy online habits; protecting your child from strangers online; safe sharing tips; and responses to listener questions! Stay informed, and keep your children safe.
Wisconsin ICAC Commander Jesse Crowe joins the program to discuss the growing threat of online sextortion and how it impacts our children
An overview of the Wisconsin and National ICAC Task Forces with Wisconsin ICAC Commander Jesse Crowe
ICAC #DOJ #KeepingChildrenSafe
Join Ryan and Kagan as they delve into the realm of targeted advertisements. The two discuss how these types of ads can affect the wellness of children through their use of apps and online services. Check out Common Sense Media for guides on how to prepare your family for staying away from these!
Join Ryan and Kagan as they discuss Safer Internet Day which took place on February 6th. This international campaign raises awareness about various internet safety issues and encourages everyone to come together and play their part in improving the internet. The global theme this year for Safer Internet Day 2024 was Together for a Better Internet, and the ICAC focus this year was Parenting Tips for Online Safety! #StartTheConversation
Join Ryan and Kagan as they discuss the booming video game Palworld and discuss considerations for online gaming. Explore the influence of YouTubers and Twitch streamers on kids, learn about internet safety in games like Palworld, and discover how to set effective safety plans and controls.
Join Ryan and Kagan as they delve into the world of Discord and internet safety. Discover essential tips for protecting privacy, navigating safely, and fostering positive communities online. The two speak on the importance of staying vigilant in digital spaces and some options to consider to use Discord safely!
Join Kagan in the PKO Podcast as we explore practical tips for managing privacy, ensuring age-appropriate content, and involving kids in their own digital safety journey. With the holiday season quickly approaching there are many ways to prepare a safe digital journey! The PKO team mentions esrb.org and commonsense.org as great tools to prepare before gifting new electronic devices and games into your families' lives.
Join Ryan and Kagan as they meet with two new members to the ICAC Task Force from ICAC Investigation School. The two podcasts hosts speak to the importance and value in education and investigative expertise with some opportunity to glean insight from those who protect in our local communities. Here's a glimpse into the perspectives of those who are dedicated to the safeguarding of Wisconsin's children!
Join Ryan and Kagan as they discuss some challenges and tips as we return to the school year! As the boundary between home and school blurs with the increasing access to devices, the two attempt to shed light on ensuring digital safety. Discover valuable insights on safeguarding settings, fostering open dialogue, and navigating potential pitfalls as we march ahead into the academic year. Don't miss out!
The PKO podcast hosts are joined by guest Corey Passer, one of our Office of School Safety managers, with the Speak Up Speak Out (SUSO) program! Corey, Ryan, and Kagan discuss the SUSO program and what it entails. Join us as we dive into this useful tip-line which you can find here!
Join Kagan and Ryan as they discuss the hot topic that is Artificial Intelligence (AI). By exploring the world of AI, with a lens on child safety, the episode considers pros, cons, and the crucial role of education in ensuring online safety as this new technology rises in today's society.
Join Ryan and Kagan as they delve into the world of streaming platforms, highlighting the pros, cons, and potential risks for children. They discuss popular platforms like Twitch, YouTube Live, and more, emphasizing parental controls, age-appropriate content, and ways to engage in meaningful conversations with children about their online activity. Tune in to learn about modern tech-savviness, cyber education, and positive screen time habits.
Join Ryan and Kagan as they cover the app Wizz. The two discuss this growing app that has caught the attention of high schoolers. Similar to Yubo, and other meet up apps, Wizz allows users to post short videos and photos of themselves to start conversations. As Ryan and Kagan discuss how Wizz shares similarities to dating apps, see if this is right for your children!
Join Ryan & Kagan as they return to discuss YouTube and YouTube Kids! There are many options to help with account setup. YouTube has provided their own guidelines for parents and Common Sense Media hosts internet safety handouts on safety considerations as well. These materials cover account setup and safety preferences, however feel free to reach out if you have additional questions!
Join Kagan as he meets with Special Agent Ryan as they review a study published by Thorn! The two review the data published from the study, which can be found here, and when it is appropriate to begin internet safety discussions!
Join Kagan as he discusses the newly published Take It Down tool created and facilitated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)! This service is another step an individual can take to help get sexually explicit photos or videos removed from online platforms. Please find this new and useful resource below:
https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/
Safer Interest Day is coming up on February 7th, 2023! Join Ryan and Kagan as they discuss this year's focus and some continued updates on Sextortion seen across the United States. We highly recommend following #SaferInternetDay for advice and tips on a safer internet! Please see the following resources mentioned in this episode:
Safer Internet Day: https://saferinternetday.us/get-involved/
Thorn: https://www.stopsextortion.com/
Join Kagan as he discusses new device setup and privacy setting considerations as new devices may have joined the household during the holiday season! Device settings are crucial to review both with the device itself and with the various game and social media apps we download. To ensure to information is unintentionally shared, privacy setting adjustments should be made as a family. Please visit internetmatters.org/parental-controls to see a comprehensive guide on safety setting considerations!
Join Ryan and Kagan as they discuss the 40th annual National Missing Children's Day and its poster contest! The National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest is a nationwide contest designed to promote awareness among teachers, parents/guardians and children and engage them in discussions about safety. Please consider speaking with your local school district to learn more about spreading this awareness. Further information for this contest for 5th graders can be found here: https://www.missingpersons.doj.wi.gov/
Join Dana on her final episode with the PKO podcast as a member of the Wisconsin ICAC Task Force. Dana harkens back to the core elements of internet safety identified over the years that should be kept in the limelight as we pursue internet safety for our children. The Wisconsin ICAC Task Force is grateful for Dana's service and drive to help keep the children of Wisconsin safe, our team will strive to emulate the good works she has brought over the years here!
Join Dana and Jess as they discuss oversharing when using social media, apps, and games. The two cover considerations on how to emulate good information security practices and what to do when oversharing might occur. The team acknowledges the value of important moments and the desire to share those with friends and family through the lens of internet safety!
Join Dana for our 150th episode while she covers Snapchat parental controls and some options to help keep our kiddos safe. She discusses the history of Snapchat and the changing use of it since its creation. Take a dive into the app design, safety settings, and balance options you can take to help prevent potential concerning features while using the app!
Recent inquiries have been brought up about watch parties and summertime activities for youth. Watching videos online has taken over the #1 online activity for teens and tweens historically! Along with this comes apps that provide options for watch parties to view the shows, movies, and videos together. Users can share video and chat to connect while watching together from a distance. This episode covers the ways this could be a good option to connect right now, along with the possible risks, and how to start those safety discussions and get more information.
June is Internet Safety Month! Join Dana as she highlights the number one way to improve online safety measures with your kiddos. With online and offline lines blurring nowadays the need for open communication surrounding digital use is crucial. Find more information on how to start the conversation through #starttheconversation with the National ICAC Task Force.
Join Dana as she introduces Katie and Leeana to the PKO Podcast. Katie and Leeana are the Wisconsin ICAC Task Force's victim services specialists who provide victim support throughout the state. The three discuss sexual assault awareness month, victim services in the ICAC world, and more!
Join Dana as she reviews the new and upcoming app BeReal! This unique app sends a notification everyday at a random time, notifying users and their friends simultaneously. The user then shares a photo of themselves and what they are up to at that time of day. Dana reviews the potential positives and negatives of the app compared to other apps out there. As always feel free to reach out with any ideas or questions on internet safety!
Join Dana and Kagan as they discuss dating and social meeting apps and the use by children seen the last few years. The two return to a brief overview of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTip program before speaking on the main topic for this episode. Dating and social meet up apps are becoming trendier for teens and young children to this day. Dana and Kagan cover the reasons, ramifications, and routes to prepare for discussion options for parents and their kids!
Join Dana and Jess as they discuss the recent Safer Internet Day rollout and the focus on Blackmail/Sextortion. The two highlight the growing trends that affect the lives of children more often than most parents realize. Thankfully there are resources to not only help support your children but respond when this illicit act occurs!
In this episode of the PKO podcast we are joined by Joe Miller with WashingTECH. Join Dana and Joe as they discuss a wide array of topics from the current discussions held today in federal government to device and internet safety talks we can have with our children. Not only do the two cover a veritable amount of resources on internet safety but the two cover the upcoming highlight for Safer Internet Day!
https://www.techpolicypodcast.org/safetycheck/
This week we are delighted to introduce Jess and Kagan, our two Wisconsin ICAC analysts, as they join Dana in a discussion on technology during the holidays. By considering this year's CyberTip trends and the nearing holiday season, the three review the possible coming changes and safety considerations as new technology is introduced in the household!
Join Dana and Jeff as they review the rising app Playbyte. The two discover that the aim of Playbyte is to act as a TikTok for videogames. Users can develop their own games or try out other people's creations, while also leading to similar mini-games personalized for the user. By exploring some of the potential risks the PKO team discusses the positives and negatives of the app!
Join Dana and special guest Caroline, from the Illinois Attorney General's Office ICAC team, as they discuss technology use within the house. The two review the various ramifications of tech use by young children and how parents can set a good example on internet use. From there the podcast team discusses the various content and experiences toddlers appear to be having in this growing digital age!
Join Dana and special guest Chris, from the Illinois Attorney General's Office, as they discuss the return of popular anonymous app YikYak! After a brief hiatus from the major social media scene it seemed important for the podcast team to return for a review on the app's recent resurgence. While the app was originally developed with the intent for college aged users, it has shown up in the hands of younger crowds such as middle and high schoolers. The two discuss the app's features, worries about its use in Cyber Bullying, and more!
Join Dana and Matt as they share some important updates for the Wisconsin ICAC Task Force and the PKO Podcast. This episodes covers the importance of digital and technological education while looking back at their experience with the evolution of technology. The PKO Podcast will be taking a short hiatus until the school year commences in the fall.
Join Dana and Jeff as they discuss new and old social media challenges. Over the years various challenges have popped up across social media websites influencing children and adults alike. The two discuss the various ramifications on one's physical and mental well -being when attempting these challenges and posting them on the internet.
Join Dana and Jeff this week as they discuss YouTube Kids! With the intent to both educate and empower youth today, there is hope that when our children come across harmful material they feel comfortable reaching out to a trusted adult. The two discuss this growing alternative that aims to provide youth oriented videos, newer safety settings, and parental controls.
This week we return to times of yore where Dana & Carl reviewed Discord and Twitch, and prove that neither one of them are regular online gamers. They also prove very quickly how easy it is to spend a lot of time watching other gamers live stream their play. It is very easy to lose track of time. With the continual rise in popularity of Twitch streamers and their personal servers on discord for followers, it is important to understand how the apps work!
Join the PKO Podcast team as they dive back into the popular and growing game Roblox. With its recent movement to the public sphere and access to the game across just about any device and platform there is a need to know more! Players can interact on a multitude of servers where they can create new worlds or engage in obstacles, horror themed games, shooters, and more. While there are good options in the privacy settings, sometimes the content and chat filter doesn't work as effectively as desired. Join Dana and Jeff as they discuss the app's opportunities, qualities, and safety options!
We harken back to times when Carl & Dana discuss the early publication of the app YOLO. Not only did the app become quite popular upon release but has seen continual use since its arrival to app-stores.
YOLO is a Snapchat add-on that has been off the charts popular since its release. It's an anonymous Q&A app that allows you to ask questions of your friends and followers on Facebook. Dana and Carl talk about how it works, things to be aware of, and ways to start the discussions with your kids about safety when it comes to anonymity online.
On this episode, PKO is fortunate to connect with Inspector Ibrahim Ozdemir with the Turkish National Police! They discuss the importance of collaborating on online exploitation crimes, similarities and differences in trends, challenges faced, and exciting new safety initiatives, including Turkey's Siberay! Join us for this episode, as we all work together for a better internet.
In this episode, PKO chats about an online game that is made to spook and scare the user throughout. Listen in to learn about this one, ideas for discussion starters with your kids, and ways to help them realize it might be TOO scary for them.
How are you and your families doing with screen-time management? Join PKO this week to check in about virtual burnout, signs and symptoms, and ideas to help reduce the impact of increased screen time on adults and kids alike! CDC recommendations for coping with stress and keeping mental health in mind are also discussed.
PKO revisits the site Omegle as an update from Episode 75. ICAC has been seeing some higher levels of use of the site again. Kids are curious and might be interested in the anonymous chat site to meet new people, but there are risks to be aware of with anonymous apps, live streaming, and chatting with strangers. Know what they are doing online, and teach them how to respond and report if something inappropriate happens!
This episode features Susan Kennedy, Prevention Manager with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Into the Cloud Season 2 has released, which is a great way to introduce the topic of online safety to young children with the use of cartoon episodes and talking points. Looking for resources for older children and teens? They have those, too! Tune in to hear about some free resources from NCMEC, as well as some adaptations on the current resources!
Check out this episode to hear exciting news from Common Sense on the upcoming launch of their new Sensical platform! It's a free streaming service to provide reviewed, age-appropriate content for children 2-12. We can't wait! This episode also talks about the popular favorite for videos, YouTube, and discusses current child safety policies that are in place as well as where to find more information.
This episode provides some great stats and information from Wisconsin ICAC work throughout 2020 (Thank you for all the PKO episode listens & downloads, and for sharing the information)! PKO also provides some exciting safety information and announcements for the start of 2021. Please listen in, share the information out, and above all - stay safe!
In this episode, join PKO to chat about the importance of learning capabilities of new devices and paying attention to both device and account settings. In fact, if you have new devices (or apps or games) in the home, this is a perfect time to take a look at those settings with your child. Not only will it provide a great opportunity for discussion about expectations and safety information, it will also show them a great example of the safe way to set up new tech!
Wink is an add-on app for Snapchat that allows you to communicate with new users based on both users agreeing to connect. As always when connecting with strangers online, there are safety concerns to be aware of with this. Join us on this episode to hear more about how Wink works, discussion points for families, and resources to find more information if you need to learn more about apps or games.
Join us for this special one-hour episode where ICAC is guests of David Niven and the Social World Podcast! David has over 35 years of national and international experience in the field of social welfare, and is recognized as an independent expert on matters of child protection and parenting. He hosts the Social World Podcast, discussing information on social work and social care, and also works with a company called Ineqe to put out great online safety resources. Listen as we chat about ICAC history, technology challenges, ideas for more widespread collaboration, and more!
Your children (or you) may be playing this popular game where you work with crewmates in space to try to identify the hostile imposter on the crew. Listen to an overview of the game, things to consider discussing with your children that are interested in or already playing the game, and malware concerns to be aware of if you aren't downloading it from the official app store.
This episode discusses catfishing, sadfishing, and different child safety perspectives to be aware of within these types of incidents. Information is also shared from Northwestern University on teens, tech use, and healthy boundaries.
Join the Protect Kids Online podcast for this episode on dealing with school year stress! Whether you are looking at in-person school, hybrid models, or virtual learning, there are tips to keep in mind to help us help our kids manage and reduce stress. Resources are also shared for managing stress, mental health considerations, and staying optimistic. We can all use a little less stress, grab a seat and join us for this one!
This episode covers very important information about online abuse, harassment, and violence. Including the value of reporting those types of communications and behaviors. Along with this, increased social media use can cause increased anxiety or concerns right now - hear about ideas to help combat this sort of impact!
Watching videos online has taken over as the #1 online activity for teens and tweens! Along with this comes apps that provide options for watch parties to view the shows, movies, and videos together. Users can share video and chat to connect while watching together from a distance. This episode talks about the ways this could be a good option to connect right now, along with the possible risks, and how to start those safety discussions and get more information.
We are all finding ways to navigate a more virtual environment, whether those have minor or major impacts on us and our families. Join us on this episode to chat about some considerations for online learning programs (or any online activity) including multiple passwords, password safety, safe posting & sharing in class, and more! Connect with us: www.ProtectKidsOnlineWI.gov with ideas or questions for future episodes!
Many families are finding that online games are beneficial for more reasons than ever right now! Online gaming can be a great way for kids to connect with their friends and peers, especially during a time when many can't see those friend groups in person. In this episode, Dana and Jeff chat about gaming in general, giving yourself a bit of a break on tech rules right now, and some new products they've been seeing.
Recent studies show that trending searches on popular app Pinterest include things like wellness, positivity, and future planning. The current Wisconsin ICAC Commander joins Dana on this episode to focus on the very important aspect of wellness and ideas for keeping wellness in mind during the current climate - for ICAC personnel, for parents, for kids - for us all!
Looking back over the past four years the PKO Podcast team has covered a wide variety of topics, but which ones drew the most interest? The final of the five we will cover considers blackmail/sextortion, a crime showing up with higher frequency in the ICAC world. There's never a mistake too big - we can always ask for help. Hear some of the new stats (and resources) offered to victims of sextortion from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Thorns' website: Stopsextortion.com
Looking back over the past four years the PKO Podcast team has covered a wide variety of topics, but which ones drew the most interest? The fourth of the five we will cover is a survey on the areas of technology teens want to be able to connect on with their parents. Dana and Carl share information from a survey done of teens in a Wall Street Journal article. Teens shared what they wish their parents knew about their tech use and things they wished their parents would do or talk about - what valuable information! Check it out, it might guide some of those safety discussions with your teen.
Looking back over the past four years the PKO Podcast team has covered a wide variety of topics, but which ones drew the most interest? The third of the five we will cover is a brief jump back to popular video game Minecraft.. In this episode, Dana & Jeff dive into this very popular game among all age groups. Learn about how it works, what's evolving, and how to find and set some privacy settings that will help across the board as your child is gaming.
Looking back over the past four years the PKO Podcast team has covered a wide variety of topics, but which ones drew the most interest? The second of the five we will cover is a brief jump back to popular online chat apps Discord & Twitch... Dana & Carl talk about these two popular gaming communication apps in this episode, and prove that neither one of them are regular online gamers. They also prove very quickly how easy it is to spend a lot of time watching other gamers live stream their play. It is very easy to lose track of time!
Looking back over the past four years the PKO Podcast team has covered a wide variety of topics, but which ones drew the most interest? The first of the five we will cover is a brief jump back to multiple accounts... Do you follow your teen on social media as part of your online safety plan? That's a great way to have relevant discussions with them about their app use...but are you aware of all of their accounts? Carl and Dana talk about how common it is for kids (and bad guys) to have multiple accounts on social media platforms.
Okay, we know that it's not the same as historical telegrams. The Telegram app has become a popular messaging option! Listen in as Carl joins Dana again to chat about what Telegram is, concerns with this and all messaging apps, and where you can get more information. Stay Safe!
Carl does a guest "appearance" on PKO over a phone call. The technology is a work in progress, but hear about some of the great resources out there for online activities, virtual tours, and more. Have ideas that have helped in your home? Share them at ProtectKidsOnlineWI.gov!
Dana & Nick discuss some of the most popular apps being downloaded recently, and many of them have a concerning trend in common. Users are meeting new friends on Snapchat that they don't know in real life, and may not have any previous connection with at all. Many of the new friends may be based on physical looks or risky posts only - Combined with potential location sharing through SnapMaps, there are safety discussion that would be good to have with your teens regarding their online use. Only you and your teen can decide what is appropriate for your situation, but make sure you consider the safety side of things!
Are we really actually good at multitasking? Or are we just getting used to having our focus split a number of ways over a short period of time? Either way, this sort of focus can take a toll on stress-levels and mental health. Listen as Nick joins Dana again to discuss ideas to help combat too much screentime, and why it is so important to create and push yourself to stick to healthy boundaries!
In this episode, Dana is joined by Nick to discuss Artificial Intelligence used to write Research Papers or otherwise help with schoolwork. We discuss how our digital decisions can follow us into the future, such as potential colleges or workplaces finding risky behavior online, but risky decisions like plagiarism would impact our future in a negative manner, too. When discussing digital citizenship and safety, there's a lot to consider!
Today, Dana is joined by Pat Craven, Director of the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, to share some of their online safety resources for FREE during this time of self-isolation. Many people are finding themselves in new territory with having to work remotely and have their children attend school virtually - let's use all the help we can get! Check out these Garfield-themed safety cartoons and activities, and check out iamcybersafe.org for more safety tips, resources, and ideas to help your family navigate the "virtual reality" that is our current life!
While these numbers came out a couple of months ago for 2019 trends, there's very few surprises - creating videos is the trending function of apps! Check in with PKO while they discuss popular apps, influencers, and ways to learn more about the apps and games your kids might be interested in.
On this episode, PKO dives into Minecraft, a very popular game among all age groups. Learn about how it works, what's evolving, and how to find and set some privacy settings that will help across the board as your child is gaming.
In this episode, Carl and Dana reminisce about their foray into Podcasting over the last few years, and the journey they've had sharing online safety information over the airwaves. Dana says farewell to Carl as he starts a new opportunity! Have ideas moving forward? Send them to icac@doj.state.wi.us!
Attorney General Kaul joins Dana & Carl to celebrate their 100th PKO Episode, and to chat about the exciting work of the ICAC Task Force in Wisconsin! We've got great partners and resources in this state and beyond; tune in to hear about 2019 in review, as well as exciting news coming up in 2020.
Microsoft has recently announced new software that they have produced in collaboration with other companies, and it is being used to detect child exploitation and grooming behaviors in chat! Join Carl and Dana as they discuss Project Artemis and the exciting potential this has for tech safety in 2020.
Have you heard of Mewe? The company states that they are an "alternative to Facebook." Popularity on this one among kids is still unknown, but it requires a slightly higher age than Facebook, and Carl and Dana saw some content not appropriate for young ages right away. Remember, the same safety rules apply no matter the app or platform - don't let new tech overwhelm you!
Dana & Carl talk about Discord and Twitch in this episode, and prove that neither one of them are regular online gamers. They also prove very quickly how easy it is to spend a lot of time watching other gamers live stream their play. It is very easy to lose track of time. Check out episode 95 and some of our tips on our website to set up those screen time limits on devices!
It's that time of yeeeear.....when new devices and toys are common in the house! Did your household get some new tech this holiday season? We know it's exciting, but try to take the time to set up screen limits, privacy settings, and safety information right away. It's best to get into good habits early! Carl and Dana review some information about screen time, the importance of screen limits and sleep, and a possible connection to sugary drinks and caffeine!
Go along with Dana and Carl on an Internet Safety Adventure! Hear about Google's great Be Internet Awesome program, including a quick run-through of their interactive online game, Interland! Help your kids use tech to reinforce positive behavior, and grab some great info and resources along the way.
Instagram has announced a new "add-on" for their app, and it appears to be some competition for Snapchat's more popular features! Hear about how it works, and chat with your teens about whether they plan to give this one a try!
There's never a mistake too big - we can always ask for help. Hear some of the new stats (and resources) offered to victims of sextortion from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Thorns Stopsextortion.com
Carl and Dana are joined by Ben, an Outreach Manager from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Hear about NCMEC's new into the Cloud program, geared toward younger kids, with episodes, activities, and an online game!
In this episode Dana and Carl hop into the newer social networking application Rabbit. If your teen wants to share a streaming TV show, movie or YouTube channel have then jump into Rabbit where they can watch together with their friends. However, like always, Dana and Carl will discuss the holes that Rabbit can dig into and expose your teen to something less hoppy.
This month celebrates 3 years of online safety resource collaboration between WI Department of Justice and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction! Check out the updated resources available, hear about future plans for additional resources, and send in your thoughts for what you'd like to learn more about!
Do you follow your teen on social media as part of your online safety plan? That's a great way to have relevant discussions with them about their app use...but are you aware of all of their accounts? Carl and Dana talk about how common it is for kids (and bad guys) to have multiple accounts on social media platforms.
It's that time of year...Carl and Dana know that tech is a very big part of our kids' lives, and that includes schoolwork and homework! Check out a few tips and app ideas that could become great resources for them (or you) as homework questions pop up.
Balancing screen-time limits with long travel? This episode refers to a few tips to help navigate this balance, as well as a few app/website recommendations based on age and topic of interest. There's even a bonus - some of them are educational!
Dana and Carl share information from a survey done of teens in a Wall Street Journal article. Teens shared what they wish their parents knew about their tech use and things they wished their parents would do or talk about - what valuable information! Check it out, it might guide some of those safety discussions with your teen.
60% of parents say they are monitoring their kids' online behavior. Are you one of them? What does monitoring mean to you? It is important not to get too bogged down in specific apps. Know what your kids are using, but more importantly, HOW they are using them! Need more information to get started? Check out the interact! program at protectkidsonlinewi.gov.
YOLO is a Snapchat add-on that has been off the charts popular since its recent release. It's an anonymous Q&A app that allows you to ask questions of your friends and followers on Facebook. Dana and Carl talk about how it works, things to be aware of, and ways to start the discussions with your kids about safety when it comes to anonymity online.
Carl and Dana walk through the new popular game: Bitlife! Start as a baby, and make choices that affect your virtual life until your virtual death! Beware, though - the choices might not be the most child-friendly. This is one to be having chats about appropriate choices if your kids are playing it. It's all fun when it's virtual, but actions have consequences!
The World Health Organization has recently released some recommendations for screen time limits for young children. You may be surprised to hear what they are! Join Dana and Carl in this episode as they talk about how these limits can be difficult, but the most important thing is setting limits that work for your household...and stick to them! Stay Safe!
Part 1 had so much great info - Summit Credit Union's Financial Education Specialist returns for Part 2! This time, the group talks more about what to do if you think your financial information has been compromised, and how to start (and continue) some of those basic safety discussions with your teen regarding online safety, including oversharing, knowing who you are talking to, and more. Remember, much of our lives involved the internet now - let's stay safe, no matter what we're doing online!
In this episode, Carl and Dana are joined by Summit Credit Union's Financial Education Specialist to talk about how the basic online safety rules apply to being safe in all aspects! They discuss ideas to discuss with your teen about having their financial information on their phones - including financial responsibility, healthy budgeting, and how to avoid scams and risky situations. Don't miss this one!
We flipped the part 1 and part 2 of these episodes, but it is great information either way! 90% of teens say they play video games on a computer, game console, or cellphone, according to a recent Pew Research study. Join Carl and Dana as they chat with Jeff, an agent that knows a lot about gaming, about popular games, safety information, and more!
We flipped the part 1 and part 2 of these episodes, but it is great information either way! Online gaming is so popular, we thought the episode deserved a Part Two. In this one, Carl, Dana, and Jeff talk about in-app and in-game purchases, and the importance of setting
approvals on gaming systems so you don’t have some unexpected charges from these popular video games. Interested in the financial responsibility discussion? Keep an eye out for future episodes….
Dana and Carl welcome their safety co-worker, Amanda, to this episode to revisit YouTube. YouTube is such a popular resource and spare time entertainment site for kids and adults alike that we thought it was worthy of another episode! Listen in for the new updates and additional thoughts on this very popular app and website.
PKO 76: In this episode Carl and Dana dig into the information overload that is the website/app Reddit. Whether you are looking for news, weather, chat or meme's, Reddit is your one stop shop. However, is that all Reddit has to offer?
In our Diamond (75th) episode Dana and Carl take you live online to the free chat site Omegle. Learn what Dana and Carl experience while chatting live with several unknown individuals on their "Unmoderated Section" which is unfortunately easy to access for any age.
Are you looking for a good way to introduce your child to a social media account? Facebook has a Safety Center, with everything from policies to Parent and Youth. Portals at your fingertips! This is a great place to start together before creating those accounts, or to take a moment to review, even if you already have an account!
We often provide safety information about specific apps or functions, but maybe you are looking for more general safety settings across the board. Check out this episode to hear about the types of parental monitoring and safety settings that are built in to both iPhones and Android phones to help!
There's now information to suggest that our pets get a little bummed out when we ignore them in lieu of screen time. If we think about it, this isn't surprising - so let's remember to consider how this impacts our children, our loved ones, and ourselves as well. Set those screen time limits, and stick to them!!
Have you ever wondered how you can help with keeping children safe online? If you are a parent or guardian, check out the new interact program - an interactive, online e-course designed to teach basic internet safety topics to parents and caregivers together with their child(ren). The 30 minute module contains information, resources, and interactive scenarios and activities intended to begin and continue online safety discussions in the household. Check out the e-course: Visit www.protectkidsonlinewi.gov and click the interact tab. Stay safe, and drive safety!
In this episode, Dana and Carl download Tik Tok. Carl gets distracted by the many features and users, and shows us how easy it is for our kids to get caught up in hours of screen time on some of these apps. This has become a very popular app - check out this episode to learn about what it is, different features that are involved, and some of the safety aspects to be aware of when talking to your children about it.
Why would we talk about Pinterest? Oh wait...we get Cybertips from Pinterest (and everywhere else). This is the perfect example of why we can't, as safety guardians, focus on only the apps that get the "bad rap". Carl and Dana talk about private versus public boards, following and friends, message functions, and more!
It's been a while since we discussed sextortion on the podcast, and it's a dangerous "trend" we are seeing more of. Listen as Carl and Dana talk about results of a survey done by Thorn, tips to remember when talking with your kids about his, and resources & information to learn more or get help.
In episode 67, Dana & Carl spend some time reminiscing about getting started in technology. It's a great reminder for us as guardians - our kids are doing the same things we did as kids, but the audience is potentially bigger and tech is much more common now. It's something to consider as you set tech rules in your household, and as you are talking with your kids about their online activity. Stay safe!
In episode 66, Dana introduces Carl to an initial study she read about regarding screens in the classroom, and the results on students' short-term and long-term recollection of information. What do you think the results of the study were? Listen and find out!
This is one of the most common questions that we get involving online safety: "What apps should I look out for?" It's an understandable question, but Dana & Carl chat in this episode about why it's more important to talk with kids about how they are using their apps than to veto specific apps based on how others have used them. In the end, remember - you decide what the best safety practices are for your family. Stay informed, and stay safe!
It's October, and there is more going on than Halloween! It's Internet Safety month and once again Dana checks in with Chad from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to see what exciting offerings DPI will have this year on their website! Remember Internet Safety should be observed more than just one month a year! If you have any questions or concerns let us know at protectkidsonlinewi.gov.
AI isn't just for sci-fi movies anymore! In Episode 63, Carl and Dana start conversing online with an AI Chatbot to see how the conversation progressed. It might seem intimidating, but the same rules apply: not oversharing, understanding that you don't know what's on the other side of the screen, and how to get out of conversations when things seem inappropriate or uncomfortable. Stay Safe!
With schools starting all over again, photo's will be uploading everywhere, and it's been a while since we've chatted about Instagram, as it continues to grow in popularity. Carl and Dana are joined in this episode by an avid user of Instagram to help explain some of the workings of the app to Carl, a beginner, and Dana, who is totally new to Instagram. They also talk about some of the new features and functions available through the app, including live streaming.
CLICK Yep, my child is 13. But are they really? Carl and Dana take some time in this episode to talk about the age requirements in some of those more popular apps. More importantly, they talk about why those age limits are in place. There's some great food for thought here as you help your child get set up with their first accounts on social media or apps.
As we wind down the summer (I know - don't say it out loud!), Dana and Carl chat about some security features to keep in mind as you might be traveling - with or without your kids. Things to consider include locking devices and apps, the risks that come with free wifi, and solutions to keep in mind. These are great ways to help set a good example for your kids surrounding tech security, and it also helps you have discussions together about making safe choices online. Stay safe!
Are your teens suffering from "summer brain"? in this episode, Carl and Dana chat over a few educational apps or brain game apps to help with spatial or other skills! If you have a teen that is a mind-less scroll-er, these (or apps like them) might be a few good options to consider encouraging. Listen to Carl check out a few of the brain games, while Dana shares a bit of information about each and the different types of skills these apps might help us develop.
We're all in this together! Dana and Carl share a few tips that they've gotten from parents in the course of providing safety information. They also talk about things haven't worked; maybe they'll spark new ideas that DO work! Do you have things that have or haven't worked in talking to your kids or monitoring their devices for safety? Share them with Dana and Carl at www.protectkidsonlinewi.gov!
In this episode, Dana & Carl are joined by Ben, a Special Agent in Charge specializing in Human Trafficking investigations. Ben shares information on what human trafficking is and how children can get tricked into it, red flags to watch out for in real life and online, and resources for more information or how to report.
In this episode Carl and Dana take on a new role, reading an example of a previous online enticement chat reported to the CyberTipline. They try to keep it light, but it provides a serious and great example of how quickly online chat can get sexual, how peer pressure is involved, and what some basic grooming tactics look like.
This trending app is surpassing Twitter and Pinterest in downloads - It's a location based anonymous messaging app, intended for anonymous compliments, feedback, and connections. Carl and Dana talk about the good and the bad of anonymous messaging apps, and things that you might want to consider including in your safety discussions with your kids regarding any anonymous messaging app in which they are interested.
Today, Carl and Dana talk about some of the social media challenges that have been trending in past months, including the Tide Pod Challenge, 3 AM Challenge, the Condom Challenge, and more. They talk about the incredible amount of peer pressure kids are subject to, and the importance of not assuming that kids can ignore the pressure to try some of these challenges, no matter how risky or dangerous (or gross) they seem!
In this episode, Carl & Dana take a look at the chat app Anti-Chat, and Carl does another live demo chat to show how easy it is for strangers to chat online with our kids and how quickly the conversations can take an inappropriate turn. Apps and sites that are "anonymous" can be appealing to teens; hear about the potential risks, as well as options for actions to take if the conversation does become inappropriate.
Dana and Carl reconnect with WI Dept. of Instruction to hear about updates on their online safety resources. Chad shares a reminder about already created resources for educators, as well as safety information for students and families, that can be found at https://dpi.wi.gov/internet-safety
In this episode, Carl and Dana have fun testing out the Marco Polo app. They try setting up accounts, chatting with each other, and determine where the biggest risks and safety considerations might be. Bonus fun: Carl really enjoys sharing the audio from some of the chats they tested out!
Today, on our 50th episode, Carl and Dana talk about different things to think about when getting your child their own email address, including usernames, scams, and safety considerations to chat about with your child. They also talk about kids' school emails and safety information.
In this episode, Carl and Dana talk about how these crimes impact students and children-especially through sextortion, revenge porn, online grooming, and cyberstalking/cyberbullying. Dana shares some stats on how many WI ICAC cases from 2017 involved kids' sexts, as well as some surprising statistics on companies that report child exploitation online.
Carl & Dana learned on this one, and you can, too! There are ways to lock iPads onto certain sites or apps (i.e. - are you making dinner and you want your child to only be able to access Bejeweled while you do it?) There are also ways to restrict the sites/apps that your child can access. Seems like a handy piece of info us!
In this episode, join Carl and Dana as they talk about the different common internet browser options that are available, and how to do things like change settings or consider child-friendly options for browsing.
In this episode the PKO team talks about augmented reality and how it's finding its way into more and more everyday common apps and games. It seems super-techy (that's the technical term), but the same safety rules apply: Privacy settings, know who and what you are sharing to, and awareness.
Dana surprises Carl with the information in this episode. Listen to hear some interesting stats and information as they talk about trends around the world, passwords, and more! We hope you enjoy the informal chat of this episode!
In this episode, Carl and Dana speak with Common Sense (the online safety resource, not the everyday practical understanding that we hope we all have) Director of Outreach and Professional Services for Schools. Join us as Merve talks about some great resources available on the website, and how important it is for all of us to all work together toward a common goal of safety. Go to commonsense.org or commonsensemedia.org for more info!
In this episode, PKO focuses on discussing new functionalities that apps are announcing and how it is important to ask your kids how they use apps that you are already familiar with. What happens if that app comes out with a new option, function, or download that you aren't aware of? Check this one out to hear about new trends ICAC is seeing, and for ideas to consider when chatting with your kids about their devices.
Are you struggling with limiting your kids screen time (or yours)? There are apps to help with that! In this episode, PKO takes a look at some tech and apps to help limit use on tech and apps! Some even let kids to budget out their screen time themselves, or allow them to earn more by doing chores or other agreed upon activities. We can all use some help managing our tech time. Check these out and find some options that might work for you and your family.
In episode 41, PKO takes a look at the app GroupMe. GroupMe's tag line is: The best way to chat with everyone you know. It provides free group messaging, works on every device, and even works over SMS if you don't have the app. Carl & Dana talk about how this might be becoming popular in school settings, and trying to keep the risks with group chats to a minimum.
Happy Halloween, PKO Listeners! To round out our Keeping Kids Safe Online Month on the PKO Podcast, Carl and Dana talk about the TBH new polling app aimed solely at positive feedback. We hope you have enjoyed the special weekly releases this month - remember that DPI & DOJ-PKO resources are continually updated so that Keeping Kids Safe Month can be every month!!
In this episode, Carl and Dana talk with Julie, a DPI guest that works on the Student Services Wellness and Prevention Team. From Julie - "In the wake of international internet security attacks, a constant stream of social media, and the prevalence of computer use, never has there been a more important time to talk with youth, families and educators about the importance of online safety."
In our 2nd October weekly special, PKO delves deeper with WI DPI and their Keeping Kids Safe Online resources! These resources are available in English and Spanish, and are created in a way that educators can infuse them into their existing lesson plans. Chad, our DPI guest, also shares ideas on how to enhance school & community involvement!
The month of October is Wisconsin's "Keeping Kids Safe Online" month and is designed to engage our Wisconsin community and to raise awareness about the importance of protecting yourself online. The WI Dept. of Justice and the WI Dept. of Public Instruction have collaborated to create an Internet resource to provide tools and information about staying safe online, including things like signs of cyberbullying and where to report; what it means for today's students to be a digital citizen; lesson plan ideas for teachers; safety settings for apps/sites; a calendar of safety events around the state; and recommended additional resources! Tune in for weekly releases of the PKO Podcast during October and stay safe!
This PKO episode features remarkable guest Alicia Kozakiewicz (@itsaliciakozak)! Alicia is an international advocate for preventative safety education and effective legislation, as well as a survivor of Internet luring/abduction and child sexual exploitation. Join Alicia & Dana as they discuss Alicia's story, safety tips and tricks for both parents & kids, and some basic but critical information for parents on how important it is to be a part of their child's online lives - how to help keep them safe, how to help if something happens, and everything in between.
In PKO's 35th episode, Dana and Carl discuss the importance of knowing what you post, and the effects of letting your teens watch what is being posted on social media today without addressing it. Examples of recent news stories of horrific tragedies are discussed and the effects that social media has on them.
In this episode Dana and Carl continue their conversation with two teenagers discussing peer pressure, how teens communicate, and other interesting perspectives that parents may want to know!
Dive into the life of a teenager! In this episode Dana and Carl chat with two teenagers about current tech trends, rules placed on them by their parents, schools and friends! Hear what they like and don't like about social media, how they handle peer pressure and rules of the house!
In this episode Dana and Carl hit the books and get you ready for that back to school tech time that every parent dreads. Get positives and negatives on tech times, school technology and hints to help your child balance fun and games technology with e-learning.
In this episode Carl and Dana take you through the latest update in the world of Snapchat...Snap Maps! Learn the positives and negatives of seeing where people are posting snapchats and learn how to combat the potential dangers of giving away too much information.
In PKO's 30th episode, Dana and Carl go one-on-one with a parent of a teenager who is just starting to explore technology. See what works, what doesn't, and perhaps even gain a few tips on how to manage that ever-changing teenager (not to mention ever-changing technology!). Happy Independence Day everyone!
In this episode, Dana and Carl go through a new feature called Gallery Guardian that allows notifications when those not-so-clothed images appear on a device! Plus, "To Infinity and Beyond!". Dana and Carl explain the new infinity feature on the latest Snapchat update.
Ever have that little voice in the back of your head warn you that certain info might not be the best to send or post? In this episode, Dana and Carl discuss the importance of listening to that little voice, and taking an extra moment before saying yes to sending that content, image, or post. There is discussion on emotional-based posting, inappropriate posting, and a sample of the kind of posts that are "out there". There's some great info to consider as you talk with your teens about the implications social media has on society potential college recruitment and job seeking. Also hear from special guest, Program and Policy Analyst Megan Chapman. Remember: once you've sent it, it's out of your control!
In this Part 2 of 2 episode, Dana and Carl welcome experienced Internet Crimes Against Children Investigators from across the state of Wisconsin to further discuss some common questions that they receive when chatting with parents or community members about online safety. Learn about common trends, tactics, and behaviors of internet predators as seen from across Wisconsin and beyond!
In this episode, Carl and Dana welcome an experienced Internet Crimes Against Children Investigator from the state of Wisconsin to discuss some common questions that they receive when chatting with parents or community members about online safety. What does the Investigator think is the most important piece of safety advice for parents? What red flags do they notice that tend to indicate grooming or manipulative behaviors? Don't miss PKO 26 or the upcoming PKO 27 to get perspectives from multiple different ICAC investigators on these, and other, ICAC questions!
In this episode, Carl & Dana dig into the app Down. They've heard about it's popularity among users, including teens, as a "hookup" app. Listen to hear about some risks, what's involved with this app, and things to consider as you chat with your teens about the different purposes of apps and social media networks!
On this episode, Carl and Dana talk about things to consider when getting rid of a cell phone or device. Are you planning to recycle it? Are you planning to allow a new user to take ownership of it? Be safe while also being environmentally-friendly, and stay safe!
In episode 23, Dana and Carl take a look at the new Yellow app, an app with a description specifically saying it is an easy way to make new friends and chat with them. With a connection and an option to add new friends through Snapchat, and a Tinder-esque feel to the swiping, this app has some risks to consider since the point is to talk to strangers. Stay informed, and stay safe!
Episode 22 lightens things up with Dana & Carl trying out the Random App of Kindness (RAKi) mini-games. This app was designed by researchers from several universities to see if specific interactive games could help increase kids’ empathy and social-emotional learning. It’s cute & fun, and FREE! Whether you plan to try it out or not, remember always to set tech-free zones in the house, and make sure you have screen-time limitations for both you and your kids. Stay safe!
Episode 21 discusses the popular app Instagram. Instagram is one of the top social media platforms for teens, and therefore deserves some attention! Listen to get some talking points for online safety discussions with your kids, and remember to let PKO know what you want to hear about at www.ProtectKidsOnlineWI.gov!
Have you been wondering how to deal with your kids using technology? In this episode, Carl and Dana welcome internet safety expert Joe Laramie to discuss the benefits of tech and the idea that we don't need to change our parenting methods because of it - we just need to adjust our thinking to how kids are using that technology.
Could I, should I, would I, monitor my kids devices? Check out this bonus episode for Safer Internet Day on February 7, 2017! Carl & Dana share information on three parental monitoring apps discussed recently on the Today show, and discuss some pros and cons of parental monitoring. They also focus on the fact that, even if you use supplemental internet safety methods, remember to have those internet safety discussions with your kids. Happy Safer Internet Day!
In episode 17, Carl and Dana do some "live chilling" in the app House Party. The trend and popularity of live-streaming continues with an app created to allow friends to "hang out" in cyber-land. Join them to hear about the positives and potential risks that they noticed while trying out House Party.
In episode 16, Carl & Dana chat about the messaging app WhatsApp, encryption, and the ins and outs that they’ve experienced while using this app. This episode was recorded while live-streaming on Facebook Live; to connect with the PKO Podcast at any time with questions or to catch us while we live-stream future episodes, visit www.ProtectKidsOnlineWI.gov and check out Protect Kids Online – WI ICAC Task Force on Facebook!
We’ve all utilized YouTube videos to help us solve a problem, right? And our kids use them for educational videos through school….so what’s the issue? Dana & Carl chat in Episode 15 about some of the things to be aware of when posting video to the internet, things to consider when your child is using (or interested in using) YouTube, and other safety considerations and suggestions surrounding posting & viewing videos online.
Have some new tech floating around the house this season? In this episode, Carl & Dana chat about general safety settings, the benefits and risks of location settings, WiFi settings, and other things to be aware of as you set up those new devices!
In this episode, Dana & Carl chat with Gaggle’s Safety Management Team Manager about trends they see and ways to combat online child exploitation! Gaggle has been providing safe online learning products and solutions to the K-12 market since 1999. They focus on student safety so educators can have the confidence to allow learners to take advantage of current technology for communication, collaboration and learning.
This episode discusses a very important question: When’s a good time to get my child a cell phone? Carl & Dana discuss different aspects to consider, some phone options to think about, and safety tips to remember when you do make the choice to provide your child with a phone.
Carl & Dana are joined in this episode by Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Commander Matt Joy. They discuss some of the work and goals of ICACs across the nation, the new trend of sextortion happening online, and ways to talk to your kids about sextortion & safety!
ICAC Experts Dana & Carl chat about Snapchat in this episode, including the false ideas that the “snaps” always disappear, that the images can’t be shared, and also…that it’s dangerous. Everything comes with its risks – learn about them for this app so you can make appropriate decisions about at what age your child should be using it.
Have you seen those little letter ratings on your kids’ video games? In this episode, Carl & Dana are chatting with the President of the Electronic Software Rating Board (ESRB) to learn all about those ratings, how they are put in place, and where to find mobile apps and resources to help you decide which games are right for your kids (and how to set privacy settings on gaming consoles, too!).
Join Carl and Dana as they welcome Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel to this episode of PKO! They’re talking about Wisconsin trends, information for parents to be aware of from a statutory perspective, and most importantly, the prevention and recovery services offered to citizens in the state of Wisconsin.
In this podcast, Dana & Carl welcome another Investigator with the Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Chidren Task Force as their special guest. The crew discusses the app KIK Messenger and the experiences this Investigator has had investigating cases involving the KIK Messenger app.
Dana and Carl interview a Special Agent of the Wisconsin Department of Justice who has been in law enforcement for close to 10 years. The group discusses the grooming process, behaviors of a child sex predator, and safety tips for the young internet user.
Introduction to the Protecting Kids Online Podcast presented by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Wisconsin Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce. This episode gives you an over view of the task force and what topics, discussion ideas and focus areas will be discussed on the podcasts.
Overview of the app of the week, “Whisper”, case review of a “Whisper” victim, safety tips on what to watch for with “grooming” of your child by an online predator.
Overview of the chat website “Teen Chat” with live demonstration, understanding kids make “mistakes” online and how to overcome them, revisiting how to submit a cybertip for online illegal activity
What to do if a child makes suicidal comments online, tips on your child’s online gaming activity, listener questions and overview of the app of the week, “Yik Yak”
Overview of the WI DOJ ICAC Task Force, how to complete a NCMEC Cybertip, and taking a look at the App “MeetMe” and general tips and trends into current technology.