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.