Protect Kids Online

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!