SPAPSD Presents: Navigating the Digital Playground

Stevens Point Area Public Schools

Navigating the Digital Playground is a limited series podcast from the Stevens Point Area Public School District that helps families explore the challenges and opportunities of raising kids in today’s connected world. Episodes feature district leaders, educators, and students sharing real conversations about technology, social media, and digital wellness-offering practical ideas to help families feel informed, supported, and connected. Because when schools and families work together, students learn to thrive, safely and responsibly, both online and off.

Episodes

  1. Setting Tech Boundaries at Home

    FEB 18

    Setting Tech Boundaries at Home

    How do families strike the right balance between giving kids access to technology and keeping them safe online? In this episode of Navigating the Digital Playground, Sarah O’Donnell is joined by Dr. Brian Casey, Director of Technology for the Stevens Point Area Public School District, to talk through what healthy tech boundaries really look like at home. Together, they explore how students are growing up in a digital world, the safeguards built into school-issued Chromebooks, and why no filter or monitoring tool can ever replace parent involvement. Dr. Casey shares practical insights on device monitoring, screen time, digital citizenship, and the importance of ongoing conversations with kids about online safety, privacy, and risk. This episode is especially helpful for families navigating phones, social media, gaming platforms, and emerging concerns like online exploitation and sextortion, with a focus on education, trust, and partnership rather than fear. Topics include: How school-issued Chromebooks are filtered and monitored What parents can (and can’t) rely on technology to do Why conversations matter more than blocking everything Tools and options families can explore at home Helping students know when and how to ask for help This conversation is designed to support families with real-world guidance as we work together to help students use technology in healthy, safe, and responsible ways. For resources, transcripts and additional episodes, visit ⁠www.PointSchools.net/digitalplayground⁠

    19 min
  2. Welcome to the Digital Playground

    JAN 28

    Welcome to the Digital Playground

    In our first episode, host Sarah O’Donnell, Director of Communications for the Stevens Point Area Public School District, introduces Navigating the Digital Playground — a new podcast created to support families as we help students grow, learn, and stay safe in today’s digital world. Sarah is joined by Superintendent Cory Hirsbrunner and Director of Secondary Education Jeff Mlsna for an honest conversation about why digital citizenship and digital wellness matter right now. Together, they reflect on: • What we’re hearing from students and families about technology • Trends that are impacting learning, behavior, and well-being • The role schools play in teaching safe, responsible digital habits • How families can support healthy tech use at home • Why the district created the Digital Age parent forums — and now, this podcast Cory and Jeff share perspectives from the classroom, recent data, and the district’s ongoing work to help students navigate social media, online behavior, screen time, and emerging tools like AI. They also highlight the importance of partnership: schools and families working together, having conversations, and staying connected as the digital landscape continues to evolve. This episode sets the stage for the series ahead and offers reassurance that no one is navigating this alone. Our goal is to provide families with helpful information, practical tools, and accessible resources, whenever you need them. Explore transcripts, upcoming episodes, family resources, and event dates at: pointschools.net/digitalplayground If you have concerns about your child’s digital habits or well-being, please connect with your school counselor or a trusted professional. This podcast is designed to support, not replace, personalized guidance.

    16 min

About

Navigating the Digital Playground is a limited series podcast from the Stevens Point Area Public School District that helps families explore the challenges and opportunities of raising kids in today’s connected world. Episodes feature district leaders, educators, and students sharing real conversations about technology, social media, and digital wellness-offering practical ideas to help families feel informed, supported, and connected. Because when schools and families work together, students learn to thrive, safely and responsibly, both online and off.