MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - As Wisconsin students return to classrooms, state leaders are warning that the most serious safety risks may not come from inside schools, but from online.

Attorney General Josh Kaul opened a Thursday press conference by stressing that protecting students today means preparing them for the digital world. He noted that reports of online exploitation have been increasing.

“It’s important that children and parents are aware of the potential dangers online and how to navigate them,” Kaul said. “Each year we’re seeing more reports of kids being exploited online. DOJ and local law enforcement work hard to combat those threats, but the volume is high."

In 2024, the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received more than 11,000 tips, and those numbers are a

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