Ben Gillenwater helps families protect children from digital dangers, bringing 30 years of cybersecurity expertise to the parenting journey. His background includes working with the NSA and serving as Chief Technologist of a $10 billion IT company, where he built global-scale systems and understood technology’s risks at every level.
His mission began when he gave his young son an iPad with ”kid-safe” apps—only to discover inappropriate content days later. Despite his deep technical background, Ben realized that if protecting children online was challenging for him, it must be even more difficult for parents without his expertise.
Through Family IT Guy, Ben creates videos and articles that help parents and kids learn how to leverage the positive parts of the internet while avoiding the dangerous and risky parts. His approach bridges the knowledge gap between complex technology and practical family protection, making digital safety accessible to everyone.
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Ben Gillenwater helps families protect children from digital dangers, bringing 30 years of cybersecurity expertise to the parenting journey. His background includes working with the NSA and serving as Chief Technologist of a $10 billion IT company, where he built global-scale systems and understood technology’s risks at every level.
His mission began when he gave his young son an iPad with ”kid-safe” apps—only to discover inappropriate content days later. Despite his deep technical background, Ben realized that if protecting children online was challenging for him, it must be even more difficult for parents without his expertise.
Through Family IT Guy, Ben creates videos and articles that help parents and kids learn how to leverage the positive parts of the internet while avoiding the dangerous and risky parts. His approach bridges the knowledge gap between complex technology and practical family protection, making digital safety accessible to everyone.
How One Parent Took on Smartphones in Elementary School — and Changed a Community
Family IT Guy Podcast
1 hour 13 minutes
1 month ago
How One Parent Took on Smartphones in Elementary School — and Changed a Community
When smartphones started showing up in 1st grade, Meri knew something had to change. As a PR expert and mom who understood AI, algorithms, and why these devices are so addictive, she dove into the research—and then took action.In this episode, we talk about how she:1. Partnered with schools and clinical psychologists to educate kids AND parents2. Helped implement Wait Until 8th in her community3. Worked with school leadership on behavior impacts from devices and social media4. Started a “Tech Corner” in school and church newsletters5. Equipped parents with the data they needed to make informed choices6. Built a like-minded community instead of fighting the battle aloneHer mission?Arm parents with information so they can protect their kids’ brains—not just hope tech companies or the government will. Actionable steps for parents (we cover in detail): • Alternatives to smartphones • Parent email template you can send TODAY (email info@familyitguy.com for template) • How to build a community of like-minded families: – FITG Community: https://lnk.bio/s/84ae0 – @WaitUntil8th: https://lnk.bio/s/fd234 – TinCan Phone pods: https://lnk.bio/s/1074b – Playdates with shared rules – No-photo posting waivers at school • How to confidently start conversations with other parentsYour kids’ safety isn’t up for grabs—and you don’t have to wait for someone else to draw the line.Watch now and share with a parent who needs this!Subscribe for more Family IT Guy episodes that help YOU navigate tech and parenting with confidence.
Family IT Guy Podcast
Ben Gillenwater helps families protect children from digital dangers, bringing 30 years of cybersecurity expertise to the parenting journey. His background includes working with the NSA and serving as Chief Technologist of a $10 billion IT company, where he built global-scale systems and understood technology’s risks at every level.
His mission began when he gave his young son an iPad with ”kid-safe” apps—only to discover inappropriate content days later. Despite his deep technical background, Ben realized that if protecting children online was challenging for him, it must be even more difficult for parents without his expertise.
Through Family IT Guy, Ben creates videos and articles that help parents and kids learn how to leverage the positive parts of the internet while avoiding the dangerous and risky parts. His approach bridges the knowledge gap between complex technology and practical family protection, making digital safety accessible to everyone.
