Family IT Guy Podcast

Family IT Guy
  • 5.0 (5)
  • PARENTING

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.

  1. 3D AGO · VIDEO

    Protecting Kids Online: Missing Children, AI Scams, and Digital Exploitation with Shawnna Hoffman

    In this episode of the Family IT Guy Podcast, I sit down with Shawnna Hoffman, CEO of the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC), for a raw and deeply personal conversation about online exploitation, AI-enabled scams, human trafficking, and the growing risks facing kids and teens online. Shawnna shares her journey from decades in Big Tech and AI leadership to leading a global organization focused on returning missing children to their families. She also opens up about her own family’s experience with a long-term online scam that targeted her autistic son, exposing how sophisticated, patient, and psychologically damaging modern online exploitation has become. This episode covers: • How online grooming and long-term scams target kids and young adults • The role AI and social platforms play in exploitation and manipulation • Why parental controls alone are not enough • The reality of missing children and trafficking on a global scale • How ICMEC measures success by one metric only: kids reunited with families • The difference between facial detection and facial recognition • Why digital safety requires community action, better safeguards, and real accountability If you are a parent, caregiver, educator, or anyone concerned about child safety online, this conversation is essential listening. 🔒 Learn more about protecting kids online: https://familyitguy.com 🌍 Learn more about the International Center for Missing and Exploited Children: https://www.icmec.org

    1h 39m

  2. 6D AGO · VIDEO

    764 Update: The Online Network Targeting Kids Is Getting Worse

    Earlier this year, I spoke with Jason Sokolowski about the loss of his 16-year-old daughter, Penelope, after she was targeted by the online criminal network known as 764. This video is an update — and the situation is escalating. 764 is a decentralized exploitation network targeting vulnerable kids, primarily girls ages 10–17, across platforms like Discord, Roblox, TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. The FBI and DOJ are actively investigating, but reports are increasing, not slowing down. In this video, I cover: • What 764 is and how it operates • Why it’s designed to turn victims into perpetrators • Warning signs parents should never ignore • Why monitoring alone is not enough • What to do if your child may be targeted If your child can receive messages from strangers online, they are at risk. This is information every parent needs to hear. 📌 If you suspect exploitation: Report to the FBI at ic3.gov Or call DHS Know2Protect: 833-591-5669 Please share this with other parents.

    5 min

  3. 12/12/2025 · VIDEO

    The Antidote to Internet Chaos

    The internet is constant noise: endless scrolling, reacting and stimulation. It's rewiring our brains to consume information in tiny bursts and it's affecting everyone, including our kids. So what's the antidote? Stillness. I've spent 30 years in cybersecurity and I help families navigate technology and online safety. One pattern shows up again and again. We can't teach our kids to manage digital chaos if we can't manage it ourselves. Psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen teaches a simple 15-second breathing protocol. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold, exhale for 8 seconds, hold again, then repeat several cycles. That longer exhale sends a signal to the body that things are safe and it's okay to calm down. I looked for an app that uses this pattern without endless menus or decisions and couldn't find one. So I built one called Being - One Minute to Calm. When you open it, it starts immediately. No signups, no subscriptions, just breathing and stillness. It uses gentle haptic taps so you can follow the pattern with your eyes open or closed. Available on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Apple TV. Android is coming soon. Search "Being - One Minute to Calm" in the App Store or visit https://www.familyitguy.com/being/ Do you have any experience with meditation or breathwork? Share your story in the comments.

    3 min

  4. 12/08/2025 · VIDEO

    Inside the Mind of Predators: Forensic Psychologist Dr. Leslie Dobson on Child Predators & Risk

    How can families protect children from dangerous predators - both online and in real life? In this eye-opening episode of the Family IT Guy Podcast, Dr. Leslie Dobson, forensic psychologist, dives into the psychology of violent offenders, including child predators, and reveals why consequences in the justice system often fall short. Dr. Dobson shares real stories from her decades of experience working in prisons, state hospitals, and private practice, explaining how understanding the criminal mind can empower families to protect their children. She also discusses how social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and holding offenders accountable. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How offenders cycle through the criminal justice system - The limitations and corruption in handling child predators - The role of forensic psychology in protecting victims - How families can use knowledge and advocacy to improve safety - Practical insights for keeping kids safe online 📌 Subscribe for more on family safety, online protection, and tech. 👍 Like if you want to protect your family better 💬 Comment your thoughts or questions about child safety online

    1h 43m

  5. 11/30/2025 · VIDEO

    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 parents 2. Helped implement Wait Until 8th in her community 3. Worked with school leadership on behavior impacts from devices and social media 4. Started a “Tech Corner” in school and church newsletters 5. Equipped parents with the data they needed to make informed choices 6. Built a like-minded community instead of fighting the battle alone Her 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 parents Your 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.

    1h 14m

  6. 11/29/2025 · VIDEO

    AI Toys for Kids - My Thoughts

    Join me as I explore the world of AI toys and share my thoughts on their impact on children. As a cybersecurity expert and parent, I delve into the potential risks and benefits of these innovative toys. I discuss how AI toys work, the privacy concerns they raise, and why it's crucial for parents to stay informed. Let's ensure our kids' safety in this digital age. For more insights, visit https://www.familyitguy.com and follow me on social media. #aitoys #childsafety #FamilyITGuy This is from my conversation with the Utopian Society Project on their South Bay Live show.

    32 min

  7. 11/26/2025 · VIDEO

    Bark Phone Review: What Works, What Doesn’t, How to Set It Up

    This is a complete Bark Phone review and setup guide from a cybersecurity expert and dad. After testing every feature, here's my take on what Bark does well, where it falls short, and the settings I recommend changing before giving this phone to your child. THE SHORT VERSION: Bark Phone delivers on its claims. The parental controls actually work and kids can't bypass them. If my son needed a smartphone and I wanted to monitor his conversations for concerning behaviors, I would use a Bark phone. 📱 Full setup guide with screenshots: https://www.familyitguy.com/bark-phone-review.html 🔗 Get Bark Phone: https://www.familyitguy.com/go/bark 📦 Accessories you'll need that are not included: • USB-C Charger: https://amzn.to/4p42rB3 • Protective Case: https://amzn.to/3M7oqs2 DISCLOSURE: Bark sent me this phone for free to review. I have no contract with Bark and no agreement about the nature of this review. Links above are affiliate links - I earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. #BarkPhone #parentalcontrols #kidsphone #firstphone #onlinesafety

    13 min

  8. 11/24/2025 · VIDEO

    Facial Scans & IDs for Kids—Think Before You Agree

    Roblox just rolled out age verification THIS week, and it could put your child’s personal data at risk. If you’re a parent, you need to know what this really means—and why you don’t have to hand over your child’s face or ID to use any app. Governments and platforms are claiming these systems protect kids, but what they’re really doing is creating massive databases of children’s IDs and biometric data. And those databases are getting hacked. Last month, Discord’s age verification vendor was breached and 70,000 government IDs were stolen, including kids’ documents. Now Roblox is requiring facial age estimation or government ID to use chat, sending that data to a third-party vendor. We can say NO. You do NOT have to hand over your child’s face or your family’s IDs to use an app. I know this video is long, but it’s important for every parent to understand what’s happening. Please share this and help other families stay informed. 👇 Comment your thoughts and share this with a parent who needs to hear it. #ageverification #robloxupdate #parents #cybersecurity #parentingtips #digitalparenting

    7 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Family IT Guy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Family IT Guy Podcast

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