Meet The Family IT Guy
Hi, I'm Ben Gillenwater - a 30-year cybersecurity expert and dad on a mission to help families navigate the digital world safely.
My journey began when I gave my young son an iPad with "kid-safe" apps. Despite my decades of tech experience, I was shocked to discover inappropriate content and saw how the device's addictive design affected his sleep and outdoor activity. If I struggled to protect my child online with my technical background, I realized how challenging this must be for other parents.

Why Trust The Family IT Guy
30+ Years in Technology
Extensive experience in cybersecurity, including serving as chief technologist for a $10 billion IT company and building global-scale systems. I understand technology's risks at all levels.
Parent Perspective
As a dad, I balance technical knowledge with practical parenting realities. I've experienced the same challenges you face in managing technology for children.
Practical Solutions
I create step-by-step guides grounded in research on technology's impact on child development. You don't need an IT degree to keep your kids safe online.
My Mission
Family IT Guy exists to help parents protect their children's mental health and safety in an increasingly complex digital world.
The digital landscape requires specialized knowledge that most parents didn't grow up with. My approach is simple:
- Learn about the real online risks affecting children today
- Protect your family with practical, easy-to-follow guides
My goal is to bridge the knowledge gap so you can confidently protect your family without becoming a tech expert yourself. No technical jargon. No overwhelming information. Just clear, actionable steps any parent can follow.