Media Appearances
Ben Gillenwater has participated in conversations about digital safety, cryptocurrency, and online privacy across various platforms. Below are selected appearances covering different aspects of technology's impact on families and individuals.
#87: Predators Don't Break Into Homes...They DM Your Kids
Ben Gillenwater, The Family IT Guy with 30 years of cybersecurity experience, reveals how children's phones serve as open doors to danger. The conversation explores online predation tactics, AI-generated deepfakes, and the growing threat of sextortion targeting minors.
The Washington Post
November 17, 2025
Screen-time worries send parents in increasingly desperate directions
Ben Gillenwater is quoted in this Washington Post investigation by Heather Kelly exploring how parents are struggling with children's screen time. "This stuff is not built for kids. It's built for adults and then kids' settings are duct-taped on the side," Ben explains, highlighting the fundamental design problems with tech marketed to children.
Scary Mommy
October 21, 2025
Everything Parents Should Know About Sora, OpenAI's New "Brain Rot" App
Scary Mommy spoke with Ben Gillenwater, aka the Family IT Guy, to find out everything parents need to know about Sora, OpenAI's AI video generation tool, and the potential risks it poses for children and families.
Roblox Child Safety: Florida AG Criminal Subpoenas
Ben Gillenwater joins CNN's Brianna Keilar to discuss Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's criminal subpoenas against Roblox. Ben explains how predators exploit the platform through chat functions and user-created games, why Roblox's parental controls are inadequate, and what a real safety-first approach would look like.
Kids at Risk Online: Chris Hansen & Cyber Expert Warn Parents
Chris Hansen continues his fight to keep children safe online by sitting down with 30-year veteran cybersecurity expert Ben Gillenwater, The Family IT Guy. Together they discuss what's really happening on platforms and games marketed as "safe" for children, and how parents can protect their kids.
Minimalist Moms Podcast
October 2, 2025
EP410: Online Safety for Families: Expert Advice from a Former NSA Cybersecurity Pro
Host Diane Boden sits down with Ben Gillenwater, founder of Family IT Guy, to explore protecting children from online risks without constant screen-time conflicts. Drawing on nearly three decades in technology and former NSA cybersecurity experience, Ben shares practical strategies including parental controls, balance, and open communication.
#66: They're Hunting Our Kids Online — And We're Handing Them the Weapon!
30-year cybersecurity expert Ben Gillenwater exposes how social media is engineered like a digital drug—fueling addiction, mental health crises, and skyrocketing teen suicide rates. A must-hear conversation about the real dangers lurking in children's digital lives.
The Secure Family Podcast
June 11, 2025
Summer Online Safety Tips with Family IT Guy
Host Andy talks with Ben Gillenwater about keeping kids safe online, especially during summer when screen time increases. Topics include setting appropriate boundaries, the dangers of addictive algorithms and online chats, warning signs of online addiction, and implementing effective parental controls.
Daily Express
April 16, 2025
IT Expert's Warning Over Two Red Flags in Minecraft
Ben Gillenwater shares two critical warning signs parents should watch for when kids play Minecraft: anonymous online chat (a primary channel for sextortion) and anonymous user-generated content. The article explains the safety differences between Java and Bedrock editions, and provides step-by-step Microsoft account setup guidance.
Parent Education & Tech Risks with Ben Gillenwater
Ben Gillenwater is a former Chief Technologist and current cyber security expert who has turned his focus onto the child tech world. There are many programs and pieces of tech that are marketed to parents and children as safe, fun, and generally innocuous. However, as Ben took a deep dive into the world of child facing tech, he realized how damaging and dangerous it really is. He has committed his professional focus to helping families protect their children one at a time. Enjoy!
The Digital Danger Zone: Understanding the Real Risks
Ben reveals two hidden online dangers threatening children's mental health based on shocking WHO data showing youth suicide rates skyrocketing alongside social media use. Drawing on his experience as both a parent and former Chief Technologist, he presents clear evidence of how technology affects children. The presentation exposes the specific mechanisms causing this crisis: addictive algorithms engineered to maximize engagement and anonymous chat features that enable predators. Ben concludes with a practical 3-step protection plan any parent can implement without technical expertise.
Starting Privacy with Ben Gillenwater | Starting Strength Radio #55
Mark Rippetoe and Ben Gillenwater discuss privacy when using the internet and useful tips to get started with securing your internet presence. This interview covers practical online privacy strategies for individuals and families.
Starting Strength Radio
April 30, 2021
Cryptocurrency with Ben Gillenwater | Starting Strength Radio #106
Rip and Ben Gillenwater give a primer on cryptocurrency and discuss the future of money. This conversation covers blockchain technology, digital currencies, and how these emerging technologies may impact personal finance.