A Book for Anyone Who Protects Children

You don't need to become a tech expert.
You need to teach timeless skills.

Raise kids who can think critically about technology, not just follow rules that become outdated.

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Ships Spring 2026
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Skills, Not Rules book cover

You're reading this because a child's safety matters to you.

Maybe you're a parent. Maybe you're a teacher, a counselor, a coach, or a cop. Maybe you're the grandparent who keeps hearing about apps you've never seen.

It doesn't matter. The threats are the same. And after reading this book, you'll know exactly what to do about them.

Algorithms
3x
Suicide rate increase (ages 10-14) since social media entered childhood
Strangers
23x
Increase in reports of adults sexually exploiting children online since 2021

Six Months From Now

Your twelve-year-old asks about a new app everyone's using. Instead of panic, you feel confident. "Show me how it works," you say. Within minutes, you're both evaluating it together. She points out the algorithmic feed. You notice the chat features. "What do you think?" you ask. "Does this fit our family's values?"

This is what success looks like: children who can think critically about technology, not just follow rules that become outdated.

The framework that makes you confident.

The same two dangers. Two questions. That's all it takes to evaluate any app, game, or platform your child encounters.

Algorithms
Question One

Does this app have a bottomless feed?

If yes → addiction risk

Strangers
Question Two

Can strangers contact my child?

If yes → predator access

"

I gave my five-year-old an iPad. I'm a cybersecurity expert. I configured parental controls. I installed YouTube Kids.

Within days, he found content that gave him nightmares for years. Then came the withdrawal symptoms when we took it away.

If I could be blindsided this badly, what chance did other parents have? That question sent me into months of research, and what I found in the data changed everything.

Skills, Not Rules book

Hardcover · Ebook · Audiobook

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Become a parent who knows

$25 Pre-order price (increases to $35 at launch)

Your Pre-Order Includes

  • Hardcover Book
  • Ebook (PDF + ePub)
  • Audiobook (March 2026)
  • iPhone Safety Guide (Instant)
Ships Spring 2026
30-Day Guarantee
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Pre-Order Agreement: By placing a pre-order, you agree to purchase "Skills, Not Rules" by Ben Gillenwater. Your payment will be processed immediately. The hardcover book will ship in Spring 2026. Ebook formats will be delivered via email on the release date. The audiobook will be delivered in March 2026.

Refund Policy: We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, contact us within 30 days of receiving your order for a full refund. Refund requests can be made by emailing ben@familyitguy.com.

Instant Bonus: Upon completing your pre-order, you'll receive immediate access to the "iPhone Safety Setup Guide" digital download. This bonus is yours to keep even if you request a refund.

Ben Gillenwater

About the Author

Ben Gillenwater

Founder, Family IT Guy

Ben spent 30 years in cybersecurity, including serving as Chief Technologist for Northrop Grumman's $10 billion IT business supporting the NSA and Department of Defense. But none of that prepared him for the day his five-year-old found disturbing content on an iPad, within days of getting it. That failure launched Family IT Guy, where Ben bridges the gap between technology, mental health, and youth safety. He translates complex online threats into practical prevention strategies for parents, educators, law enforcement, and community organizations.