28: Guide to Digital Parenting, Ben Gillenwater

26/05/2025 44 min

Listen "28: Guide to Digital Parenting, Ben Gillenwater"

Episode Synopsis

In this episode, Mikey Pruitt interviews Ben Gillenwater, known as the Family IT Guy, who shares his expertise on keeping children safe online.Ben discusses his background in technology and how he transitioned to focus on family IT security. He outlines three key pillars for parents:- blocking harmful content- limiting screen time- avoiding contact with strangersThe conversation dives into the challenges of modern parenting in a digital age, including the risks associated with online gaming and social media. Ben emphasizes the importance of leading by example and maintaining open communication with children about online safety. He also provides practical tips for implementing technical solutions like DNS filtering and parental controls to create a safer online environment for kids.Chapters00:00 The Role of DNS Filtering in Family IT02:02 Ben Gillenwater: The Family IT Guy05:01 Three Pillars of Family IT Security08:09 Preventing Stranger Contact Online11:11 User-Generated Content and Its Risks14:03 Navigating Online Gaming Safely22:11 Understanding Screen Time and Addiction26:53 The Challenges of YouTube for Kids30:07 Blocking Harmful Content Effectively37:56 Implementing Family Tech Solutions