Family IT Guy: How To Keep Your Kids Safe This Summer

Summer is here, and for many families, that means more screen time for kids. To help parents navigate the digital landscape, I sat down with Ben Gillenwater, the Family IT Guy, for a friendly chat. Ben shared practical tips and stories that can help every family build a safe and happy online environment this summer.

A Family-Centric Approach to Online Safety

Ben believes online safety starts with communication and understanding. "It's not just about blocking websites or setting up filters," he said. "It's about building trust and guiding kids to make better decisions online."

Creating a Digital Plan for Summer

Summer can bring long hours of online gaming, social media scrolling, and YouTube rabbit holes. Ben suggests setting clear expectations early: "If you're just telling kids to 'stay safe online,' that's too broad. Give them clear boundaries, like how much screen time is okay and what apps are off-limits."

Staying Safe on Online While on Vacation

Traveling this summer? Public Wi-Fi can be a big risk. Ben’s advice is simple: "Make sure your kids know not to connect to random Wi-Fi networks when you're on the road. Use your phone's hotspot or a VPN if you need to."

Recognizing Red Flags of Predators

Ben emphasized that parents should watch for subtle changes in their kids' behavior. "If your kid is suddenly secretive about what they're doing online, that’s a sign to check in. Be curious, not confrontational."

The Importance of Leading by Example

One of Ben’s most memorable insights was about modeling good behavior. "If you're on your phone at the dinner table, kids think that's okay. Show them what healthy device use looks like."

Small Steps, Big Impact

We wrapped up by asking Ben for his top tip for parents this summer. He paused and said, "Start small. You don't have to overhaul your digital rules overnight. Pick one thing to change—like a new family screen time rule—and build from there."

Watch the Interview with Ben of Family Guy

If you want to hear more of Ben’s insights and tips for keeping kids safe online this summer, head over to YouTube and watch the full interview on The Secure Family Podcast channel, or tune in on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t miss out on these great ideas to help protect your family!

Final Thoughts: How To Keep Your Kids Safe This Summer

Summer should be a time of fun and connection, both online and offline. By following Ben’s advice, parents can help their kids make smart choices and stay safe this season.