Ben Gillenwater

Gillenwater
Founder & Chief Technologist
Family IT Guy

Family IT Guy is a digital safety educator and technology professional with extensive experience supporting families, schools, and organizations in navigating online risks that impact youth mental health and safety. With a background in information technology, cybersecurity best practices, and digital risk management, he specializes in translating complex online threats into practical prevention strategies.

Recognizing that most adults did not grow up in the digital world children now navigate daily, Family IT Guy bridges the gap between technology, mental health, and youth safety. His work supports educators, law enforcement, school administrators, counselors, and community organizations by connecting online behavior to real-world outcomes, including exploitation, cyberbullying, coercion, and emotional distress.

Family IT Guy draws on years of professional experience working with networks, devices, online platforms, and user behavior, as well as ongoing collaboration with prevention-focused professionals. Rather than technical jargon or fear-based messaging, he delivers clear, actionable guidance designed to help professionals and parents intervene earlier, communicate more effectively, and strengthen digital safety at home, school, and in the community.