EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of "Conversations with Kristi," Kristi discusses the alarming rise in online child exploitation with Ben Gillenwater, an IT and cybersecurity expert. They explore the challenges parents face in protecting their children from digital dangers, emphasising the importance of education and proactive parenting. Ben shares his personal journey of becoming the "family IT guy" and offers insights into managing children's online presence safely.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The alarming rise in online child exploitation cases, with significant increases in AI deepfakes.


• The importance of proactive parenting in managing children's online presence.


• Ben Gillenwater's journey from IT expert to family IT advisor.


• The role of education in empowering parents and children against digital threats.


• The impact of social media and online platforms on children's mental health.


• Strategies for setting boundaries and expectations for children's device usage.


• The significance of leading by example in digital habits.


• The challenges of balancing parental control with children's privacy.


• The need for open communication between parents and children about online risks.


• The benefits of community and educational resources in supporting digital safety.

CHAPTERS:

• 00:00:00 Introduction and Background


• 00:06:00 The Rise of Online Exploitation


• 00:12:00 Ben's Journey to Family IT


• 00:18:00 Parenting Challenges in the Digital Age


• 00:24:00 Proactive Parenting Strategies


• 00:30:00 The Role of Education in Digital Safety


• 00:36:00 Managing Children's Online Presence


• 00:42:00 Balancing Control and Privacy


• 00:48:00 Community and Educational Resources


• 00:54:00 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

For additional resources and support services, please head to my website at https://www.cape-au.com/free-resources 

You can also watch the full video version of this episode on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/8dg5zBwZKhs 

To learn more and connect with Ben, head over to his LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bgilly/ or connect with him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/family_it_guy