Family IT Guy Podcast

2 Red Flags That Cover 90% of Online Threats to Children

The fastest-growing crime against children isn't happening at parks or schools - it's happening through anonymous online chat.Focus on just 2 digital dangers: addictive algorithms that steal attention, and anonymous chat that enables predators. This framework will change how you evaluate every app and platform for your kids.VIDEO NOTES:- 10,000+ monthly sextortion cases on Snapchat alone- Predators use games like Roblox to target children- "Bottomless feeds" are designed to capture attention- The currency your child loses without knowing itFrom a 30-year cybersecurity veteran who's also navigating parenting in the digital age.#onlinepredators #digitalsafety #ParentAlert #cybersecurity #childprotection Visit FamilyITGuy.com for step-by-step safety guides

Why I Never Let My Kids Use AI Alone (ChatGPT Danger)

OpenAI is releasing parental controls, but they're missing the fundamental issue with kids and AI.As someone who's spent 3 decades in cybersecurity (including NSA work), I use AI daily for software development and research. But as a dad? The risks to developing minds are too significant to ignore.This video covers:- Why I compare AI to dangerous weapons for kids- How AI impacts your child's developing brain- ChatGPT's new parental controls - and their major weakness- The simple supervision rule that protects your familyWe can't regulate our way out of this. We need to be informed parents making deliberate choices about AI in each of our homes.

Free 24/7 Family IT Consultant: Ask Anything About Kids & Technology

I just taught a robot everything I know about keeping families safe online.With millions watching Family IT Guy content weekly, I can't personally help everyone. This AI chatbot changes that - it is trained on all of my work - my articles, videos, lectures and podcasts.Perfect for parents who:- Feel overwhelmed by constantly changing technology- Need answers in languages other than English- Want expert guidance without expensive consulting fees- Have specific questions about their family's situationTry it for free at www.familyitguy.com - I hope you find it helpful.

Simple Fix for YouTube Kids Dangers - Cybersecurity Expert Shows How

30-year cybersecurity expert reveals why YouTube Kids isn't actually safe and what parents can do about it. My child's experience with nightmare-inducing content led me to research solutions that actually work.As both a cybersecurity professional and a dad, I've discovered that YouTube Kids has three major problems: addictive algorithmic design, inappropriate content infiltration, and low awareness of protective features.NOTES FROM THIS VIDEO:- YouTube Kids algorithms are designed to capture attention indefinitely- Sexual and violent content appears despite "kid-safe" branding- The whitelist feature that defeats both problems- Step-by-step protection setup that takes under 5 minutes is available for free at https://www.familyitguy.com/parent-approved-videos-only.html

Why Meta’s Own Researchers Are Now Testifying Against the Company

"After our research uncovered that underage children using Meta VR in Germany were subject to demands for sex acts, nude photos...Meta demanded that we erase any evidence of such dangers that we saw" - Sworn testimony from Meta's VR safety researcher, Jason SattizahnCayce Savage testified: "So I would estimate that any child that is in a social space in VR will come in contact with or directly expose something very inappropriate"Delete their apps. Tell your kids why. It is easy to recognize when companies do not prioritize child safety. This sworn testimony removes all doubt.Video of the referenced hearing is available at https://www.c-span.org/program/senate-committee/meta-whistleblowers-testify-on-child-safety-research/665347

To David Baszucki (Roblox CEO): The One Safety Fix Parents Need

David Baszucki: Millions of kids play Roblox daily, but there's a critical safety gap only you can fix.Parents watching: I'm addressing Roblox's CEO directly, but need your help amplifying this message. Every share brings us closer to change.David, I've been publicly critical of Roblox - not from malice, but from concern. As a cybersecurity professional with 30 years experience (including NSA) and a father, I see a clear solution: whitelist parental controls.THE PROBLEM:The Roblox platform has millions of user-created games that change daily. Parents cannot possibly review them all. We need what YouTube Kids already offers: "approved content only" mode.THE BUSINESS CASE:Yes, whitelist controls might reduce short-term engagement metrics. But long-term, you'll gain millions of parents who currently won't let their kids near Roblox. Lead the industry. Transform negative press into positive coverage. Show that child safety and business success aren't mutually exclusive.THE ASK:Implement whitelist features allowing parents to:- Approve specific games before access- Approve trusted developers- Control content exposure proactively, not reactivelyDavid, be the CEO who chose children's safety over engagement metrics. I'll be first to celebrate your leadership.Parents: Share this with #RobloxWhitelist. Email Roblox support. Send to your school groups. Your voice matters.

ChatGPT and Teen Suicide: What Every Parent Needs to Know

A teenager's tragic story reveals why children should never use ChatGPT alone. Here's what parents must know to keep kids safe.16-year-old Adam Raine spent 7 months confiding in ChatGPT before taking his own life. The AI's responses - including "you don't owe them survival" - show why unsupervised AI access poses serious risks to vulnerable children. This video explains what happened and how to protect your family.KEY SAFETY PRINCIPLES:- AI appears to understand by mimicing human behavior- Children cannot distinguish AI responses from genuine care- Private technology use enables risky AI relationships- Parent education must precede child accessIMMEDIATE PROTECTIVE STEPS:1. Establish tech-free private spaces (bedrooms, bathrooms)2. Create a common-area charging station3. Try the AI testing exercises yourself4. Have an age-appropriate conversation about AI5. Supervise all AI interactionsThis isn't about fearing technology - it's about understanding its limitations and protecting vulnerable children during critical developmental years.Visit FamilyITGuy.com and type AI in the search box for detailed safety guides and age-specific exercises to help your family navigate AI safely.#AISafety #DigitalParenting #ChatGPT #ChildProtection #OnlineSafety #ParentingTips #MentalHealth #TechBoundaries

The 764 Group Killed His Daughter - Here’s What Parents Need to Know

WARNING: If this is not the right time in your day to hear a very sad story about the death of a child, you may want to come back to this another time.Suicide is now the #2 cause of death for ages 10-24. Jason Sokolowski's daughter Penelope became part of that statistic in February 2025, just six months ago. In this raw conversation, Jason shares what he learned too late about the 764 group and online predation.The 764 group operates with literal guidebooks for grooming children. They reached Penelope through Roblox, controlled her through death threats against Jason and his ex-wife, and weaponized authorities against him when Jason tried to learn more about who is behind this evil.Jason reveals:✓ Specific grooming tactics he witnessed but didn't recognize✓ Why monitoring apps and parental controls failed✓ How kids create accounts under parent emails✓ The extortion cycle that traps children✓ Warning signs every parent should know✓ Immediate protective actions availableEvery parent thinks "not my child." Jason thought that too.Opening & Context00:00:78 - Introduction: Why this conversation matters00:02:09 - Who was Penelope: A brilliant, creative 16-year-oldFamily Technology Journey00:17:54 - First phone at 11: Setting boundaries that seemed reasonable00:20:20 - Roblox monitoring: "I thought I was covering all bases"00:22:39 - The anime friend: Witnessing grooming without recognizing it00:29:16 - Instagram discovery: Multiple accounts, hidden personas00:35:40 - TikTok emergence: 2500 followers and growing concernCrisis Escalation01:15:24 - First self-harm incident: Text from bathroom01:18:47 - Second cutting episode: "The sight I have in my brain"01:20:11 - "I'm part of a self-harm group"01:23:56 - First suicide attempt01:25:51 - Discovery of 764 messaging: "Culprit" carved into chestUnderstanding 76400:49:22 - How 764 operates: Love bombing to extortion00:51:56 - The protection trap: Kids protecting parents from death threats00:55:55 - Culprit's phone calls: Predator contacting Jason directly01:11:53 - 764 origins: Bill Cadenhead and grooming guidebooks01:30:34 - Self-harm bucket list: Gamification of sufferingSystem Failures00:45:35 - Schools enabling access: Kids exchanging favors for internet01:33:41 - Protection order: How predators weaponize authorities01:37:03 - Forced removal from home: System playing into predator's planCritical Insights & Solutions00:42:39 - Timeline: 3-6 months from grooming to full control01:47:05 - Suicide as #2 cause of youth death01:51:30 - "Extortion is attempted murder"02:18:43 - Core solution: No phones in bedrooms00:46:54 - Essential reading: "The Anxious Generation"03:02:44 - Meeting kids with curiosity, not judgment03:06:28 - The Aunt Becky example: True curiosity

Roblox Banned the Guy Who Got 6 Predators Arrested - Here’s What Parents Need to Know

I'm a cybersecurity expert who worked with the NSA. I'm also a dad.When I tested Roblox as an 8-year-old with MAXIMUM parental controls, I found sexual content within minutes.Roblox just banned Schlep - who got 6 predators arrested. Now 100,000 people have signed a petition. Congress is involved. Louisiana's Attorney General wants them shut down.Their new "safety" video https://youtu.be/cuPGe99m8zs ? It's not about protecting your kids. It's about protecting their stock price.WHAT EVERY PARENT NEEDS TO KNOW:- 40 million kids under 13 use Roblox daily- Parental controls DON'T work- They refuse to add basic safety features- Your kid's face scan may be stored foreverWatch this video. Share it. Your kids deserve better.#Roblox #ParentsNeedToKnow

Settings Kids Up For Success: When Algorithms Replace Family Conversations (ep4)

Your child's future might depend on the conversations you're NOT having because of your phone. This changes everything about screen time limits.Join Family IT Guy Ben Gillenwater and Dr. Steve Underwood (https://www.veritasedconsulting.com) as they connect dots between device addiction and the literacy crisis. Steve overcame poverty and a severe stutter to become a leading education consultant - and his insights will transform how you think about technology's real cost to your family.CRITICAL MOMENTS:00:01:40 - Steve's personal struggle that shaped his mission00:24:21 - The grocery store test revealing 10,000 word gaps00:28:08 - "Rich get richer, poor get poorer" in literacy00:43:03 - When addiction patterns repeat across generations00:47:08 - Using YouTube as a conversation tool, not babysitter01:20:14 - Why typing skills don't equal future readinessLearn why first grade is the literacy deadline, how to ask questions that build critical thinking, and what "attachment parenting" means in our digital world.Perfect for parents who've read "The Anxious Generation" and want specific, actionable strategies beyond just limiting screen time.#DigitalParenting #LiteracyCrisis #EducationReform #ScreenAddiction #ChildBrainDevelopment #ParentingStrategies