Ben Tracy: Running Across America to Keep Kids Safe (ep. 724)
Nov 14, 2024
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Ben Tracy, an online safety speaker, is on a remarkable 120-day journey running across America, tackling the urgent issue of kids' safety online. He shares how losing his job over past social media posts ignited his mission. Listeners will hear poignant stories of families affected by online dangers and the realities of sextortion. Ben emphasizes the crucial role of parents in guiding children's digital interactions and discusses the need for open dialogue about social media risks, underlining that awareness and connection can turn adversity into action.
Ben Tracy's 120-day marathon journey highlights the urgent need to address and educate about online safety for children.
His personal experience of losing a high-profile job due to social media underscores the lasting impact of online actions on youth.
The podcast stresses the importance of community involvement and open communication between parents, schools, and kids to promote digital literacy.
Deep dives
Introduction of Keeley Green Cultural Pillar
Keeley Companies recently added a seventh cultural pillar, known as Keeley Green, to strengthen its commitment to sustainability. This initiative aims to uplift the environmental standards involved in designing, building, operating, and living intentionally. The emphasis is on adopting a holistic approach to positively impact the environment and secure a sustainable future for generations. Rusty Keeley highlighted that this is just the beginning of their journey towards achieving these ambitious goals.
Ben Tracy's Mission for Youth Online Safety
Ben Tracy is undertaking a remarkable 120-day journey across America, running a marathon each day to advocate for youth online safety. His mission is fueled by personal experiences, including losing a high-profile job due to past social media posts. Through his runs, he engages with schools, community groups, and lawmakers, raising awareness about the dangers of social media for youth. He aims not only to share his story but also to highlight the crucial need for collective action to protect children from online risks.
The Impact of Social Media on Careers and Lives
Tracy shares his journey, emphasizing how past social media missteps followed him into adulthood, affecting his career opportunities. He illustrates the importance of recognizing that online actions can have lasting consequences, especially for young people who might post impulsively without considering future repercussions. Through anecdotes, he highlights several individuals who faced career setbacks due to their digital footprints. This reinforces the message that awareness and education about online behavior are essential for today’s youth.
Addressing Mental Health Issues Among Youth
Tracy brings attention to alarming statistics regarding mental health issues among young people, particularly the surge in suicide rates and the prevalence of online harassment. Discussions reveal that children face relentless bullying and social pressures exacerbated by their digital lives, creating an environment of fear and anxiety. He stresses the need for open dialogue and support from parents and educators to address these issues and promote mental wellness. Sharing personal stories from young individuals reveals the profound impact that online interactions can have on their mental health.
Community and Parental Involvement in Online Safety
The conversation emphasizes the critical role that parents and communities play in safeguarding children from online dangers. Tracy advocates for proactive measures, such as educating kids about responsible online behavior and the potential dangers of devices. He encourages parents to establish open lines of communication and to monitor their children's internet usage while promoting digital literacy. Ultimately, he believes that collaborative efforts between parents, schools, and communities are necessary to foster a safer online environment for the next generation.
Ben Tracy is an online safety speaker on a 120-day journey across America, known as The Tracy Trek—a 3,107-mile coast-to-coast run to protect kids online. Running a marathon every single day, Ben is connecting with schools, community groups, and lawmakers to shine a light on the dangers of social media and discuss solutions for safeguarding our youth.
Today, Ben shares how losing a high-profile job on his first day due to social media posts he made as a teenager sparked his mission. Plus, he shares stories of families impacted by online risks, urging all of us to work together to protect the next generation from hidden dangers.
My friends, Ben’s journey sends a powerful message: no matter the adversity we face, we can transform it into something positive.
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