Protecting Kids Online Since 2007 and in the Age of AI: Ben Halpert on Savvy Cyber Kids at RSAC 2026

In this episode from RSA Conference 2026, Marco Ciappelli sits down with Ben Halpert, founder of the non-profit organization Savvy Cyber Kids, to discuss the critical intersection of child development and technology.

Since its founding in 2007, Savvy Cyber Kids has been on a mission to provide parents and educators with the tools needed to guide children through the digital world. Ben explains why introducing technology too early can be detrimental to a child’s emotional preparedness and brain development, and why adult-led guidance is essential even when kids seem like "tech experts".

In this conversation, we explore:

The Evolution of Threats: Moving from MySpace and CRT monitors to 24/7 access via mobile devices.

Early Intervention: Why the "rhyme and picture book" approach works for children as young as three to teach concepts like online aliases and stranger safety.

Safe AI for Kids: Introducing a new partnership with Chaperone, a platform featuring "homework mode" and parental controls to ensure AI is a tool for learning, not a shortcut for thinking.

Going Global: How the organization has expanded internationally with materials translated into Spanish, German, French, and Hebrew.

About Our Guest

Ben Halpert is a cybersecurity veteran with over 25 years of experience and the founder of Savvy Cyber Kids. He is dedicated to helping parents navigate the "wild" of the internet with positive, developmentally appropriate programming.

Resources

Savvy Cyber Kids Website: savvycyberkids.org

More RSAC 2026 Coverage: itspmagazine.com/rsac

Marco's Website: Marcociappelli.com

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