What’s the Point?

In an era where social media can be both a blessing and a threat, one man is taking bold action to raise awareness and keep kids safe. On August 17, 2024, Ben Tracy will embark on *The Tracy Trek* – a remarkable 120-day journey across the United States. But this is no ordinary run. Tracy, an online safety advocate, has a singular mission: to spotlight the dangers children face online and promote safety solutions. As he crosses the country, he’ll meet with schools, community groups, and lawmakers, all to spark change and protect the next generation from the often unseen perils of the digital world.

This Will Be Hard

Running across America is no small feat. Covering 3,107 miles from San Francisco, CA, to Ocean City, MD, Ben will effectively complete the equivalent of 120 marathons. That’s over 16 million steps in 120 days! But Ben isn’t just running for the sake of a physical challenge. Along the way, he’ll make over 100 stops to speak at schools and community organizations, offering talks about the importance of online safety.

Who’s Ben?

Ben Tracy is no stranger to the risks of the digital age. Since 2018, he’s dedicated his life to educating hundreds of thousands of students, parents, and educators across the U.S. about the dangers of irresponsible social media use. His journey into advocacy stems from a deeply personal story: on his very first day at a high-profile job, he lost his position due to inappropriate social media posts he made as a teenager. This eye-opening experience set him on a path to help others avoid the same fate.

Ben shares his story in his talks to illustrate the long-lasting consequences of online actions, but his message goes far beyond his personal experience. He dives into pressing issues like cyberbullying, online predators, mental health, and even the terrifying reality of fentanyl-laced drugs being sold via social media. By addressing these urgent concerns, Ben helps students navigate life in a digital world, encouraging them to make responsible choices and become advocates for online safety.

A Rare and Impactful Journey

Less than 400 people have completed a coast-to-coast run across the United States. But Ben’s journey is about more than the physical challenge – demonstrating resilience and showing how even the toughest adversities can be transformed into a force for good. Ben’s cross-country trek symbolizes the possibility of change for himself and the thousands of children, parents, and educators who will hear his message along the way. His mission is to inspire action, not just in individuals but in schools, communities, and even policymakers, fostering a collective effort to safeguard children from the dangers of the online world.

Ben’s Goal

Ben’s goal is as straightforward as it is critical: protect kids from the dark side of social media. His experiences in schools and communities have revealed the wide range of dangers kids face online. From predatory behavior that puts their safety at risk to the damaging effects of cyberbullying – which can lead to anxiety, depression, and, in the most tragic cases, suicide – the need for action has never been more urgent.

Motivated by the stories he’s heard and the lives he’s touched, Ben is determined to drive real change. Through *The Tracy Trek*, he aims to raise awareness about the need for stronger online safety measures and promote a culture of empathy and resilience. He is a tireless advocate, pushing for systemic reforms to help shield children from online harm while empowering them to make thoughtful, informed decisions about their digital lives.

By the Numbers

– Spoken to over 500,000 students, parents, and educators in 40+ states
– Assisted hundreds of families in fighting against online predators and other internet crimes
– Awarded $10,000 in scholarships to students promoting positive use of social media, anti-bullying, and mental health awareness

Ben Tracy’s cross-country run is about far more than covering miles. It’s about making a difference, and with every step, every talk, and every interaction, he’s working to create a safer world for children in the digital age. *The Tracy Trek* is a challenge but worth taking on to help safeguard our future.

Stay connected with Ben by following his journey here