The Tracy Trek - a run across the United States to raise awareness about the dangers of social media - has one core mission: to keep kids safe.  As online safety speaker Ben Tracy runs across the country over 120 days, he will engage with schools, community groups, and lawmakers in an effort to raise awareness about issues of online safety for children and potential solutions.  

Since 2018, Ben Tracy has traveled across the United States, engaging with hundreds of thousands of students, parents, and educators through his talks on online safety and responsible social media use. Drawing from a deeply personal experience, Ben recounts how he lost a high-profile job on his first day due to social media posts he made as a teenager.

His presentations offer powerful, real-world lessons about navigating life in the digital age. Beyond sharing his own story, Ben addresses critical issues such as cyberbullying, the dangers of online predators, the relationship between social media and mental health, and the alarming risks associated with fentanyl-laced drugs sold on social media. He also emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive school culture and encourages students to make thoughtful, informed decisions about their online presence.

Through his work speaking at schools, Ben has been exposed to the many challenges that children, parents, and educators face every day because of social media - from predatory behavior that puts kids in danger to bullying that can lead to anxiety, depression, or in the most tragic instances, suicide. Ben has dedicated his life to combating these issues. Motivated by the profound impact of these stories, Ben aims to drive systemic change by raising awareness about the dangers of social media, advocating for stronger online safety measures, and fostering a culture of empathy and resilience.  

Less than 400 people have ever completed the cross-country run from coast to coast. But Ben’s effort underscores a powerful message: no matter the adversity we encounter in life, there’s always a way to transform it into something positive. In doing so, we have the chance to make a real difference, possibly changing lives along the way.