Parents Snooping after Their Kids

This question is a tough one, I think the answer  lies in the relationship the parents have with their child.  If the child  has  been raised in an open environment where  he is updating his parents on whats happening  in his life and he knows he has nothing to hide from them ,  a family where the kid feels comfortable talking to his parents without any fear, then I guess less precautions should be taken. I think the parents need to show the kid that they are aware of the Internet and it's uses  and not turn up as "Internet dummies" even open an account and add him/her as a friend would show him that they are always there. I think that showing the kid a couple of articles about the worst cases that happened will have a good effect on his caution. I think he should be able to maintain a private virtual world of his own, if you sense a change in behavior you should check into it.

Hi,

I don't think the internet is the place to defend children's privacy. There are plenty of other areas where a parent can give his child autonomy without the risk of the child abusing that freedom. The internet can be a dangerous place for a child and I think there is a responsibility as a parent to protect children from certain content. Perhaps there should be some sort of content screener but even if not this problem needs to be addressed. 

Heck no!

Here's why:

Parents should know who their children's friends and acquaintances are and know what is occurring in their children's lives.  If that means snooping, so be it.  Period

If you suspect that something serious may be happening then,  it’s ok to snoop.  Parents honestly don't enjoy snooping, they don't get a kick out of it, but do it to protect their kids.

Parents should guide their children to be responsible, well-rounded individuals and prevent their kids from being drug addicts, victimized by predators, and from doing anything that might get them charged or thrown in jail.  It's a tough balance.  Add to that the everyday activities of earning money, getting everything you can for your family, etc.

As children hit their teens, more independence and exploration will be required.  This still needs guidance.

Here is the advice:  a way a kid can gain more privacy is actually by being open about their IM friends, etc.  If they actually tell their parents what they are up to, their parents will certainly be really embarrassed about their snooping since the kid will say:  "I TOLD YOU what I was doing and with whom, and you were fine with it!!!!  Either you don't trust me when I tell the truth, or you don't listen to me when I tell you about my life".  So you have to really show leadership in your life by being open, trusting, and transparent with your parents, and then they can back off.

Of course, if the child is very mature or of age, the child can probably move out, get a job, and pay for their own internet, cell phone, apartment, electricity, car, food, schooling, computer, and clothing.  Until then, it's their parent's house, mortgage, fridge, stove,etc.

I agree with you!! I have an 18 year old girl, who is contributes financially, but not with cleaning or anything else.  I do her laundry and cleaning for her, as she is college and works as well.