There are so many ways that allow parents to keep an eye on what their kids are doing online and what they watch on TV. They can
block channels,
monitor key strokes, and
install gps chips in their cell phones. I think that some of the ways that allow parents to monitor their kids is a violation of their privacy. Many would argue that its for their safety and the parent just wants to protect their child. However, with
software enabling parents to read their child's emails, MySpace messages and text messages is taking it a step too far. I do agree with a parents need to block certain channels on the television or putting a parental control on the internet so their kids don't have access to adult websites, however when your reading a private conversation, it isn't right. If their kid is old enough to have their own cell phone, MySpace account, or email account, their parents shouldn't be secretly reading their messages. If their parents are so concerned about online predators or any danger to their child, they should set household rules such as no computer in their room or limited computer time so that they can monitor their children in a more respectful way.
Is it right for parents to monitor their kids secretly?
I agree with what you are saying, many parents take it too far. While parents try so hard to protect their children, they are only making the situation worse. Although I am not a parent, I feel that trying to control your kids makes them rebel. Sooner or later they are going to have to learn to protect themselves, and it might as well be sooner.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you, there is a big difference between responsible parenting and violating privacy. Parents are becoming too worrisome and cautious. In the end more harm will be caused than prevented. Kids will either become suffocated by their parents protection and completely reject the use of logic when confronted with a dangerous situation or harmful substance/material or they will become accustomed to the parental bubble protecting them and never learn to watch out for themselves. I strongly agree with you in terms of social networking and child privacy. If you can't trust your kid to use a cellphone responsibly and feel the need to invade the privacy you awarded him/her, then don't give them a phone at all.
ReplyDeleteI also agree, parents can sometimes go overboard and simply pry into their child's life rather than just watching out for them. I feel that it is important for parents to know what is going on in their children's lives, but going through emails and myspace accounts is a clearly violates that child's privacy (unless it is absolutely necessary for the child's protection). Most of the time, the parent has no reason to believe that their child is doing anything wrong or are in any danger. They're just snooping and trying to find any sort of information. Parents are not only violating privacy, but they are destroying trust between them and their child.
ReplyDeleteIt's against the law for anyone to read another's mail or hack into their internet accounts, who should parents be allowed to do so for no reason?
Well who is to judge when it is absolutely necessary for the child's protection? I would like to say I agree, but unfortunately, its very difficult to draw the line and say when and when it is not necessary for a parent to access a child's myspace page. I guess, the child shouldn't put anything on these pages, or say anything in text messages they don't want their parents to hear, since parents to some extent have an obligation to investigate. But what does a teenager have to hide from their parents? Nothing, right?
ReplyDelete