As a parent, it’s impossible to always get everything right. However, it doesn’t hurt to try our best when it comes to guiding our kids to make the right decisions. That’s exactly what Laura Muse, a mother from North Carolina, does when it comes to monitoring her teenagers’ screen time.
Every night, at around 11:30 pm, Laura follows a routine with her teenage son Cohen. She tucks him into bed with a kiss and then confiscates his cell phone for the night. This nightly ritual is just one of the ways Laura manages her children’s screen time and online activities, ensuring they get enough rest and behave responsibly online.
As a mental health clinician and the owner of her children’s phones, Laura feels justified in her actions, despite facing criticism. She believes that since she owns and pays for the phones, she has the right to go through them whenever she wants. While some may see this as an invasion of privacy, Laura sees it as a necessary part of parenting.
Laura is not alone in her approach. Parents on social media proudly share their tactics for monitoring their teenagers’ online behavior under the hashtag #RaisingTeens. A survey by Malwarebytes found that 54% of parents use multiple methods to supervise their teens’ online activities, including GPS tracking and reviewing texts and social media posts.
Laura’s vigilance began when her children first got their phones at the age of 11. Initially, she conducted random weekly inspections, but now, with her children in their teens, the checks are less frequent. Although she trusts her children, Laura believes that monitoring their digital behavior helps prevent them from engaging in inappropriate activities and protects them from online dangers.
Sometimes, Laura’s interventions have revealed concerning behavior, such as her son posting inappropriate content on social media. Instead of just reprimanding him, she addresses these issues directly with her children, turning them into teachable moments. She believes that open communication and setting boundaries are crucial in guiding her children’s use of technology.
While some people criticize parents who go through their children’s phones, Laura’s children appreciate her involvement in their digital lives. She doesn’t see it as a breach of privacy but as a way to nurture and protect her children.
What do you think? Would you do, or have you done, the same with your own children? Let us know in the comments!
