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by Max Power on September 1st, 2006

Max Power

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Can I invade my kids privacy and use eavesdropping electronics to spy on them?

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  • by anonymous on May 18th, 2007

    anonymous

    I think that since children under the age of consent are actually under the guardianship of the parents/legal guardian, that they do not have any rights to privacy, freedom of choice in matters of sexual conduct, movement, work, voting, tobacco and alcohol use and various other things.

    Parents have the right to perform searches of a childs personal living areas and posessions, confiscate any materials, restrict their childrens movements and activities, decide which people they can associate with and where they go.

    Parents also have the legal right to decide when children can date or have sex while they are under the guardianship of the parents, when or where they can drink alcohol or other substances, even what time they go to bed.

    It is similar to being in jail, in the aspect of self determination. The parents are responsible not for the rehabilitation of a criminal, however, but the training of a new member of society.

    There are some differences, of course, in that the child is not guilty of wrongdoing and displaying a lack of control, in which case society must impose restrictions to inhibit unlawful behaviour and train the person in responsible decision making, but the parent is training the youngster from youth onward, not trying to dissuade previously formed bad habits, but forming ideals and abilities on a fresh slate.

    Young people do not have the ability to decide what is appropriate in some circumstances, and it is then the job of the parent to intervene and take whatever action is necessary to help them decide, and teach them how to make such decisions in the future, gradually increasing the responisibilities of the youngster until they are ready to go off on their own.

    Of course this discipline must be weighed against the overall impact on the child. Where "laissez faire" attitudes will leave a young adult ill equipped to handle decision making on their own, restrictions that are too all encompassing or severe will lead a child into rebellion.

    Video or audio recordings may help to find out about behaviour, but if the child is embarrased in such a way there will be very little trust, it is very likely that they will rebel against such invasions of their privacy.

    In conclusion, yes you can video tape, make audio recordings, intercept emails and phone calls, log key strokes and internet activities... but it is not adviseable to do some of these things. It may damage your relationship with your children.

    It is better to talk to them and teach them how to make good decisions. If they were involved with something bad, they might stop on their own after careful consideration of your advice in other matters, your not knowing will allow them some sense of pride, and spare your heart the turmoil of worry over their conduct.

    If they are to continue the activities it will always become apparent. Kids only think they can outsmart their parents, but their parents are the ones who taught them how to think.

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