by Anonymous on March 4th, 2007

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Would it be wrong for a parent to plant a GPS tracking device on their 16 year-olds car - without their knowledge - in order to track their whereabouts and driving speed - or would that be considered a breach of trust?

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Answers. 77 helpful answers below.

by FLYxNIGHT on March 4th, 2007
Not if you don't mind the toilet cam they installed in your Master Bath.
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- Okay, if that was -4, how about when they hack your e-mail account and read your private mail?
  
  How the fuck did parents manage to live when they had no other choice other than to trust their children or assume they were up to no good? Parents like this should - as someone already pointed out - look to their own experiences with egregious violation of privacy by their parents when considering what is right and wrong.
  
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  by FLYxNIGHT on March 4th, 2007
- Even if it's YOUR car they are driving and that YOU pay for the insurance. Okay then rephrase the question and replace employee with child and employer with parent but same scenario - employee is driving a vehicle owned and supported by the employer. Does that change your opinion?
  
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  by Anonymous on March 4th, 2007
- No, I'm being payed by an employer and am bound by whatever agreements I have made, written, verbal, or otherwise regarding the use of company property. Sorry, I just disagree with you that deliberately engaging in covert observation of your child is good parenting. Of course you shouldn't trust or believe your child; but you should give them as much rope to hang themselves with as you might have had growing up. And if that means you didn't get the car because your you couldn't be tracked via satellite, then don't give them the car. Make them learn responsibility and get their own car, another thing parents used to do. Or here's an even better idea: be honest with your children. Lying by omission is lying, and what if you're found out? What sort of example does that set?
  
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  by FLYxNIGHT on March 4th, 2007
- Just so you know, FlyxNight, children under the age of 18 do not have a right to privacy as quaranteed by the Constitution. And as a parent I am going to use whatever I have available to me however I see fit to make sure my kids are safe and doing what they are suppost too. If they don't like they can lump it. Oh, and an employer does not have to inform an employee about electronic survalence devices because once you are on the job you have no resonable expectation of privacy any where, but in a bathroom stall.
  
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  by P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines on August 18th, 2007
- I agree entirely FLYxNIGHT, great answer.
  
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  by Carmella on June 17th, 2008
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by gone on March 4th, 2007
Parent's are liable for their 16 year old's actions. Are they paying for the car? Who is carrying the insurance? And lastly, trust is earned.
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- great answer.
  
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  by Esteban-- Smart ass Pumpkin on March 4th, 2007
- Parent owns the car and pays for insurance, tabs, and regular upkeep of car. However it is the intentions of the 16-year old to buy (reimburse parent for car less $1000 that is considered the parents contribution for helping to buy first car)which at that point he would become responsible for incurring complete responsibility for the car (tabs, insurance, gas, maintenance) and has just got a job and is working on holding up his end of the bargain. He has always been responsible and trouble free and does deserve my trust - but I can't help but worry just because I can vividly remember crazy stupid things that teenagers do from when we (his parents) were that age (and because both of us each lost a teenage sibling as a result of car accidents - both involved underage drivers who had been drinking and driving too fast at the time of the crashes). But in his defense it probably would be a safe assumption to say he might have more sense than the both of us (his parents) combined had when we were his age. I just want to be able to monitor his driving safety habits at least for the first couple of months when he starts driving on his own.
  
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  by Anonymous on March 4th, 2007
- Sounds like you have a great son. I think the 'without his knowledge' is the crucial point. Can you discuss this with him? Let him know it's about your issues and not him? Good luck.
  
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  by gone on March 4th, 2007
- Sorry to jump into the disscussion, but I am 18 and I consider myself very responsible. I am not a thrill seeker, and drive a peice-o-crap that I sereiously doubt that it will be up toa ny hotroding. I also feel that my mother doesn't trust me for the same reason you have doubt of your own (kid = dumb@**).
  
  I would be more offended if my mom planted a tracking device on my car and not tell me about it. At least if she told me, I would know that I still have to work to earn her trust.
  
  As a new driver he is also at a disadvantage becasue it's estimated that a new driver isn't up to same same level as an AVERAGE driver for at least 5 years.
  
  Also as a new driver its estimated that he will be involved in a cras in the first year. This is from the lack of experience.
  
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  by Paul the know it all on December 22nd, 2007
- Tell your child that if they want to continue to drive that you wnat to make sure that they do not get hurt and IF that child would be involved in an accident, wouldnt this make it easier to find them in time to actually help. It's not that you dont trust them, but you are responsible for their actions (no matter how poor their judgement was at that time). If they go out with their friends, and eventually "hotrod" their "ride". and show off, then you need to know because you will probably pay the ticket, and take them to court. If I remember right a parent and a policeman can take away a minors license (at least where I live).
  
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  by Paul the know it all on December 22nd, 2007
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by This Daley has a new bundle of joy on March 4th, 2007
The tracking device itself is not a breach of trust, but not telling the driver is. Install the GPS (and a camera), but be honest about it.
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- Well if that were the case and they were going to be doing something that they knew you wouldn't apporove of what would stop them from removing the device from the vehicle and leaving it at a friends house and saying that they just hung out over there all night. And then basically you just made a useless purchase because your not able to do what was intended which is to be able to monitor his safety driving habits - mainly speed - and I'll admit I would be curious to know if he goes to parties that I don't hear about. But the act of monitoring him is only intended for his first few months just to put my mind at ease that he's behiving safely and responsibly behind the wheel.
  
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  by Anonymous on March 4th, 2007
- I just watched a program about an insurance company that offers free cameras to parents for teen drivers. The camera activates when there is sudden acceleration, sudden braking or swerving. It records both the interior of the car and the road ahead. They are finding that teens who sit with their parents and review the tapes correct their driving and drive safer within a few weeks. There is a staggering rate of accidents with teen drivers because safety is just not important to them and because they do not have a broadbase of experiences to draw from in order to know how to handle certain situations. It can also help enforce rules such as no passenger rules for drivers under a certain age (that a number of states have now). The cameras can not be uninstalled without the parent knowing it and if it was, I would revoke use of the car.
  
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  by This Daley has a new bundle of joy on March 5th, 2007
- Thedaleys right, If they remove the camera it cuts the power suplly and once hat happens an alarm is immediatly sounded alerting the parents. By I have heard of them removing the GPS since it has it's own power supply.
  
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  by P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines on August 18th, 2007
- I would drive more safely if i Knew my parents were watching.
  
  The kid will just be confused when he comes home, and gets yelled at.
  
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  by muffinmanlan on October 20th, 2008
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by sssherri on March 4th, 2007
If my 16 yr old had already broken my trust. I think it would be something I'd consider if there were serious problems involved, such as drinking and/or drugs or criminal behaviour.
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- I dont mean to be nosy, but did he just misbehave, or break a serious rule? And what was his punishment? I am reflesting on my experience as a new driver and would like to use use as a reference.
  
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  by Paul the know it all on December 22nd, 2007
- No, my daughter is now 27 and GPS wasn't as easily avbl then as it is now. If my 16yr old had been repeatedly arrested for drugs and/or alcohol, running from cops B&E, etc, then it might be serious enough to warrant it. I would only think of that as a last resort.
  Other than that, no. I think that would violate any possibility of parent/child trust.
  
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  by sssherri on January 9th, 2008
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by Little big mouth on August 18th, 2007
This probably won't be a popular answer BUT if your child has given you any reason to doubt them or you think they are endangering themselves, do it. If my mom had done that I would have gotten in a lot less trouble
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by Magenta on November 20th, 2007
Trust is a two-way street, no pun intended.

If the child has demonstrated that he goes places without telling his parents, and that he speeds and gets tickets, then the child broke the trust already.

What the parent is doing is simply protecting an irresponsible child.
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- Excellent answer. It definitly depends also on the teen's behavior. Personally I don't think that its a bad idea to put in on all new driver cars with their knowledge. Like a probationary period.
  
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  by Namaste formerly future_health_educator on November 20th, 2007
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by P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines on August 18th, 2007
Not in the least bit. I am going to use these very devices when I let my kids get their lisences at 17. It is your car and your insurance they're using. You have every right to know what they're doing and with whom. And that includes if they bought the car themselves since you're legal responsable for what they do till they're 18. You also have to be wary of the fact that kids use each other's cars. In fact a lot of teens are kiled while riding in their own cars when they let a friend drive it. Teens also need to understand that they have no right to privacy unless they're in the bathroom under the law. It's not they're trust in you that has to be earned it's your trust in them.
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by Audiotron on April 26th, 2008
Wouldn't be wrong. Especially if the parents paid for the car for this kids.
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by Jewel on November 20th, 2007
If you do it without telling them, you have a problem.
Tell them. They will hate it. But it will be the bug in their bonnet that keeps them safe. Eventually they will forgive you for caring, but they will never get over being lied to, spied on and treated with disrespect.
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by anonymous on August 18th, 2007
I can understand your concerns because I am the mother of a teenage boy.

But somewhere you just have to let go and hope that for the first 16 years of their life you instilled enough commonsense into them that they will do the right thing.

They won't all the time but that is what learning is all about.
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by Sheriff Raff -Answerhag on August 18th, 2007
The historical units are good, but expect an error rate. I found this out today when testing one.
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by squid on August 13th, 2007
I might do this to get an idea of whether I should be trusting what my child tells me. I might get the info from the GPS and ask my kids questions. If their answer did not match with the facts of the GPS I would have an idea how much I could be trusting my child. Cars can be dangerous and kids should only get them if they are responsible. I'm not going to give my kids the car just because they are a good lier if I have a tool to make sure they are telling me the truth.
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by snakesncrocks on March 4th, 2007
lol, i'd say that their parents are a bit over protective to go and do that - but go ahead would be funny - but when they find out they may be mad :) :)
Comments
- Yeah I know - I thought about that and that's why I'm feeling half guily about doing it - but it's not a long-term deal I just want to make sure he doesn't have anything to prove behind the wheel and is driving safe as he first starts driving on his own. He won't find out about it until he's much older and I bring it up when were all gathered together for some holiday and sitting around laughing about crazy things from days gone by. He knows how I am and by then he'll be able to laugh about it too or at the least give me a look and shake his head. But he knows it won't because I'm trying to mean and that I do just worry about my kids and can be a bit overprotective at times.
  
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  by Anonymous on March 4th, 2007
- i guess that makes it ok :) - :)
  
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  by snakesncrocks on March 4th, 2007
- Who cares if they get mad? They'll get over it when they're little hissy gets 'em grounded from the car.
  
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  by P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines on August 18th, 2007
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by lizizhere on November 20th, 2007
This probably wont get a very good response but as a mom to a 16 year old, I would do anything to protect my child. You know what you were like at 16 my dad put a govner on my car at 16 & I never could figure out why I couldn't go over 56 miles an hour in a 6 cylinder that was a very smart thing to do because at 16 you have a lead foot when you think no ones looking or you won't get in trouble. You can't help your kids if you don't know about the problem & I think I would rather hurt my childs feelings or pride if they found out I had one on it & then take the car away if they were misusing it then to bury the child. I wish they still made govners for cars where they won't go over a certain speed, I get a lil upset at my dad but I got over it. I knew he was just protecting me from myself & as a parent I think its our place to do that. I think its a parents place to protect your child no matter what you have to do. For me personally I would rather be safe then sorry.
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by RosieGHM Jetpacker on November 20th, 2007
I think invasion of privacy is wrong..whether you go through your kid's things when he/she is not around, follow them when they go out, put tracking devices on them...if you expect to be treated with respect you must set an example to your child of providing respect..it is not a one-way street, and no matter how you justify it, it is a betrayal of trust...just my opinion, of course. Others may not agree with me.
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by Galeanda on August 18th, 2007
If the parents own the car or pay for the insurance and such, go for it. It's their responsibility to see that the car doesn't get into trouble and it's their responsibility to see that their underage child stay out of trouble, too.
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by NoMorph on August 18th, 2007
I don't think it would be wrong for a parent to do that if its their car, although I personally would prefer not to. I personally believe most children will try to do better if they feel trusted. Regardless, if it bothers you planting it there secretly, you could tell them it is there and maybe then it will act as a deterrent to misbehavior.
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by SuperGeek on December 8th, 2008
I think it's a major breech of trust. With that said, I did some stupid things in my car when I was 16. If I KNEW the device was there it would deter me from doing those things. However, If it gets brought to my attention that it was hidden then that trust would be gone. You really don't want to ruin that between the ages of 15-20 because when a really serious question needs to be answered, he will not trust you to get your advice.

Also, these things are so easily defeated. Most plug into the OBDII port on the computer and can easily be removed and/or left at the destination where your kid should supposed to be. You really have to ask yourself, how tech savvy are you compared to him?
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by Hooper on September 28th, 2008
Thoroughly up to the parent. There are devices that record where the car goes, how often the accelerator is pressed and how hard. This will help determine if the kid is dogging your ride. You could actually tell them about it, but, say it's for when you take the car to the shop so you can determine if a mechanic is treating your car badly or that you're doing it for yourselves so you can monitor your driving habits so you can learn to conserve fuel effectively. Gas isn't cheap these days. Not telling them about it will make him or her not trust you if they find out about it, but hey, this is a teenager we're talking about. They already think you're the embarrising bane of their existence. Just kidding.
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by discobod on September 9th, 2008
put it there ONLY if you can trust yourself

PROMISE to only check on them when you are genuinely worried if they are lost

when i was 16 i lied ALL the time to my parents where i was (DID YOU DO THE SAME ? - BE HONEST NOW)

but i NEVER got in trouble and i never hurt anyone

when you are 16 you are enjoying the fact of exploring the world WITHOUT your parents (picture a baby bird first leaving the safety of it parents nest......)

fit the unit if you wish - but DONT SPY on your kid - just be happy to see the little blip on the radar heading home to you.............good luck
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by skaterbabi121 on August 19th, 2008
yes it is wrong did that happen 2 you?
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by lianaface on June 17th, 2008
From an 18 year-old perspective I think it is extremely dishonest and creepy not to tell your child that you installed the device.
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by Anonymous on June 6th, 2008
Yes it would be very wrong. if you cant trust your kid enough to let him go out then take the fuckin car. he dosnt need it if you cant trust him.
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by royal77 says hello friend on January 31st, 2008
I think it is not improper for a parent to take what ever means seems necessary to protect the safety of their children.
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by DV8Donn on January 31st, 2008
If the parents trusted the 16-yr old, no gps would be involved? What did you do to get it?
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by DA BEN DAN yanggui zi on November 20th, 2007
I think it is wrong. It is sort of like going through someone's mail without their permission. Or like Big Brother in Orwell's "1984".
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by Tempter on November 20th, 2007
If you don't trust the young person enough to behave appropriately, then they should have the keys in the first place.
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by iliketrees on November 20th, 2007
Well, if you're so worried, as any parent should be, don't you think 16 is a bit too young to own and drive a car?
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by Takei-Shihan on August 18th, 2007
Since laws vary world wide, I reccomend you check the legality in your area first. Here in Montreal, it is not illegal for a parent or guardian to do so, as long as it is for a minor (under 18) and not an adult, so it is not totally wrong. However, I feel it should be done WITH their knowledge.
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by -O-uknow on August 18th, 2007
In accordance with trust.. tis your duty to know.
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by rdrainer on August 18th, 2007
Not wrong, but very responsible. 16 year olds aren't famous for their judgment, and having a way to find them when they make a bad choice is useful for everybody. If it is proved that the kid is going only to safe places and driving responsibly, so much the better and the parents can extend more privilege without concern. Think of it as an opportunity to earn trust instead of having a constant check on whether it's being abused. Kids have too many opportunities to get into bad situations these days, and having a little backup available can be useful.
Or, you could put the GPS on a stray dog and tie a burning bag to his tail and watch him run - that should give the folks a charge. Just kidding, folks.
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by Anonymous on August 18th, 2007
Who's car is it? Who's paying the insurance?
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by Anonymous on December 12th, 2008
Yes. If you do this, you'll teach your child that lying is acceptable. You may expect your new driver to earn your trust, but respect and trust are two way streets. Sneaking a GPS into the car will also have the opposite effect of what you intend--children of overly restrictive parents tend to be more disobedient and secretive because they feel that their parents will say no to every request, no matter how small. Also, children tend to do what you expect of them. If you communicate that you believe they can be good safe drivers, then they will be. If you tell them they are bad, then they will be.

If you feel that your child isn't a trustworthy driver, talk to him or her about the particular improvements you'd like to see in their driving. And if you really feel the need to monitor their driving, they'll be more likely tO drive safely if you tell them there's a GPS in the car.
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by treecatz on December 12th, 2008
It is not considered a breach of trust. You are the parent, you are responsible for your children. You are supposed to keep them safe. Your child might tell you that you don't trust them, and thats fine. When they are older and understand the concept, they will thank you.

If you put the GPS on the vehicle, and after a few months of tracking you notice that they don't go anywhere you don't want them too, and that they drive the speed limit, your question is answered. Remove the GPS, its just giving you a piece of mind, and your worries will subside a little.

Go for it!!!!
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by cyberbob on December 12th, 2008
no im all for it. man when i was 16 and had a cell phone i would tell my parents what they wanted to hear but i would be somewhere where i shouldnt have been, which came back to bite me in the a** a few times. but if they do find out about it all they'll do is park there car where they want you to think they are and then hop in a friends car and go where they want without you knowing.
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by JakeisyourKing on December 12th, 2008
yes, your 16 and haven't had much driving expierence if I had the money I would do the same thing for my kids when i'm older. if they buy the car by all means I wouldn't plant a GPS tracking system in there car if they are responsible enough to get the money
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by lalala on December 27th, 2008
Depends on the kid, has been cought going to faast been in the wrong places??
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by smruti on December 12th, 2008
yes they hav the right to do that, but it will make the son or daughter become more aggresive towards his/ her family. he/she may not like that when he/she will know that. so it would be best for his parents to do this thing with the knowledge of his son/daughter, which will make the family bonding more stronger.
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by SeTh_mAn on December 11th, 2008
i think it would be a complete breach of trust. how ever if you honostly felt that your childs health was indanger. i suppose there could be an exception
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by Anonymous on May 3rd, 2008
If I had kids I'd do it. Forget the trust thing.
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by Sanity on May 3rd, 2008
Yes, it would be a violation of trust to do it without their knowledge. Trust should not have to be earned. It should be given freely. The only reason to distrust someone is when they have given you reason to doubt that trust. Only you can decide whether they have given a reason.

If you trusted your child then, I believe, you would not have needed to ask this question. So I assume that they have given a reason for your doubt. In that case, I would sit them down and explain why you feel the need for the device and let them have a chance to start re-earning that trust.
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by GirlSleuth on April 29th, 2008
I would definetely consider that a breach of trust. If a parent has to resort to sticking a GPS system in their kid's car, they should definetely question their trust relationship with the teen.
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by MaggieZPA on May 7th, 2008
I have a 20 yr old that knew as long as I could trust him he got alot more opportunities to go. If he gave me reason to question his whereabouts and/or actions at age 16 I most certainly would have taken every measure needed to monitor him. Breach of trust? If you are asking what you asked, it sounds like the trust is already breeched.
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by Peygo. on May 26th, 2008
My dear child,parents know what it is to be a child; but you do not know what it is to be a parent.
The love of a child is the greatest love of all; likewise, the concern for a child is the greatest concern.
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by I NEED PIE! on June 7th, 2008
i think in most places you are considered an adult at 16 so it would probably be against the law even though you are their parent, as it would be considered a form of stalking.
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by Bartman on June 6th, 2008
Not telling is a breach of trust. And If I was that 16yr old, I would be pissed. Very pissed.
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by JohnnyO on June 4th, 2008
i WOULD SAY IT DEPENDS ON WHO PAYS FOR THE CAR, gas and insurance. Those facts by themselves demonstrate some level of responsibility, unless of course it's paid with dope money.
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by FaerieWhings on April 26th, 2008
Considering how kids drive nowadays, no. But if I was to do that my son would know.
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by Zulquarnain on April 26th, 2008
How come it be wrong when a parent brings a life to this world he has both the duty and right to protect it. It is the most natural of all laws and can't anyhow be called a breach of trust cause its a relation about love,care and sense of belonging that every person feels for his/her children
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by JTP on January 31st, 2008
Theres nothing wrong with putting the device in, but not telling the kid is the problem.

If I was being tracked without being told, I would disable the device as soon as possible, just to make a point.
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