We asked you

Should you snoop on your kids's phone?

“Under 18 I would snoop. I would also tell my child I am keeping tabs and why – because I love them and it's my job to ensure their safety. If they are making good choices, the snooping won't result in consequences. I wish my parents had set any boundaries for me as a kid or teen.” – Hayley K.

“Nope, and not because of privacy but for my own mental health. My anxiety gets worse when I think there is something wrong and checking and monitoring does nothing to quench the anxiety. So I hope that the open communication and respect my child has with me is enough to parent.” – Jennifer V. D.

“I have very open communication with my children, I am hoping that that is enough. Neither has given me the urge to snoop yet. If I feel they are being dishonest, then I think I would speak to them before I would snoop, but who knows.” – Heather M.

“Mom snooped with my sister, not me. I found it to be a huge invasion of privacy and still do. If you think there are concerns, then look into it. Otherwise, family dinner at the table was usually all my parents needed to get things out of us!” – Erin R.

“Absolutely. Not only do I snoop, but it is my responsibility to know what they are up to. It is part of parenting. I like to think I don’t go overboard, but our rules say that we always have their passwords and free access to any devices. Don’t get me wrong! I don’t sit there the minute they put them down and go through everything, but once in a while I go through stuff. Matter of fact, I have even had other parents approach me with issues and so I have gone through said conversations and turned out it wasn’t even my kid who was the issue. When I went back to the parents they hadn’t actually seen the conversation, they just took their kid’s word for it. So yup, until they pay their own bills I have free access.” – Danielle H.

“I don’t have a teen yet, but the day will come! As much as I want to hold her hand and literally know every second what she is doing, I don’t think that’s healthy. I also don’t think checking on her all the time will necessarily stop her from making wrong decisions, it is bound to happen, no one is perfect. It also wouldn’t be healthy for me as I would be glued to the app every minute, seeing what’s going on. I am hoping to take the approach of “I taught her all I can, showed her how to be responsible and a good human, now go out into this world and spread your wings.”” – Christina F.

“I don't snoop per se, but all of my kids have the understanding that I could. No locks on their bedrooms. I do their laundry, so I go get it sometimes. I also have the passwords to all of their phones (it's in their phone contract). Privacy is important to kids, but it is a privilege earned with trust.” – Erin W.

Some responses have been edited for style and grammar. Responses were collected via Facebook. CCM

Register For Music Lessons Today.

Piano, Guitar, Drums, Strings & more!

Why Choose Long & McQuade?

Music lessons for all ages, stages, and styles. Professional instructors make learning fun. Convenient lesson times for busy families. No registration fees. Affordable instrument rentals. ONLINE AND IN-STUDIO LESSONS AVAILABLE.

225 58 Ave. SE • (403) 252-8506 • calgarychinooklessons@long-mcquade.com 3404 5 Ave. NE • (587) 296-6648 • calgaryeastlessons@long-mcquade.com 10 Royal Vista Dr. NW • (587) 794-3196 • calgaryroyalvistalessons@long-mcquade.com