Is it illegal to open my 13yr old's post/mail?

Answer 1

Probably not, but it's never going to bring you closer.

You don't say what you feel you are protecting your child from so I guess you should be discussing it with them not us.

Answer 2

If you're in the UK, then yes, technically it's a criminal offence. Opening mail which is not addressed to you could leave you open to a charge of "tampering with the queen's mail". In the real world though, I'd imagine that even if you were found out and your child tried to press charges, it's unlikely that any would be raised.

Do you have some reason to be suspicious of your child's mail? I can understand your curiosity, but I'd be really, really cautious about opening it unless you have a really good reason to believe that the contents are something bad. My father used to steam open my mail when I lived with him, right through until I left home. I could always tell. It hurt that he would pry into my private things, and it made me suspicious of him in all things afterwards.

If your child trusts you, think about it really carefully before blowing it.

Answer 3

Not sure, but I would assume that as legal guardian and they are a minor it would be legally fine. morally I am not sure about. Do you open all the post or suspect things? If suspect things, in this day and age I think you have a right as a parent or guardian. But the child is also entitled to privacy. When I was growing up, we were encouraged to open post in front of our parents, then if something was untoward, or inapropriate our parents were available to deal with it. It was done in such a way that we never felt our parents were spying on us, which is always the danger as you do not want your child to keep secrets from you.

Answer 4

Its illegal to open any mail unless its in your name or has parent/s guardian of on the envelope let the 13 yr old open it first then u can read it

Answer 5

Not illegal, but you shouldnt for all the reasons above.
If you are suspicious about anything, ask your child. If they are hiding anything, it can always be mailed to the house of a friend, whos mum does not pry.
Trust is the most prcious thing. Do not break yopur childs trust in you

Answer 6

Technically, yes, since it is illegal to open mail not addressed to you. However, if she were to prosecute you for it, she wouldn't have much chance of winning as long as you live together and list her as a dependent on tax forms.

Answer 7

Not when they are a minor under the age of 18 yrs old, living under your roof. You have every right to "inspect" any package entering your home, if you word it right, and find reason to do so that you can legally justify.

Answer 8

Well not for a minor, but youd have to be a f'in idiot to want to pry so badly. Children these days have this wierd tendency to come to thier parents when theyre having a big problem or even a small problem. Just mind your business untill they bring it to you. Anyone that says otherwise is obviously a cousin fuckin backwoods inbred swamp monkey.

Answer 9

You are a parent ? therefore with power of authority / PO attorney over dependent children under 18.
dont open it after he turns 18

Answer 10

No. Perfectly legal. But essentially dull. 13 year olds never get any quality porn or high end hallucinogens through the mail. If you want the good stuff, look through their school bag..........

Answer 11

not that i know of but how would you feel if they opened your mail, i'd ask them to open it while i was there and if you have a close relationship they will tell you about what is in it.