Freedom/Privacy rights for our teenagers?

Question

In this uncertain world.. do we have the right as Adults/Head of household to have our kids passwords to sights like M* Space, Messenger ect... I have them and check periodicaly.. Less, as i'm not finding anything of concern. Isn't the computer and internet a privilage, not a right?

Answer 1

Its your house, and you are their father. The only rights they have are to have a roof over their heads, food on the table, and school work to complete. Just like it is your right as a parent to know where your child is at all times, it is also your right to know what is going on while they are online. Don't read their diary or journal, but anything on the computer is fair game!

Answer 2

It depends mostly on what you mean by 'rights.' In the US (where I live), teenagers as a whole don't have equal rights. I mean, when you're 15 years of age, you don't have the same rights as someone who is 17. 1. When you're 17, you can drop out of school and get your driving license. 2. When you're 16, you can get your drivers permit 3. I believe, depending on your state, you can work at certain places at 15. (but usually it's 16 or up) 4. Right to freedom of speech 5. Right to freedom of religion 6. Right of freedom from discrimination/prejudice 7. Right to avoid abuse and violence 8. And probably more that I can't think of at the moment... But teenagers as a whole, don't really have that many rights until they turn 18 years of age. And when you turn 18, you're classified as an adult, no longer a teenager. Basically, if you're younger than 16, the rights you have are probably quite limited. Most likely you only have the rights to breathe the air, eat food, sleep, go to school and possibly work a part time job. (with limited hours) Good luck!

Answer 3

That changes per house hold, but in my house on my computer, on my Internet, I have full access. Privacy is for personal needs, and not for the Internet. I have a personal computer, the family has computers for all to use, and they are in a family accessible room. I told my son just the other day, " As a parent I owe you health, love, food, shelter and education, the Internet has nothing to do with parenting. If you can not follow the rules, you can not log in. This is not up for discussion." He was upset for a few days, but the truth to the matter is I only check things out if the software alerts me that the parent guidelines I have set were attempted to be changed. My employer checks my actions on line, and their future employers will do the same.

Answer 4

I don't know this for an absolute fact but I have heard of kids having more than one my space, etc accounts and passwords for the exact purpose of being able to have their parents think what they'e doing is okay and being able to do it without their parents realizing it. It would never have occurred to me to even think of such a thing if i hadn't heard it but, it makes sense.
As far as the whole thing with privacy and kids is concerned I think there's no question that privileges have to be earned. I think there's some confusion where freedom and privacy are concerned. I think freedom has to go along with responsibility. Kids have to be given responsibilities and if they live up to those responsibilities they earn more freedom. I think privacy is a whole different thing. I think privacy is a trust issue and not a freedom issue. I don't think kids need to earn their right to privacy as a privilege. I think they need to gain our trust and then we allow them privacy because we feel secure in the knowledge that they are responsible enough to handle things on their own (i.e., in "private").
In my house, using the computer is definitely a privilege and I feel fine about restricting its use if my kids don't live up to their responsibilities. But that has nothing to do with privacy.

Answer 5

You ABSOLUTELY have the right, in fact, in my household - I insist upon it. And - I let my kids know so they're aware I can track them.

I log all their instant messages to a folder they cannot access. They have accounts set up for their age group - it limits some access to sites that are inappropriate and they can't use the computer unless they're in the same room as we are.

I don't do this hurt my children or exert power or show that I'm the boss. I do this because I love my kids and would hate for an internet contact to turn into something it shouldn't. As they get older and show me I can trust them, I allow them more access and check less frequently.

Amazingly enough - they usually come straight to me and let me know if something has happened that might get them in trouble.

Answer 6

Well, too many kids...even the good ones can be steered wrong. Just like that 17 year-old honor student that ran away to meet a guy in the Middle East. Parents need to watch over what their kids are doing on the internet. As far as their bedrooms, unless they give you a reason not to trust them, it is a good idea to not invade that space.

Answer 7

Yes.

Up until the child reaches a good level of maturity. Notice I said maturity and not age...

Yes, the computer and internet the same with TV Stereos phones... are all privileges not rights for kids...

Do good in school don't get into trouble and life is good. Do something bad and lose a privilege. Chores for privileges teches good work ethics that will no doubt help them in their adult life...

While it isn't easy be strong, both you and your children will be glad you did.

Answer 8

I told my kids, until they are moved out of my house, I don't care if they are 18 or not..I wouldn't care if they were 30 infact..they have no privacy. I will read diaries and letters I find in pockets, I will look at what they are doing online and I will look at any IM's they have..lucky for me, they are all under 10 and I don't have to worry, because they don't use the computer w/o me there.

Answer 9

u r right! ok this is comming from a 19 y/o... and a girl ask a Q on here a couple days ago about this to.. i know what teenagers talk about. if its not ur teen its the other. but no matter how nice and goody2shoe they seem u never really know how they act and talk around there friends alone. u have a right to check up on them. its ur computer u was the one to bought it. even if its in there room and even if u gave it to them and in ur house it is urs till they move out and if they take it with them. if they dont want u to see stuff on there then they prolly r hiding somthing. that they dont want u to see thats y its a big deal to them. if they start a fight with it take it away put it in ur room u have the biggest right to check up again im 19 it wasnt that long ago when i was in my parents house and friends talking to me about stuff and sending me stuff that my parents would freak about.

Answer 10

Good job for parenting your child! You have every right and almost an obligation to know these things. Too many crazy things happen in this world, and with the internet your child could get caught up in it very quickly. You need to make sure that nothing happens to them.