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Should cell phone providers be allowed to give parents access to their teens' text messages?
Results so far:
| Yes | 74% | 271 votes | Total: 365 votes | |
| No | 26% | 94 votes |
Yes
by Denise Whitcomb
Created on: July 04, 2011
Perhaps the better question would be “At what age does privacy begin?” I would suggest that as long as the teen resides under their parent’s roof, they abide by parental wishes and guidelines. When children are young a parent watches over them and to a great extent have control over who they play with and who they don’t. Believe it or not, age does not change this. Government rules and regulations have interfered a very great deal as far as household rules and morals are concerned. Parents are responsible for the child until age 18 or until the child leaves the home. The laws are such now that it is possible to loose your home depending on what the child does within the confines of your home. The cell phone is an extension of that home.
Another thought is who truly owns the phone? Who bought the phone, who pays the bill? Most cases, Mom and Dad. The information that is divulged through that phone via Face book, Twitter and the like can and will be used against you by government agencies.
It is well known that the computer is used by sexual predators. Do you know the person that your child is texting to? Do you want this information and possibly dangerous activity kept from you in the name of privacy? Perhaps, if children know that the parent is alert and watching, they would have improved verbal communication skills in place of thumb gymnastics.
Why is it that the government has open access to phone records, however as a parent you would be blocked? Just shut up and pay the phone bill.
Might I also suggest that this privacy issue is just another wedge to drive in between parents and their children? Just another way to destroy and create chaos in the family and as a result, further government control over the peons?
These government regulations are attempting to make adults out of children. The rights of an individual are not the same for children and adults. These rights come with age and hopefully wisdom.
The United States was founded on biblical principles. Scriptures make it clear that parents are to have the authority over their children not government regulations.
However, scriptures also states that near the end of times, children will rule over adults. Isaiah 3:4 And I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them. This privacy issue is a big step in that direction.
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No
by Taylor Fritz
Created on: July 01, 2011
Teenagers like to be trusted, they do not like to be told they are wrong, and they hate when you invade their personal space. By reading their text messages, you are telling them that you are way too paranoid/worrisome and that you don't trust them. If you are worried your child is abusing text messaging, talk to them about it. Do not take their business and exploit it, that will just upset them. Instead, warn them of all the dangers it can have, what they should be careful of, and whatever they send can be saved. If you read their messages, it is likely that your teenager will be very upset. With teens raging hormones, nobody likes an upset teen.
Even if your child says it is fine, they are most likely just trying to please you. It is almost certain that it would make them uncomfortably cautious. Teens hardly ever talk on the phone now days, so it would be like you listening in on them on every conversation, even personal, they ever had. It is doubtful you would like your business so open. Again, if you are scared of what your child may be keeping from you or hiding from you, make sure you let it be known that they can talk to you without it being awkward. You're scared, but don't make your child scared of you. If they do tell you, try not to get angry if it is something upsetting. Work through it with your child, let them come to you, don't force them as you would not like to be forced.
By forcing your child, you could end up alone. When most people imagine the family they want, they imagine everybody snuggling close on a couch, watching a movie, laughing. Taking advantage of full access to your child's texts, you will have the opposite result. Depending on your teen, you could end up with tears, silence, yelling, broken furniture, but either way, you end up with drama. If you take all of your child's privacy away, they will begin to dislike you and not want to be home, which can push them into more danger. You need to be careful of providing your child with room enough to breath, but not so much room you abandon them. Don't let your child do what they always want. As mentioned, make them aware of all the dangers in the world. Be there, let them know you're there without too much pressure or force.
Learn more about this author, Taylor Fritz.
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