By babsywabs
on Apr 26, 2013  

Let me answer this question with some other questions - Who are the parents in this relationship? Why have we become a society of people who are more concerned about their children's "privacy" than they are about establishing a disciplined, solid, moral home? I know I'm a fossil, at 54, but when I was growing up we didn't have "privacy". Our parent knew where we were going, who we were seeing, how long we would be gone, and so on. These days, we are so concerned about offending our children's delicate sensibilities, that we are raising a generation of entitled wusses. Parents need to be parents, and if that includes "spying", which is really just good parenting, then by all means - spy away.

By Evelyn101
on Apr 26, 2013  

I don't think it is only the parent's responsibility. Other family members, friends of all ages are supposed to look out for the welfare of those they care about. If the profile is open, and I have no communication from the family member or their parents to help, I make the decision to view. If what they put there will affect them later on in life (applying for college), I would like to direct them to think first. I also let them know, they are to be responsible to keep their e-mail and other accounts from being open by signing out, or protecting the information.

By Texmel
on Apr 26, 2013  

babsywabs, you're NOT a fossil! Remember 54 is the new 44! :) I'm in agreement here. Our children are under our protection and, b/c they are not yet adults, their brains can't quite understand all the ramifications of what they are doing. Posting their current location? Showing photos of themselves to folks they don't know? This is where wise parents can step in and lovingly guide their kids AND teach them about Internet safety.

By Britnev
on Apr 26, 2013  

This is a hard one. I can see both sides of the argument. My sist finally let her 13 year old daughter have a FB account. At first they did not monitor however after they found out a boy had contacted her, not knowing she was 13, they took over the acount which is now heavily monitored. I can see this but I cannot see parents secretly spying on their kids. Their has to be some trust if you are going to allow your child access to social media.

By Noelgopie
on Apr 27, 2013  

I think that a child should be of age to be able to begin such things, and if you are one of those parents that mind if your child is getting ready for the social world, I do believe that the parent should be engaged in the activities. I believe that it's a safety issue.

By Pooh0778
on Apr 28, 2013  

I think you should spy and not tell. If you tell the child they are going to try to get more sneaky about what they are doing. Such as having someone meet them (which is truly scary to think about), giving out there phone numbers or cel numbers. I feel its better to not confront the child until it is needed.