Can I Invade My Child’s Electronic Privacy?

Last updated on: February 28, 2018 at 2:30 pm by Kelley Mathews

Can I Invade My Child’s Electronic Privacy? 2018-02-28T14:30:34-06:00 Kelley Mathews

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

“So, are the kids okay?” I sat across from a fellow mom at lunch. My junior-high son is pretty sweet on her daughter, a girl with the good taste to return the sentiments. Girl-mom and boy-mom have since begun talking on a regular basis. Not quite daily, but close.

“Everything’s good. I noticed in their emails that he congratulated her on her recent award. And last week when we had them and their friends over for pizza and games, I heard them talking . . . ”

“We had that same group over a few weeks ago, and I noticed another ‘couple’ in the mix. They were a lot more affectionate than our kids are. Wonder how those parents are handling it. . .”

And so goes our conversation. She and I actively report to one another, far more than our kids realize (until they read this article). We read their emails, with their full knowledge. I say “emails” because my son doesn’t have a phone yet. He’s 14 and manages without one. So when they aren’t at school together, they “talk” via emails, which resemble text messages in length.

Also, notice I didn’t say with their consent, merely their knowledge. I’ll go ahead and answer the question asked in the headline, “Can I invade my child’s electronic privacy?” with an obvious, and resounding, YES.

The answer isn’t just “Yes, we can,” but rather “Yes, we must.” Our children and teens need us to know what’s going on in their texting, emailing, chatting, and googling.

In the words of Aladdin, it’s a whole new world . . . for parents. What foundational principles can help us safely navigate the digital age with our teens and children?

Previous Post

February 21, 2018

What I Will Tell My Children about Billy Graham

Next Post

March 2, 2018 Whose Side is God on?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category adoption art bible Bible study books compassion creation culture dogs facebook faith family friendship funeral grieving justice leadership Mardi Gras marriage memorial mental illness milestones missions MOPS movies parenting politics race relationships social media technology Thanksgiving theology trusting God Uncategorized wedding women worship

Select a Month June 2021 April 2021 February 2021 January 2021 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 November 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 October 2013 September 2013 October 2012 August 2012 January 2012 October 2011 May 2011 February 2011 January 2011

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does "Jesus" name mean?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Anointed one Savior God saves Messiah

Books by This Author Books by Kelley Mathews

See All Titles »