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? asked in Pregnancy & ParentingParenting · 6 years ago

Should teens have privacy from their parents? Some kids have locks on their doors, while I've always insisted they be open unless changing.?

Cell phones and computers should definitely be considered family property in the hands of a minor. There should be no reason why a child should feel nervous about letting her parents have password access to their social networking or email accounts.

Diaries should be considered private, but should be secretly read occasionally by the parent to make sure their child is OK.

Any other good ideas on keeping your child safe?

12 Answers

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  • 6 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    WOW this is seriously GREAT! I love your parenting... children will not understand the reason or why we are so "nosy" with there "things" but it because we love them. Lots of time kids will get angry with the fact that we don't give them privacy but just have access to their social media accounts, at night take their phones check them, when they shower take them, be real strict but also make sure to give them trust.

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    If you have a double cylinder deadbolt (it takes a key to open it from EITHER side), I can see how that could be a nuisance. Replace it with a SINGLE cylinder deadbolt--it takes a key to get in from outside, but from the inside, all you have to do is turn the switch. It is just as secure as a double, but you don't need to use a key when you are inside. It IS a good idea to lock the deadbolt. I know people that can get into a house where just the regular door handle is locked by jamming a credit card into the space between the door and the jamb, and wiggling it until the lock pops--but they cannot do it if the deadbolt is engaged. Have them change the deadbolt to a single cylinder, and you will all be happier, and still safe.

  • 6 years ago

    (Holy **** im so mad I typed 3-4 paragraphs and I accidentally clicked on this stupid ad. Ill try typing it as close to the original as possible.)

    That's terrible. It's your opinion and all, but I just don't see how that's normal. Kids and teens have a right too full privacy. It's an invasion, and they will feel as if they are doing something wrong every single time they catch their parents spying on them, and just cut off all social outlets altogether. And that's not good. I don't care if they are minors or not, privacy is pretty much a right. Yes, I can agree on why they shouldn't feel nervous. But I think 'nervous' should be replaced with 'invasion/invaded' then see how "wrong" it is to feel like this. And another note, I think that sexism would be involved if privacy was enforced. As a guy, I didn't have a problem, I was able to talk to alot of people without my parents freaking out. But they would always bug the hell out of sister and read through her messages constantly, and I felt sorry for her. And just because of that, I can see why she would always do rebellious stuff. Hiding relationships with guys (We were both forbidden to date till we were 16, but she got her first boyfriend at 14) and even fooling around. My parents were severely religious though, so I could see why they were seen as sexist, because they were. (Glad im away from that psycho religion...)

    I would let my kids have full privacy, but feel as if they aren't safe, they can openly come talk to me. If they did something bad and they got hurt, then I'd help them out to safety, but let the situation give the punishments and consequences.

    1. Example, going out with friends who would do drugs (Because I gave privacy, and you went off somewhere)? (And you were well aware) Not my fault if you got drugged. Of course I'd take you to an emergency room and help you, but let the mental images stay as a reminder that they can't do it again.

    2. Get pregnant/get someone pregnant (Again, because of privacy)? I'd help you pay for child support or abortion, but you will either have to face the consequences of what happens, such as a possibly of not being able to finish highschool with good grades, or deal with the abortion head-on. Even though I'm not against abortions, they can be a traumatic thing.

    This probably supports the fact that privacy should be enforced, but you get my point. They (of course) will be well educated that certain things are bad to do, but if they choose to ignore it, well again, you get my point.

    So no privacy is just a bad idea. You'll be given a poor relationship with your children

  • S
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    you should trust your kids always until they show they can not be trusted. You talking 13 or 18 makes a big difference.

    A kid can go online and get into trouble with a parent right near. A diary should never be secretly read. I do not believe locks should be needed except on the bathroom door

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  • ?
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    Bunch of teens answering that of course want their secrets from their parents, after all. Parents jus want to riun their fun. They are old enough to know what they are doing, that is. Until their bodies get their brains into more trouble then they bargained for. Teens need supervision and guidance just like a two year old does. Of course the techniques are different and we rant always there anymore.

  • 6 years ago

    Ok no no no this is just weird duh teens need there privacy and no a smartphone should not be considered family property what type of broke people s hit is that I understand checking there Facebook by just looking up there page and looking on it or being friends with them one social media I'm 16 and my mom checks my Facebook I'm pretty sure but there's no reason to be stupid over protective and the f uck dont read your kids diaries that's just not cool what they tell you is what you know if you want to know more trying being a more open parent but don't be a weirdo and read her diarie ( guessing it a her because boys don't keep diarie) like being an over protective weirdo just makes the kid stay further away from you and that's just the truth relax and teach your kids about the things you want to protect them from I bet it works 1000 time better then being over protective

  • ?
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    How is an open door at all times except changing keeping your kids safe exactly? What do you suspect they'd be doing if they had a closed door for 5 minutes? Do you have actual reason to suspect something, and if so, what are your suspicions?

    And if you secretly read your kids' diaries, you DON'T consider them private. You're just sneaking around and lying about it. Way to set an example for your kids.

  • 6 years ago

    Nope

    Kids have zero rights to privacy or anything and shouldn't be allowed to have locks on their doors and parents have a right to go into the room any time they want, take waht they want since a child, by LAW, can't own anything.

    No chidl should be allowed to have a cell phone since they dont need it and they dont need a computer or TV in thier room.

  • ?
    Lv 6
    6 years ago

    No this is wrong, kids need their privacy. Doing these things is not keeping them safe it is just showing your child that you don't trust them.

  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no

    parents should keep boundaries but not that obsessive. a child's computer or phone is private and "Diaries should be considered private, but should be secretly read occasionally by the parent to make sure their child is OK."

    NO you should never read your child's diary especially if they're older. it's okay if you're suspicious and snoop on their computer but never their diary.

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