There was a time when parents who wanted to know what was going on in their kids’ lives could just read their journal or snoop around their room. Today, technology has changed the parenting rulebook. Between cell phones, laptops, and social media portals, it can seem impossible to get a full picture of what’s going on in a teen’s life. Some parents use parental controls; others use spyware to monitor their child’s activity. But where is the line between parenting and spying? How can parents foster an environment of trust but still keep their kids safe?
Morning Shift talks to Dr. Tracy Bennett, founder of GetKidsInternetSafe.com, and Depaul University child psychologist Susan Tran about best parenting practices when monitoring children’s online activity.