Should parents go through their teen’s cell phones? Question posed by Russ Parr Morning Show

I predicted the answers that would follow before they got to the hot line. “They (teens) don’t get any privacy, I am paying the bills.” “I will take the hinges off the door to their room.” “I told my daughter not to delete her text messages because I will check all of them online.” My immediate response was what the hell is wrong with parents today!! Granted I don’t have kids but I know how I would raise mine to become responsible adults. Today’s parents are failing big time raising kids. They are taking a reactive position instead of a proactive position. What would these same parents had done before the invention of cell phones? I refuse to believe that by searching through your teen’s cell phone like the CIA is going to give you dirt you need to clean up. Their whole life story isn’t on their phones. Kids are smart. They will go to greater lengths to hide whatever they wanted to. What’s becoming the Incredible Hulk and ripping their door off going to do? I’ll tell you what it will do. You will have successfully ruined what little trust and communication you may have had with your teen. And why use all that energy and still have a teen who will find alternative ways to sneak around (now out of spite)? I would rather have conversations with my child from the moment they can talk to teens and throughout their adulthood and beyond. I would create a space for me and my child to discuss right and wrong. I would want my child to be comfortable coming to me with their issues so that we can work them out together. I want my child to understand why certain actions are wrong. Why has it become acceptable for parents to be lazy? They rather protest to ban Britney Spears music and dress than to tell their children that just because they see others doing it; it does not mean they have to. Or that the world sends many messages but stick to the rules we have set forth because it is the right way to go. Parents are too afraid of what the world is doing or saying but not equipping their kids with the proper tools. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not sparing the rod. There will be moments where talking won’t get through but I will be sending a clear message: You know why the rules are in place. Listen to the rules or there will be consequences. By snooping it also sends a clear message: Hide the evidence better. Which do you want to send?

Yeah I said it, and I don’t need to snoop for it!

Koko Bella