To spy or not to spy - this is a question many parents are asking when it comes to their kids.

Clint David, attorney with David, Goodman and Madole, wrote this commentary to give us Not-So-Perfect Parents some insights into the dilemma of whether to spy on our kids
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Yes, it is legal to spy on your children. Yes there is ample technology to monitor their every movement. It is entirely another question, however, whether or not this is wise, good parenting, and whether in fact the abundance and use of such technology could shock your children, make them resentful of you, and encourage rather than discourage them to hide their life from you.

Q: What is the available technology these days for monitoring our children? Are there any of their comings and goings at this point that we are not capable of following?

A: Technology allows virtually all of our children's communications and movements to be monitored. There is technology turning an iPhone into a "spyPhone," where texts can be read in real time, websites visited can be monitored, call logs can be reviewed in real time, and even telephone conversations can be monitored. Parents can track their kid's whereabouts on their cell phone through GPS, and of course, see anything they write on their computer, including a log of any and all websites that they have visited.

Q: Okay, so we know it's legal and it's possible, but is it smart and good parenting to monitor your children? If so, should you first advise your child what communications and actions will and will not be monitored?

A: This is a much more difficult question as so much depends upon the child. I believe firstly that it is very important that you tell your child that it is your intent to monitor their activities and which activities are subject to being monitored. Failing to tell them could really backfire as it may cause a child to do things that they would not otherwise do and take even greater risks to prove their independence and individuality. As a parent, it seems to me that unless the child has demonstrated that they cannot be trusted and must be monitored, the wise parent is better off providing the child enough slack in order to learn to make good choices on their own, and not just because their parents are watching.

Q: Could all of this technology actually provide parents with a false sense of security?

A: No doubt about it. A child can always conveniently leave their cell phone at a friend's house and get in trouble in somebody else's automobile. All the monitoring in the world can never replace teaching your child good judgment, common sense, knowing the difference between right and wrong, and fully loving and supporting them.
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Guest / Guests Names: Clint David
Titles: Managing Shareholder
Company: David, Goodman & Madole
Website: www.dgmlegal.com
Number for Consumers to call: 972-991-0889
Segment Contact Person: Clint David
Phone numbers: 214-908-6662
Email: cdavid@dgmlegal.com

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