Privacy: How much is too much?

As kids grow older, they want their privacy respected.  Different families have different levels of privacy in their homes.

Some parents allow their kids/teens to have televisions and computers in their own rooms.  Other families wouldn't dream of that.  Some parents search rooms, check text messages and keep close tabs on where their teens are and who they are with.  Others allow more freedom. 

In a recent blog post that surfaced on the internet, a mother describes her experience when she took her teenage daughter to the doctor.  She came upon this sign:

                                                                           source   


You can read the rest of her blog post, but regardless this particular mother's reaction, the idea behind this sign would probably spark reactions in many parents. The idea that the tweens/teens have certain privacy rights that exclude the parents. 

Our goal in this post is to stir thought.  Socrates once said, "10 questions are better than 1 answer."  We want to know what parents are thinking regarding the level of privacy that teens deserve.


What are your thoughts on how much privacy a teen deserves or is entitled to, in general?

• Is it a parental "right" to be able check cell phone messages, data, internet history and nooks and crannies in the bedroom?

• Should medical professionals be able to meet with your child/teen without your presence?

• Should teens be required to meet with medical professionals privately, even if they don't want to?

• Should parents be excluded from participating in their childrens' business at school, at the doctor, or in social settings?

We want to spark conversations, not only in your own home, but possibly here.  We would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.