In this modern age, taking note of how your child uses technology like a mobile phone and internet access is a concern for many parents. It is understandable, seeing as the worst dangers associated with unmonitored usage of these things are probably every parent’s nightmare. Also, most grown adults struggle to have a healthy relationship with their screens, so how is a young person going to be any better?

By the same token, it is important for moms and dads to balance their screen time supervision with some respect for their children’s autonomy, especially as they grow into adolescence. It’s not like they are going to be able to spend their whole lives with somebody looking over their shoulder, and also, they have a right to a certain level of privacy. Most kids just want to be able to scroll social media and text their friends without feeling like they’re being watched.