Parents concerned about their children may be tempted to track their teens’ whereabouts. Using mobile devices and smart home technology makes it easier to keep tabs, but is it wise to do so? Consider the pros and cons and what to do below.

Is Tracking a Good Idea?

Smart home and mobile device technology to track teens comes with benefits, but it can lead to issues with your child if they feel like you’re spying on them. Teens seeking independence will resist attempts to control them and resent having no privacy. They may try to find ways to get around tracking, like turning off their phones or leaving them in a safe place but going elsewhere.

But there may be times when your child will go somewhere you don’t feel comfortable with, or you want to check in with them periodically just to be sure they’re safe. You should trust your instinct to protect them in certain situations.

Best Practices

The best approach is to discuss when and why you will check on your teen. They won’t feel as spied upon if parameters are clearly set. Never track them in secret or break the rules you came up with together, as this will only make them distrust you.

Get their input for a list of times when tracking is allowed. If they’re part of the planning, they will feel more in control. They will also know when you are and aren’t looking in, so they won’t feel like their privacy has been compromised.

Establish that smart home technology will send an alert if they come and go outside of their curfew, but open communication and adhering to the rules will make you feel less worried when they are out.

Remind them that if you don’t hear from them after a while, you will check in for safety. Also, let them know that they can use your tracking as a benefit when they feel pressured to go somewhere they don’t want to. Letting friends know their parents will check on them can get them out of situations of unwanted peer pressure.

By the time your teen reaches 17 or 18, it’s time to loosen the reins. Since they will officially be an adult and possibly leave home to go to college, they need you to trust them to take care of themselves and not have you looking over their shoulder. 

Since 2011, ClearView Security & Home Automation has been the Portland Metro area’s choice for smart home technology. With a team of trained and certified technicians, the Oregon City company offers a vast selection of alarm systems, video monitoring, and other options to boost security and convenience. For more information on their offerings, call (855) 709-4466 or visit them online.