In an era dominated by technology, parenting has taken on new challenges, particularly when it comes to managing children’s screen time and online activities. For Laura Muse, a mother from North Carolina, striking a balance between supervision and privacy is essential in guiding her teenagers through the digital landscape.

Each night, Muse follows a routine with her teenage son Cohen, tucking him into bed before confiscating his cell phone for the night. This nightly ritual is just one aspect of Muse’s approach to managing her children’s screen time and online behaviors, rooted in her role as both a mental health clinician and the owner of her children’s phones.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 31: In this photo illustration, a teenager uses her mobile phone to access social media on January 31, 2024 in New York City. Technology executives appeared at a Senate hearing to address accusations that their companies are endangering children’s lives by not adequately policing predators and others who seek to harm and exploit young social media users. (Photo illustration by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Asserting her ownership of the devices she provides, Muse defends her right to monitor her children’s digital activities, emphasizing her responsibility as a parent to ensure their well-being and safety online. While acknowledging that her actions may be perceived as invasive by some, she sees them as necessary measures to protect her children from online dangers and promote responsible digital citizenship.

Muse’s approach is not uncommon, with many parents adopting similar strategies to supervise their teens’ online behaviors. By utilizing various methods, including GPS tracking and reviewing texts and social media posts, parents aim to stay informed about their children’s digital interactions and address any concerning behavior or content promptly.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 17: In this photo illustration, a teenage child looks at the screen of a mobile phone on January 17, 2023 in London, England. The ‘Online Safety’ Bill aims to introduce new rules for companies which host user-generated content, and for search engines, which will have tailored duties focussed on minimising the presentation of harmful search results to vulnerable users. Content that platforms will need to remove includes child sexual abuse material, revenge pornography, selling illegal drugs or weapons, and terrorism. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

For Muse, monitoring her children’s digital behavior has led to valuable insights and opportunities for open communication. By addressing issues directly and using them as teachable moments, she fosters trust and understanding within her family while reinforcing boundaries and expectations regarding technology use.

While some may criticize her approach as overly intrusive, Muse prioritizes her children’s safety and well-being above privacy concerns. In her view, parental involvement in their digital lives is not about control but rather about guidance and support, empowering her children to make informed decisions and navigate the online world responsibly.

Despite facing criticism on social media, Muse remains steadfast in her approach, emphasizing the importance of parental vigilance in an increasingly digital society. By staying actively engaged in her children’s digital lives and fostering open communication, she hopes to equip them with the skills and resilience needed to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

As parenting continues to evolve in the digital age, stories like Muse’s serve as a reminder of the complex balance between supervision and privacy, highlighting the importance of thoughtful and proactive approaches to guiding children through the digital world.

Henify Magazine

Love and Peace

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Last Update: March 5, 2024