The Undercover Parent Analysis

The Internet is like a “safe place” for teens these days. Teens are consistently doing things on the internet, most of which, they don’t want their parents seeing. The Internet can be dangerous and there are many hazards to it, however teens have a right to their privacy. In Harlan Coben’s article, “The Undercover Parent”, he tells you that it is a good idea for parents to put spyware on their teen’s device. In my opinion, I think that spying on your teen’s Internet use is a vast invasion of privacy.

I believe that everyone has a right to privacy, including teens. Everyone’s heard of all the bad things that have happened because of the Internet, and they take precautions because of that and to make sure that it doesn’t happen. One reason I think that parents shouldn’t spy on their kids is because they should respect their privacy. Another reason I believe that parents should not spy on their kids is because they should have trust with their teen, which could lead to a better connection. It might not go the way you planned, because teens would find ways to get around it (Coben 1).

Under some circumstances, putting spyware on your teens computer may be needed.

If a parent knows that something dangerous is happening over the internet, then it would be coherent to do that. But, they should first ask their teen about it first. Not the spyware, the situation going on. Parents need to trust their teens. If they are completely sure that their teen is doing something wrong on the Internet and are in danger, it would be OK to spy on their teens. Parents need to protect, but not be too overprotective. Include a response to an opposing point of view, then refute the opposing view’s position or show how your position is better. Some people may disagree with this argument because they believe that putting spyware on their teens computer is a great idea, but they are wrong because it is an invasion of privacy and not trusting their

child.
Teens also need to respect their parents and their decisions. Maybe if a parent puts spyware on their teen’s computer, it would guide them to be safer and make better choices when they’re on the Internet, knowing their parent can see what their doing. Personally, if my parents told me they could maybe be watching what I’m doing, I would be scared and be very cautious about what I do. Instead of spying on your teens, build a better relationship with them.