The practice of parental monitoring of a child’s mobile device, while seemingly offering security, can inadvertently erode the foundational elements of trust and autonomy crucial for healthy adolescent development. Such surveillance, often implemented through tracking applications, provides access to a child’s communications, location, and online activity, potentially compromising their sense of privacy and self-determination.
A lack of privacy can hinder the development of independence and the ability to navigate social situations autonomously. The belief that one is constantly being observed can lead to reluctance in expressing oneself openly and honestly, potentially damaging the parent-child relationship and hindering the child’s ability to develop crucial problem-solving skills related to personal safety and responsible technology use. Furthermore, over-monitoring may breed resentment and defiance, ultimately proving counterproductive to the parent’s initial objective of ensuring their child’s well-being.
