How to Respect a Child's Right to Privacy

Parents sometimes feel like anything their child does should be public information, but guiding a child into adulthood requires allowing privacy within safe, age-appropriate boundaries. Even the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child states that every child has a right to privacy, offering protection of a child̵7;s private and family life. The key is finding a balance of mutual respect and trust.

Instructions

    • 1

      Consider your child̵7;s bedroom, cellphone messages and personal phone calls private. Give him the space to keep some of his opinions and feelings to himself, resisting the temptation to ask him to share everything with you. Tell your child you trust him from the beginning. Explain that, if he breaks that trust, he will have to work to restore it while enjoying fewer privileges.

    • 2

      Monitor your child̵7;s interests and activities, recommends HealthyChildren.org. Be aware of her favorite TV shows, magazines, books and movies to know what she is learning from the media. Set limits on the amount of time she spends on the Internet, if necessary, and install parental controls on your computer or through your Internet provider. Always know who your child is communicating with online -- openly protecting her safety is not the same as violating privacy.

    • 3

      Protect your child̵7;s privacy from people who become his friend online in order to harm or bully him. Help him set his accounts to a ̶0;private̶1; status. Become ̶0;friends̶1; on his favorite social media platform to ensure he is not releasing too much personal information. Resist the temptation to read every instant message or email he writes.

    • 4

      Reward your child for being trustworthy, recommends KidsHealth. Extend her curfew so she can hang out with friends longer, or allow her more time chatting online. Realize that, as your child gets older, she will naturally spend more time with friends and less time with you.

    • 5

      Talk with your child about your expectations. Let him voice his concerns if he feels you or other family members violate his privacy.

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