How to Respect a Teen's Privacy

Finding the proper balance between keeping a watchful eye on your teen and respecting her privacy is a challenge for many parents. As your child grows and moves toward the young adult years, she is building a new-found sense of independence, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren.org website. Although you can't completely let go and assume that your teen is old enough to lead her own life without your interference, monitoring her every move also isn't necessary.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take a step back and realize that your teen is building the confidence that he needs to become an independent young adult. Stop yourself from hovering over his every move or second-guessing his decisions.

    • 2

      Make a list of household rules that you both need to follow when it comes to privacy issues. For example, let your teen know that her texts, emails and social media communications are her own. Avoid invading her privacy and reading texts to her friends or logging on to her email account.

    • 3

      Keep safety in mind when balancing privacy and parenting. Talk to your teen early and often about Internet safety, online predators and the difference between needing privacy and acting secretive. Discuss the ways that predators try to trick teens and young people online. Let your child know that he should never engage in conversations with strangers or agree to meet anyone in person that he only knows online.

    • 4

      Stop yourself from sneaking around your child's room. Knock on the door before you enter when she's in her room. Talk to your teen about boundaries for your entry to her room, letting her know that it's still your house and that you have every right to come in if you suspect a problem.

    • 5

      Trust your teen. Let him know that you trust his judgment, but that you are always there to help. For example, instead of constantly monitoring his social media chats, let him come to you if he has an online issue such as a former friend from school spreading rumors about him.

    • 6

      Require your teen to tell you where she is going and with whom as doing so builds a sense of trust with each other.

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