As a parent, you’re never going to get everything right. How’s that for a confidence booster? But let’s face it, parenting is the ultimate leap into the unknown, filled with highs, lows, and everything in between.
One North Carolina mom, Laura Muse, is proving there’s no harm in giving it your all when it comes to guiding your kids. Her claim to fame? Keeping a close eye on how much screen time her teens rack up each day.
Every night, at around 11:30 pm, mom Laura Muse follows a routine that many might call old-fashioned parental scrutiny. She tucks her teenage son Cohen into bed with a kiss before she confiscates his cell phone for the night. This isn’t just a whimsical power move—it’s a key part of her master plan to ensure her kids get adequate rest and browse the digital world responsibly.
As a mental health clinician with a sharp sense of tech-savvy, Muse stands firmly behind her actions, even if they raise a few eyebrows. “I own their phones, I pay for the phones. I can go through them whenever I want,” she confidently told the New York Post.
Sure, some folks might wag their fingers, calling it an invasion of privacy. But, according to Muse, these measures are essential to her role as a parent.
She’s far from alone in her methods. Under the hashtag #RaisingTeens, an army of diligent parents shares tips and tricks on social media, showcasing their clever monitoring tactics. In fact, a survey by Malwarebytes reveals that 54% of parents adopt multiple strategies to supervise their teenagers’ digital escapades, from GPS tracking to snooping through texts and social media posts.
Muse began her vigilant monitoring journey when her children received their first phones at age 11. Initially, she conducted random weekly phone inspections. Now, with her kids well into their teens, the checks have become less frequent, but her guard remains up. Despite trusting her kids, Muse believes that monitoring their digital lives can prevent inappropriate activities and shield them from virtual hazards.
Her watchful eye has uncovered some eyebrow-raising moments, like when her son posted some questionable content on social media. Each discovery transforms into a teachable moment where open communication and clear boundaries guide her kids’ online habits.
It’s a contentious issue, and parents across TikTok are sharing why they dive into their children’s digital lives, sparking fervent debates. Critics aren’t holding back either. “This is not okay,” one user chimed in. Another bluntly added, “You don’t have to go through her phone.” And, of course, the classic: “I hate parents who can’t respect boundaries.”
Nonetheless, in the Muse household, her kids have come to embrace, or at least tolerate, her digital diligence. To her, it’s not about breaching privacy but about nurturing and protecting her loved ones.
Now it’s your turn. What do you think? Would you or have you done the same with your kids? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
