Laura Muse, a mother from the U.S., has sparked a debate after defending her decision to look through her children’s phones, claiming she has every right since she pays for them. Muse, a mental health clinician, says she checks her teenage son’s phone every night before he falls asleep, and she monitors both his and her daughter’s online activity and messages. She shared, “I own their phones, I pay for the phones. I can go through them whenever I want,” adding that this is how she maintains order in her household.
The issue gained significant attention after Muse posted a TikTok video of herself standing with her son, while the text on the screen read, “Me every time I look through my teenager’s phone.” The video has received over a million views, and many parents voiced their support, agreeing that checking a child’s phone is a matter of safety. Some parents commented on how they similarly supervise their children’s online activities, expressing that it’s about protection, not invasion of privacy.
However, the topic has ignited controversy, with some people accusing Muse of violating her children’s privacy and eroding trust. Critics argue that such actions can prevent children from opening up to their parents in the future. One comment stated, “Checking your kids’ phone is an invasion of privacy and shows you don’t trust them. They will never open up to you ever again.”
In response, Muse stood by her approach, stating that the key to this system working is open communication. She believes that as long as there’s transparency, her children will feel comfortable discussing life with her, regardless of whether she checks their phones. Muse’s stance continues to fuel discussions around parenting, privacy, and the balance between supervision and trust in today’s digital age.
