5 Weird (and Scary) Things You Might Find When Using Parental Spyware

Did you know that 60% of parents have checked their teenager’s browsing history and social media sites?

Another 48% admit to checking the text messages and call history on their kids’ cell phones.

What do you think? Should parents monitor cell phones? Is tracking your kids’ activity an invasion of privacy–or a way of protecting them?

The truth is that you might find more than just some strange YouTube videos. Here are 5 compelling reasons to consider using parental spyware.

1. Cyberbullying

Most cases of cyberbullying are never reported. That’s probably because most parents don’t know it’s happening.

Cyberbullying is sadly becoming more common on social media sites and other chat platforms. The effects can be disastrous, ranging from decreased self-esteem to suicide.

By installing parental control software on your child’s phone, you’ll be the first to know if they’re being bullied.

2. Sexting

Sexting involves sending lewd photos via text messages.

Some kids view this as harmless fun. But as a parent, you likely feel otherwise. In addition to immediate dangers, “sexted” images could come back to haunt your kids down the road.

If you decide to start tracking smartphones, this could be one of the worst discoveries you make. It will also be challenging to confront your child about what you know–but your efforts will be worth it.

3. Online Predators

Does your child personally know everybody he or she chats with?

In the virtual realm, the reality is that child predators can easily hide behind innocent facades. Messages from Suzie or Billy down the street could actually be coming from a pedophile with his eye on your child.

If you have any doubts about who your child is communicating with online, it’s vital to invest in spyware for parents.

4. Bad Influences

Predators are the scariest kind of online influences, but they’re not the only ones.

What kind of chat rooms does your child visit? What types of topics do they discuss? Many promote things like racial hatred, using drugs, or shoplifting.

This could also be a way to see what your child reveals to their friends–things they might be unwilling to admit to you.

Are they struggling with low self-esteem or a secret addiction? Do they have thoughts of running away or suicide? Tracking your kids’ activity online could give you valuable (even life-saving) insight.

5. Identity Theft

Kids don’t have the same levels of awareness as adults do. This is why they’re such easy targets for online identity theft.

In fact, over 1.3 million kids (half of them under the age of 6) are victims of identity theft every year!

Your child may reveal personal information in pure innocence, but that won’t matter to a thief. As a parent, it’s up to you to monitor how much information your child shares–and with whom.

Parental Spyware: The Decision Is Yours

We live in a dangerous world. Keeping your family safe is undoubtedly your top concern–but the decision whether to use parental spyware is up to you.

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