A mother has stirred up an intense debate after declaring that she has the absolute right to check her children’s phones whenever she wants—all because she pays for them.
With smartphones becoming an inseparable part of daily life, especially for teenagers, concerns over online safety, privacy, and parental control have reached an all-time high. Parents are increasingly worried about the dangers lurking on the internet, from cyberbullying to online predators and exposure to inappropriate content.
Recent research shows that more than half of parents (54%) actively monitor their teenagers’ phone activities in at least two different ways, whether by checking messages, tracking locations, or setting up content filters.
One such parent, Laura Muse, has taken a firm stance on the matter, unapologetically admitting that she frequently checks her kids’ phones to ensure their safety and hold them accountable for their online behavior.
‘I Own the Phones, So I Have the Right to Check Them,’ Mum Says
Laura Muse, a mental health clinician from the U.S., has gained massive online attention for her strict approach to parenting. She firmly believes that, since she is the one footing the bill for the devices, she has the authority to look through them at any time.
Every night, before her teenage son goes to sleep, Muse takes his phone away. She also keeps close tabs on both her son and daughter’s digital activities, regularly screening their text messages, social media accounts, and online interactions.
In an interview, she firmly defended her stance, stating:
“I bought their phones. I pay for their phone bills. That means I have every right to go through them whenever I want.”
Muse added that she views this level of supervision as essential for maintaining structure and discipline in her home.
“This is how I manage my household. I have rules, and this is one of them,” she explained.
Mum’s TikTok Video Sparks Heated Debate
Muse didn’t just express her parenting beliefs in an interview—she also shared them on TikTok, where her video quickly went viral.
In the clip, Muse is seen standing next to her teenage son as the song “This is no big deal” plays in the background. The text overlay boldly states:
“Me every time I look through my teenager’s phone.”
The video has racked up over a million views, igniting a fierce debate in the comments section, where parents and teenagers clashed over the ethics of phone snooping.
Parents Applaud Muse for Keeping Her Kids Accountable
Many parents rushed to her defense, praising her for taking an active role in her children’s digital lives.
One parent enthusiastically agreed, writing:
“My daughter had to turn her phone in every single night before bed, and yes, I looked through it. It’s my responsibility to protect her!”
Another added:
“You’re doing the right thing, mama! Too many parents let their kids run wild on the internet. You’re raising them right!”
Some also pointed out that monitoring a child’s phone is not about invasion of privacy but rather about ensuring their well-being.
“People don’t realize the kind of dangerous content kids can get into online. As parents, it’s our job to make sure they’re safe!” one commenter wrote.
Others emphasized that having this level of openness between a parent and child fosters a healthier relationship:
“I love that you and your kids have this level of understanding. That’s what good parenting looks like!”
Critics Argue It’s an Invasion of Privacy
While many supported Muse’s parenting style, not everyone agreed. Several people strongly criticized her approach, claiming that it was too intrusive and could damage trust between a parent and their child.
One person questioned:
“Why do you need to go through his phone? He deserves his privacy just like you do.”
Another critic argued that constantly checking a teenager’s phone creates a hostile environment and discourages trust:
“My mom only checks my phone if I give her a reason to. If you’re constantly looking through it, that means you don’t trust your kid in the first place.”
A third added:
“If you constantly snoop through their phone, they’ll never open up to you. Trust goes both ways.”
Muse Claps Back at Critics
Muse, however, was unfazed by the backlash. She responded directly to a commenter who accused her of invading her kids’ privacy, making her stance crystal clear:
“I pay for the phone. If my children have nothing to hide, then this should not be an issue. In our home, we have open communication. Sorry if you don’t have that in your life.”
She maintains that her strict but fair approach is not about control—it’s about guiding her children responsibly through the digital world.
Where Should Parents Draw the Line?
The debate over parental phone monitoring brings up an even bigger question—where should the line be drawn between protecting children and respecting their privacy?
On one hand, the internet is filled with potential dangers that could pose serious threats to a child’s safety, including:
- Cyberbullying, which can have severe emotional and psychological effects.
- Online predators, who manipulate young users through social media.
- Exposure to harmful content, which can influence behavior and mental health.
Many parents feel that regular phone checks are a necessary precaution to prevent these risks and keep children safe.
On the other hand, critics argue that children need their own sense of independence and privacy, which helps them develop critical thinking skills and a sense of responsibility. Some believe that too much parental interference can lead to:
- Lack of trust, making children more likely to hide things.
- Rebellion, as kids seek more autonomy outside of parental control.
- Communication barriers, where children feel uncomfortable sharing personal struggles with their parents.
The Verdict: No Right or Wrong Answer
Ultimately, whether or not parents should check their children’s phones depends on the individual family dynamic, level of trust, and the child’s maturity.
For some parents, monitoring phone activity is essential for ensuring their child’s safety, while others feel that teaching responsibility and digital awareness is a better approach than outright surveillance.
While Laura Muse stands by her decision, the debate remains open—should parents have unrestricted access to their children’s devices, or should kids have the right to digital privacy?