Is
Snooping Dad In Legal Bounds?
Dear
Harlan,
My dad has accessed my computer and can see where I go and
what I do online. He can also see what my e-mails say, and
watch my online conversations with my friends. Is this legal?
Watched
Dear Watched,
Here's what probably happened before he decided to start monitoring
your computer.
1.
He watched "Good Morning America" and saw the story of a
16-year-old girl who flew to the Middle East to meet her
Myspace.com Palestinian boyfriend.
2.
He then opened his e-mail and read a note from your high
school warning parents of the dangers of online teen communities
and how teens have been posting personal information that
makes them vulnerable to online predators.
3.
Then he watched the "Dateline" undercover investigation
about online predators who target teen girls for sexual
encounters.
Even if this wasn't his exact day, you can't blame the guy
for wanting to check up on you. The best approach is tell
him that you understand why he's concerned. Reassure him that
you're not making poor decisions. Then, ask him what you can
do to earn his trust. And then do it. On top of that, you
can always set up an email that he won't have easy access
to. As for calling the cops, there's nothing illegal about
being a concerned father protecting a minor (it's just annoying).
