While regular monitoring of children’s phones is crucial for protecting them from cyber threats, excessive scrutiny can hinder the creation of a supportive atmosphere. S. Abdalla, an Emirati mother in Dubai, recently learned from her son that her 14-year-old daughter was involved in a “suspicious” plan with her friends.
Upon checking her daughter’s phone, Abdalla found details about their intention to confront a classmate who had been physically aggressive towards them. They had planned to spray a mixture that would sting in the classmate’s eyes. Abdalla intervened, explaining the potential harm they could inflict on the girl.
Many parents in the UAE are uncertain about whether it is appropriate to check their children’s phones. Regular monitoring is essential to prevent issues like exposure to restricted content or risky relationships, yet excessive inspection may disrupt the development of trust and a supportive environment.
What the Law Says
There is no law that prohibits parents from checking their children’s phones; in fact, they have a legal and moral obligation to ensure their safety. “In the UAE, parents are generally within their rights to monitor their child’s phone, particularly to protect them,” stated Asma Siddiqui, Senior Associate at BSA Law. She clarified that once a child reaches adulthood (18 years in the UAE), they are accountable for their actions and have enhanced privacy rights.
Justifying Phone Checks
Parents need to emphasize their responsibility for their children’s protection when discussing phone monitoring. It’s important to manage emotions and respond maturely when children react negatively to phone inspections.
“Trust develops when children feel they can discuss anything with their parents without fear of judgement,” said Dr. Shaju George, a psychiatrist at International Modern Hospital Dubai. Regular conversations create an environment where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
“Engaging in regular, healthy conversations about various topics helps build trust and allows children to feel comfortable discussing everything openly,” George added, emphasizing that this approach encourages healthy dialogue without conflict.
Parents should be on the lookout for signs that may indicate a child is concealing something on their phone, such as “keeping devices secured with passwords, regularly deleting texts or call logs, using phones at odd hours, lying about usage, and avoiding screen time tracking,” he noted.
As reported by Khaleej Times, police have urged parents to spend quality time with their children to help reduce screen time. Authorities highlighted the importance of protecting children from cybercrime, which can occur through purchasing online games from unreliable sites, leading to unauthorized access to bank accounts and money theft.
Hajar H., an Emirati mother, discovered a conversation on her 12-year-old son’s phone about ordering a pocket knife and a knuckle duster using their home address. When confronted, her son explained that a friend had ordered these items for school and shipped them to his address to avoid his parents finding out.
Dr. Raga Sandhya Gandi, a psychiatrist at Zulekha Hospital Dubai, emphasized the need to balance privacy and safety when monitoring children’s phones. Parents can implement several healthy monitoring strategies:
- Establish clear guidelines for online activity
- Activate privacy settings on devices
- Teach children to protect personal information
- Model positive online behaviors
According to the American Psychological Association, parents should consider monitoring their child’s phone use until they are around 15 years old, although Gandi notes that this age may vary based on each child’s maturity and circumstances.
Dr. Gandi stressed the importance of staying calm when discovering concerning content on a child’s phone: “It’s crucial to remain calm and reassure the child that they are there to support them. Parents should assist in blocking or reporting inappropriate content and monitor any behavioral changes that may arise, seeking professional help if necessary.”
