Laura Muse, a North Carolina mom, has ignited a debate by defending her practice of snooping through her 15 and 17-year-old children’s phones. Muse confiscates their phones at night to ensure they get enough sleep and occasionally checks to ensure responsible usage.

Muse justifies her actions, stating, “I own their phones, I pay for the phones. I can go through them whenever I want.” She emphasizes this as her way of managing her household.

As a mental health clinician, Muse asserts that her checks aim to prevent her kids from inappropriate activities and protect them from online dangers, citing instances where she caught her son posting inappropriate content.

In case of issues, Muse turns them into teachable moments, emphasizing the importance of open communication. She acknowledges imperfections but deems it crucial to keep an eye on her children’s online activities.

Muse is not alone; other parents are adopting similar methods, with mixed reactions from the public. While some support the practice as a safety measure, others criticize it, advocating for privacy despite acknowledging the dangers of the internet.