1. In your opinion what is the difference between ‘monitoring’ and ‘infringing’ the privacy?

(5
marks)

In my opinion, monitoring is to watch, keep track of, or frequent check for a special purpose. For
example, watching over the children and reminds them of proper conduct. Parents watch and check
a situation carefully for a period of time in order to discover something about it.

Whereas, infringing is to act in a way that is against a law or that limits someone’s rights or freedom.
A good example of infringement is breaking a hospital's rule of no smoking on hospital grounds.
Another example of infringement is to build a restriction or to install a tracking device on your
children's social media network. Thus, the act of constant checking does interfere with their
personal rights and does not allow them the social freedom they are entitled to.

2. When in your views are parents crossing the privacy of their children when monitoring their
children’s virtual lives? (5 marks)

In my opinion, kids are more likely to feel their privacy has been invaded when parents intrude on
personal issues, like eavesdropping on a conversation or secretly reading their texts. Children feel
their privacy being threaten when parents are following their whereabouts in close proximity,
frequent reviewing their search histories or even reading their digital conversations without their
knowledge.

When kids feel their privacy has been invaded, it can lead to the types of mental health problems
like anxiety, depression, and withdrawal. It can lead to a host of unwanted consequences, like
building mutual distrust between you and your children. It can backfire and encourage them to try
even harder to hide risky behaviour because they know you're looking for it.

But in many situations, parents desire to spy might have less to do with keeping kids safe, and more
to do with a burning desire to lower their own anxiety. Especially, the parents who tend to have less
confidence in their parenting abilities, more anxiety about their relationship with their child, and
more worries about their child’s behaviour.

3. Base on the facts in this article, to what extend has the monitoring of their children’s virtual
activity helps to curb social media abuses? (5 marks)

Children learn through exploration and natural curiosity, and it is part of our job as parents and
carers to encourage that. However, children need to be protected from everyday dangers as well
whether crossing the road, in and around the home, trying new foods or talking to new people they
meet. And sooner or later they may even discover computers, smartphones or tablets, and using
social networking sites.

Parents certainly need to monitor children’s virtual activity because they are at a vulnerable stage in
their lives. They are easily trusting people and less exposed to the darker side of the internet. They
are also not as well equipped to deal with cyber issues or the consequences.
I have listed four cyber issues that need parental surveillance. Firstly, inappropriate contact from
people who may wish to abuse, exploit or bully them. Secondly, inappropriate conduct of their own
and others’ online behaviour, such as cyberbullies especially when encouraged by others. Thirdly,
inappropriate content being accessed such as sexually explicit sites, violent materials, or other
harmful ideologies. Fourthly, commercialism or consumerism where children become the targets
victim of aggressive advertising and marketing messages. Gaining access to your personal
information stored on your computer, mobile device or games console, and passing it on to others …
or using your financial details such as payment card information.