I understand that my teenagers crave their own independence and want a life distinct from mine. I get it; I’m not exactly the “cool” parent, and they’re at that age where I can easily embarrass them with just a word, a look, or even a bad hair day. I try to give them the space and privacy they need, but there are boundaries, and those boundaries were tested recently when my daughter inquired if I had seen her brother’s latest Instagram post.
Curious, I rushed to my phone to check it out, unsure whether she was excited or concerned about what he had posted. Imagine my disbelief and frustration when I discovered that I had been blocked from his account. Oh no, not on my watch!
Let me clarify: I don’t have to be my children’s friend, and I don’t expect them to share everything with me. I respect their need for privacy and the chance to make mistakes and learn from them. However, there’s no way I’m allowing my son to block me on social media.
His reasoning was baffling. He claimed he blocked me because I had liked 25 of his posts in less than two minutes one day when I was missing him while he hung out with his friends. Can you believe that? It’s a crime to show your appreciation for your kid’s life moments, like skateboarding or biking, just because I miss him?
Moreover, kids often underestimate how challenging it can be to navigate their online lives. When they block us, they are making it harder for us to keep them in check. If they want a phone, they have to understand that it comes with responsibilities and transparency. I won’t let my 14-year-old run wild on his phone without oversight.
They can have their privacy; that’s what their room is for, with the door closed and devices put away. Blocking parents only raises red flags and makes us suspect they might be up to something they shouldn’t be. It’s better to let us see those likes and emojis rather than create unnecessary drama.
If my kids think blocking me will give them more freedom, they’re mistaken. I can always confiscate their phone and fill their social media with countless selfies if they can’t adhere to my rules. If they want to enjoy the privileges of having a phone, they need to share their passwords and not block me from any platform. Since I’m the one paying for it, technically, it’s mine anyway.
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In summary, while it’s natural for teens to seek independence, they must also understand the importance of communication and transparency with their parents. Blocking parents on social media can lead to misunderstandings and increased scrutiny rather than the freedom they hope for.