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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I snooped but

303 replies

weeyin411 · 29/08/2016 01:04

Ok so my sons mobile was on charge I picked it up and checked to see if it was full...but when I clicked his messenger was open and I was nosey. I read it now what do I do. He's talking to a friend who says some girl says she kissed him (my son) which he is saying she's lying now, the problem is the language he was using is not how he's allowed to talk. He's also called her a few names rhymes with bore ....few other things. What's even worse is this friend has screenshot what he said and apparently shown the girl.

AIBU to go mad at him for this? It's what I want to do. Angry

OP posts:
Billben · 31/08/2016 08:47

Can't be bothered to read all the past replies but YANBU. Whilst my children are young and I'm responsible for them, they won't have 100% privacy when it comes to phones and the Internet. End of. They either accept it or they won't have either.

seriouslynoidea · 31/08/2016 09:48

Haven't read the entire thread so sorry if I miss something but can't believe that anyone thinks these days that children should have complete social media/technology autonomy. This is a world away from intimate thoughts in a diary/ letters that do not get spread around the www or school or other parents! To not check, not guide, to absent from parenting leads to so many problems including bullying both conscious and unconscious. I have 2 dc under 12 and 2 over 12. It is a condition of any tech they have that I have password and can if choose check. So although I did, do and would check for guidance, protection, safety etc I might not necessarily tell them I had. I've been in similar situation, discovering something I didn't like but I didn't want to send it underground so a couple of days later I started a conversation at the dinner table about a similar situation but a bit more extreme and take it to a logical but fairly grim consequence eg, say you heard from a friend about a child at their school who did similar, parents of the person discussed found out, reported to head blah blah, discuss what a shame it is that that person now marked out as a potential problem etc and wonder to yourself and your family how it is that the child hadn't been aware that anything sent on phones etc can be in effect published to all.

nellieellie · 31/08/2016 09:57

Did you have any rules when he got a phone? If not, then start some now. Eg, you can monitor texts etc. That way, he knows the position and the invasion of privacy issue does not arise. If you didn't make clear any rules, and he thinks his texts are private, he will now be incensed if he knows you have 'snooped'. You may want to tackle him, but long term he may feel he can't trust you, and for a soon to be teenager, Id avoid that. I cannot think that any 12 yr old should have privacy on his phone, but he needs to know from the start. In terms of use of the nasty word. Maybe this girl is fibbing, maybe he is being teased about it and is upset, and used a word he thought would make him seem 'cool' to his mates, partly lashing out too. I'm not excusing the word. It's a complete and utter no no. Maybe a discussion with him generally about girls, relationships, that is OK to just be friends with girls, that at this age some boys are not nice to girls and use words to describe them that really should not be used. I have periodic discussions with my 9 yr old DD and 11 yr old DS about sexism, it's effect, how people can be sexist. Only in very simple terms.

101waystoworry · 31/08/2016 10:35

When I was 12 the things I did online were despicable and guess what I had no parental supervision at all...none! Now yes I would have been mad to know that someone had read my messages but children shouldn't have complete privacy. Children will talk to their friends differently to their parents and that is ok, they need to grow and learn what they feel is ok. I really would talk to him about how he speaks about women as calling them a whore is not ok! He probably isn't doing to be nasty, maybe he is just trying to fit in it his friends.
Good luck I hope this helps :)

EthelMerman · 31/08/2016 11:27

I have told both my kids that I want to know what is on their phones - I do random checks. Found eldest (then 12) had been looking at porn, that was quite the conversation especially as my DH absolutely declined to get involved because his own dad had handled the porn question badly - FFS!!!

I don't read all their messages/emails because I don't have time/would die of boredom, but I do talk to them about what is acceptable language and what is not. They are a captive audience on the school run and I take full advantage of that - they love a good mum-rant on the school journey!

I try not to snoop because my mother was a dreadful snooper and as a teen I really resented that. They're not yet sullen uncommunicative teens but there's time.

MomOfTwins2 · 31/08/2016 11:42

I think you were right checking. But then again, I am of the opinion that a 12 year old doesn't need a phone. It horrifies me seeing all my twin girls' (8) 10 year old friends walking around with I-Phones. What on earth do they need a phone for at that age?

Galdos · 31/08/2016 12:03

Picking up on a few points made ... My three at three different schools get regular talks by the schools about smartphones, social media etc. From the chats I have had with them, and one bad experience, they are all aware. The bad experience was 12 yr old DS getting a series of bullying messages from some boys, some in his school (he couldn't identify all). We stopped this pretty quickly (I messaged the boys concerned saying who I was and that all their messages were always public, whatever privacy settings they used ...).

My three are also all aware that everything they post online is public and permanent, altho's sometimes I think they forget this.

As to language, yes, they communicate differently with their peers, but if I caught DS using language like 'whores' I think I might clock him! They all know what is wrong in that respect and I do pounce on any lapses.

My kids also know (because I say it almost daily) that Apple etc don't give a monkeys about them, or freedom of information, or privacy - they just want our money and are utterly ruthless about how they get it, and will sell on all the data they get. All are now suitably cynical about the facilities on offer through smartphones, knowing that everything they post will be sold to someone else and may pop up, inconveniently, next week, next year or next decade. This knowledge also helps temper what they do.

Dragongirl10 · 31/08/2016 13:45

I am amazed so many think its not a big deal for a 12 yr old to call a young girl a whore, and that invading their 'privacy' is a worse crime!

Mine are a bit younger but when they have phones they will not have privacy until they are old enough to pay for them! If l had found that on my sons phone he would lose the phone until he learnt how to treat and talk about girls.

How can we ever achieve respect for women, if it starts with letting boys think this behavior is fine just because they are with their mates.

hummingbirdhostage · 31/08/2016 15:24

At 12 he is still young and needs both your protection and guidance. You would correct his language if you overheard his conversation and this is no different. I don't think private conversations that are on text for all to find require the same level of privacy as other comments suggest and I for one would need my kids to understand that I will be checking - for their protection and to give me a chance to intervene as a parent if necessary. I think diaries are completely different

user1470269632 · 31/08/2016 20:09

Weeyin411, I have to ask how would you, exactly how you'd feel if your husband picked your phone and you'd feel, if he scrutinised all of your messages, and other accounts? Wouldn't you be cross that he didn't respect your privacy? We all have a right to privacy. Do you read your O/H's phone too?

Certainly I'd feel pretty guarded if my husband picked up any of my IT equipment and read my messages, without my knowledge. I get angry if anyone goes into my handbag, without my knowledge because although I don't have secrets in there, it's the only place where strictly speaking, I feel is my only sole territory.

You have, without thinking created a general feeling of mistrust and suspicion within the family. My DM used to go through all of my drawers and wardrobe. I knew she did, because she'd never remember to put things back properly, or she'd complain about how dusty the inside of my wardrobe was, which would set me thinking. She still does pick up things around the house, if they're left lying around. She still feels she has an automatic right to do that, as my mother. Hence, we're always on guard and anything that we don't want seen is tucked well away. We shouldn't feel like that in OUR own home. However, in reverse, I know without doubt she'd go bananas at the very least! I don't speak to her about private matters and in fact we've actually deliberately and considerably reduced contact.

You have, by this one single action, lost the trust of your son and addionally feel judged by you. Almost certainly anyone else in the house, including your O/H, will feel by default, those very same feelings.

How would you like it, if someone did exactly that to you? They might well use the excuse that although they're not 12, they're your O/H, older child, another adult, or that they own the piece of IT equipment, whatever, so therefore have the right. How would you feel if the tables were turned and someone picked up your phone, laptop, whatever and went through all them, reading them and passing judgment? Are you really saying you're 100% virtuous and have absolutely no secrets or banter about male men to your female friends? Or 'talk' to your female friends because you assume your

What your actions have created, is a son who's now far more guarded and secretive. All relationships should be based in trust and ultimatically you've lost that with him. Trust me, that although that although you think 'he's only 12', he'll never forget it. I know from experience.

At that age, (and yes, I have children, including a son older than yours, plus I used to actually teach English in a College of 11-18 year olds), children/young adults definitely DO have 'two' languages; one for home and one for school! They like to be seen to blend in and use language that many mothers would be shocked to hear. I used to hear it mys of and made it clear, when I heard it, by saying "sorry, but what did you just say?", more to point out that boys do tend to be loud at that age.

When boys/young men talk about women, amongst their friends, they're more often that not, boasting about their usually made up conquests and experiences, to make their friends feel inferior and make themselves superior. It's all about one up man ship. A lot of men still do it; you can overhear them in the pub(!). I don't think certain men ever outgrow it. They're trying to rate se their own self esteem at the mental cost to others. Many animal species do it too!

As for the language, that's just sheer bravado and being seen to be top dog😉. I think to a certain extent some women do it too. I'm certain your son doesn't use that language. If it were me and I was aware my son had been using derogatory language regarding women or anyone, then I'd carefully pick my moment to talk to him about it. When my own son asks how do I know about whatever he's said/been up to/ done, I just shrug my shoulders and say a little bird told me and that in future he should be careful what he says, does or been up to, It does tend to make him think twice. Plus, it demonstrates to him that I can be trusted. It means now, at the age of 21, just, that he can talk to me about anything. I just have to keep a deadpan face and never looked shocked. Like, I've been there, done that, got the hat, and got the t-shirt. 😉

For some reason older teenagers seem to think that "back in the olden days" (I keep a deadpan fan, whilst thinking "olden days", what olden days???!!!). "What old ends days, are you talking about; I'm not that old. What are you in about?" Just to make sure DS really realise that he's put his size ten feet in it and then just watch his squirm... 😂😂😂

I consider myself very lucky because my son feels he can trust me and ask or talk about anything, including sex, contraception, anything sexually related, drugs, absolutely anything, without being judged. I just keep that nonchalant deadpan face. Sometimes trying hard not to fall about laughing. But, seriously, at least he feels he can come to me. In fact, even some of his friends do too, about the above and mire important things in life. I feel blessed.

DrudgeJedd · 31/08/2016 20:48

That's some post u32

I think this is my favourite bit

plus I used to actually teach English in a College of 11-18 year olds

gloriously irrelevant Grin

mynameisnotmichaelcaine · 31/08/2016 21:46

Ffs. A twelve year old needs protection from himself and others on the internet. To not provide this is to fail your child. Obviously it's better if this is established on day 1 of them having a phone. I cannot fathom who in their right mind would not check what their child is doing online. It's just not the same as looking in drawers or reading a diary.

CheerfulYank · 31/08/2016 22:11

A child is not an adult, user.

Rachcakes · 31/08/2016 23:27

I have no issue with checking phones. In fact I think it's important for safeguarding young teens. And I also think while I'm paying the bill, I've a right to know what's being broadcast under my name.
However, I don't think what you've seen is that unusual. The way he speaks about girls needs addressing, but I'd bring it into more general chat. If he thinks you've spied on him it'll stand in the way of reasonable conversation.

MyCatIsSparticus · 31/08/2016 23:48

hen again, if he was using the N word, would everyone be cool with it and not say anything on the basis of "normal teen banter"? I doubt it. So why would I let whore go??

Absolutely this. With fucking bells on. How will that girl feel when she sees it? This is not acceptable and posters acting like its normal banter for the age are part of the problem. We have an epidemic of sexual harassment in schools of girls they are being disrespected and assaulted.

If you don't believe a child is old enough to be expected to understand you don't speak about another human that way he is not old enough for that level of trust.

Seriously vile attitudes here.

MyCatIsSparticus · 01/09/2016 00:11

Hmm user. 'Boys have a second language ' because they get away with it. Would you think casual racism just a bit of banter?

Seriously and wtf has that got to do with someone's husband checking up on them?

Dh wouldn't take away my Xbox for mouthing off either... Does that mean a parent can't do it to. 12 year old

VioletBam · 01/09/2016 00:51

User I've taught my girls that boys and men who speak like that are to be reported...and when adults do it, soon at least...hopefully prosecuted.

Calling girls slags, whores, dogs, sluts and similar is classed as Hate Speech in some parts of the UK now. So you'd be well advised to remember that.

As would all parent's of boys and all men.

Canyouforgiveher · 01/09/2016 01:40

*That's some post u32

I think this is my favourite bit

plus I used to actually teach English in a College of 11-18 year olds

gloriously irrelevant grin*

My favourite bit is:

"I feel blessed."

I just bet she does

Nataleejah · 01/09/2016 07:10

Its your responsibility to snoop, but you should tread softly about the subject. Kids show attention to each other in inappropriate ways not because they have bad intentions, but because they're immature.
Going all guns blazing over some messages will just make him more sneaky.

BoneyBackJefferson · 01/09/2016 13:28

I'm still hoping that when you approach/approached him about this you also discuss the issues with being lied about and being harassed on social media.

falange · 01/09/2016 14:08

User 147. Lol. That's all I have to say about your post.

user1470269632 · 01/09/2016 15:11

I think loping at your DS phone and messages is an invasion of privacy, regardless of his age. How would you like it if your husband read all of your messages? You're not teaching him the value of trust. He will, in the future, I guarantee will become more covert in the future. Having worked at a secondary school and being a parent, I know that.
Children, especially boys, put on an act of brovado at that age. They have one language for school, to make himself fit in and a second one for at home.
Parent's evening were always fascinating when they brought said child, to discuss their performance, etc and to observe and listen to the difference in the between speech and behaviour at school and with their parents. Your DS just wants to blend in and be part of the crowd.
I personally wouldn't have mentioned that his reference towards women was found out on his phone. I would have raised the issue much later and not say how I knew. But reiterate that it's highly derogatory towards women.
If it's any consolation, the females are just as bad tbh.
Something that you may well find comforting, is that I've witnessed many of them leave school and create their own lives. They stop the childish brovado stuff and have become fine examples of young men.
I have also met young men who are brought up in an environment where swearing every other word occurs. I do challenge them to talk to my without swearing and initially they struggle, but they get my point, that as an adult, swearing every other word can be highly detrimental in their careers. Would they like their own children growing up swearing every other word.
I've always believed that when it comes to the teenage years, that you don't sweat the small stuff, only the big stuff. Pick your battles wisely. Otherwise, lime me, they'll spend as little time as possible at home and be up to goodness knows what!
I've found that making my children feel loved and telling them so, pointedly, everyday, makes it a lot more difficult for them to rebel too.
Your children should feel that they can trust you no matter what. Thankfully, my DS does: even when stocks of condoms are running low and he can't afford more. I'd rather buy him more than risk serious infections and pregnancy. The later would affect him far more than in terms of child maintenance than paying back his student loan!

JellyBelli · 01/09/2016 15:23

Why are people confusing parenting with adult relationships? Its irrelevant how the OP would feel if her DH read her messages. She's not tlaking aobut her DH.
She's talking about her 12 year old DS calling a girl a whore. Thats not OK and she is right to call him out on it.

Its also OK for parents to check their childrens messages and contacts to make sure they are not being groomed, or up to no good.
Thats parenting. Get over it.

CheerfulYank · 01/09/2016 15:54

Exactly jelli! What a ridiculous comparison.

Given the choice my DS would eat nothing but jam sandwiches all day everyday, but he's not allowed because he's a child and doesn't know better. But if DH were to control my food that would be seriously weird.
Same with internet. Not policing what a child does online is neglectful. Doing it to an adult is controlling.

MyCatIsSparticus · 01/09/2016 17:38

If it's any consolation, the females are just as bad tbh.

Hmm

www.telegraph.co.uk/women/sex/porn-sluts-and-playground-groping---yet-the-government-still-has/

www.rt.com/uk/333247-sexual-assault-schools-women/

No, sorry they girls actually aren't just as bad. I'm really disappointed that people like you are in charge of children though. This is the problem, minimalisng it as though it's normal. It's no better than 'boys will be boys'. No they won't talk like that unless the culture around them and their friends, family and teachers allow it. You have a very low opinion of boys if you think they can't act like decent people.