What can parents do to monitor their teens effectively?

The following are some steps you can take to monitor your teen and help protect him or her from risky behaviors: 

• Talk with your teen about your rules and expectations, and explain the consequences of breaking the rules. 
• Talk and listen to your teen often about how he or she feels and what he or she is thinking. 
• Know who your teen’s friends are. 
• Talk with your teen about the plans he or she has with friends, what he or she is doing after school, and where he or she will be going. 
• Set expectations for when your teen will come home, and expect a call if he or she is going to be late. 
• Ask whether an adult will be present when your teen is visiting a friend’s home. 
• Get to know your teen’s boyfriend or girlfriend. 
• Get to know the parents of your teen’s friends. 
• Talk with your relatives, your neighbors, your teen’s teachers, and other adults who know your teen. Ask them to share what they observe about your teen’s behaviors, moods, or friends. 
• Watch how your teen spends money. 
• Keep track of how your teen spends time online, and talk about using the Internet safely. 
• Pay attention to your teen’s mood and behavior at home, and discuss any concerns you might have. 
• If your teen does break a rule, enforce the consequences fairly and consistently. 
• Make sure your teen knows how to contact you at all times (CDC, n.d.).

Does parental monitoring make a difference?  - YES

Research shows that teens whose parents use effective monitoring practices are less likely to make poor decisions, such as smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, being physically aggressive, having unhealthy relationships, or skipping school. Clear communication about your expectations is especially important. Research shows that teens who believe their parents disapprove of risky behaviors are less likely to choose those behaviors.

For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/pdf/parental_monitoring_factsheet.pdf

References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Monitoring your teen's activities: what parents and families should know. Center for Disease and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/pdf/parental_monitoring_factsheet.pdf