I sit in fear with everything I do on my phone because my mom controls everything. She has taken my phone and looked through it in and out and decided she didn’t like what I was doing. I get a sick feeling every time she gets a notification or texts me about something related to a phone number I don’t even have in my phone. This has to stop.

Parental supervision and control apps are intended to safeguard children from harmful online content and ensure their safety. However, these apps often encroach upon the personal privacy of minors, leading to an environment of fear and lack of trust. Many teenagers and children experience undue stress and anxiety, knowing that their every move is being monitored and judged.

According to a report by Pew Research Center, over 60% of parents reported using parental control tools, yet did not engage in conversations with their children about online safety and rules. This indicates that while these tools are prevalent, they may not be fostering the communication and trust necessary for a healthy parent-child relationship. Instead, they may foster resentment and invade the personal development of teenagers, affecting their ability to establish autonomy and trust.

Furthermore, privacy is a fundamental right. The knowledge that every action is monitored can harmfully impact a child’s mental health and well-being, leading to issues of low self-esteem and lack of autonomy. A balance must be struck between ensuring safety and respecting the privacy of young individuals.

We urge lawmakers and technology companies to reconsider the design and use of parental supervision and control apps. There should be a shift towards educational resources and tools that promote open communication and mutual respect between parents and children.

Join us in advocating for the privacy and mental well-being of children and teenagers. Sign this petition to ban parental supervision and control apps and restore trust and autonomy to our youth.