Recently, a parent asked me this question: “If I suspect that my teen is involved in an inappropriate relationship, should I pry into their private life to find out for sure?”

Now, trusting your teen is important. But if you have a hunch there’s something going on, don’t be afraid to act! A violation of your family policies warrants an invasion of your teen’s privacy until you’re sure you know the truth.

Start by talking with teachers and school officials about their observations. Read your teen’s texts and emails, and check their browsing history or Facebook profile. Listen for clues you might normally overlook in a conversation.

Remember, adolescents are especially vulnerable to being deceived and making poor choices. So it’s up to parents to take precautions now to keep their family from unraveling in the years to come.

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