My mother has ignited a discussion on social media about effective parenting techniques.

This parent is transparent about monitoring her children’s phones to ensure their safety. While some individuals support her controversial methods and praise her vigilance, many others criticize her for not trusting her children enough.

Recently, a mother sparked debate online when she asserted her right to inspect her children’s phones because she foots the bill for them.

Laura Muse, a mother from North Carolina, has stirred up mixed opinions online by stating that she checks her children’s phones because she is the one who pays for them.

She openly admitted to confiscating her teenage children’s phones—her 15-year-old son and 17-year-old daughter—before bedtime to promote healthy sleep habits rather than allowing them to stay glued to their screens.

Contrary to some assumptions that she respects her children’s privacy, Muse spends additional time inspecting their phones to ensure her teens’ conduct is appropriate.

In an interview with The New York Post, the 41-year-old emphasized her right to do so, stating, “I own their phones; I pay for the phones. I can go through them whenever I want. People might perceive it as disrespectful or an invasion of their privacy, but this is how I manage my household.”

What initially began as occasional, spontaneous checks when her children were around 11 years old has continued into their teenage years, with the mother occasionally requesting their devices for inspection.

Muse asserts that she trusts her children but reviews their phones to prevent them from engaging in inappropriate behavior and shield them from online dangers.

However, this doesn’t mean that the 41-year-old, who works as a mental health clinician, hasn’t encountered issues. She has previously discovered her son posting revealing pictures of himself online and promptly had him remove the content.

“If I do come across something problematic, we discuss it and use it as a learning opportunity,” she added. “I’m not infallible, and I don’t expect my children to be either, but it’s crucial to stay vigilant.