| Mobile spy software is now a reality. It is being sold | | | | them. Lastly, they can be embarrassed about |
| widely on the Internet and it has as many supporters | | | | discussing important problems with us (or they might |
| as it has opponents. | | | | be intimidated into silence by others). |
| If you haven't heard about mobile spy software, it's an | | | | If you suspect that your child is in a dangerous situation, |
| application that allows you to get very specific | | | | would you think it's more ethical to ignore it or to |
| information from a specific mobile phone. You can see | | | | eavesdrop on a cell phone that your child is carrying? |
| how many calls the phone were made and to whom. | | | | Let's take an example. Imagine that your child usually |
| You can read the content of any text message, | | | | arrives from school at 4:00. It's 5:00 and he hasn't |
| incoming or outgoing. You can even find the phone on | | | | arrived or called. You call his cell phone but he doesn't |
| a local map on real time, and in consequence, the | | | | answer. You call the school and he has left. Wouldn't |
| person who is carrying it. | | | | you like to have a way of immediately finding him even |
| As you can imagine, such a piece of software was | | | | if it means you'd have to eavesdrop on a cell phone? |
| bound to create controversy. Opponents of it consider | | | | Now, imagine that your usually cheerful daughter that's |
| an invasion of privacy. However, they fail to see the | | | | 17 suddenly becomes silent and quiet. And all she does |
| practical applications of it, specially one that involves | | | | is stay in her bedroom and text her friends. You can |
| the most vulnerable members of your family: your | | | | see that she is worried but she says that she's ok. |
| children. | | | | Wouldn't you like to know what's going on with her? |
| Children are vulnerable for several reasons. First of all, | | | | Does it really matter if you eavesdrop on a cell |
| they are not as rational as adults. They may make | | | | phone? |
| bad decisions based on feelings, emotions, or whims. | | | | As you can see, even if many people think it's wrong |
| Secondly, they live in a perpetual present, so they can't | | | | to eavesdrop on a cell phone, when you're a parent, |
| see the consequences or implications of their actions | | | | your set of values changes. For a parent, to |
| as well as we do. They are also not as physically | | | | eavesdrop on a cell phone will always be ethical as |
| strong as we are, and so any adult can overpower | | | | long as it keeps your child safe. |