Convincing a teen to install parental control software on his devices is the most difficult task as they are unlikely to feel okay with you limiting their freedom and taking away some of their privacy. Some teens get convinced easily while others resist. Some even show anger, considering it an act to compromise their privacy. If you are planning to use cell phone parental controls and your kid is resisting to this idea, then it is the time to use logic and reasoning to make them understand the necessity of such a measure. Here are a few things that you can do to get bring them onboard.

Share the Benefits of Using a Parental Control App

The first response of teens on parental control app is that we are old enough to take care of ourselves and we know our limits. You may have to face their anger, stubbornness or much more, but once they are relaxed, you have to tell them how important and beneficial it is to use a parental control app. Make it clear to them that you just need to ensure that they remain safe from inappropriate content. Share the other benefits of using a parental control app, like you can remain aware of their location, filter internet, block inappropriate websites etc. Also, tell them that you are not a paranoid, and that such precautions are common in other families as well.

Emotional Blackmailing Always Work

If you are emotionally intelligent, then you can use these skills to your advantage. Emotional blackmailing has a high chance of delivering results. Tell them how many nights your remained awake just to take care of them, what problems you faced in upbringing them, what sacrifices you gave to give them a good living. They will show their consent before you even complete sharing your list.

Share Your Concerns

Share all the bad experiences about cyberbullying, identity theft and other crimes you heard about in news or on television. Tell them how worried you are about their safety. Make them realize that they may have grown taller then you, but they still can’t protect themselves fully, especially from online threats.

Tell Them You Trust Them

Right now your kids may hate you for not trusting them. They may also feel hurt. It’s difficult to see your young ones hurting and feeling betrayed, but you have to control your emotions and tell them that you do trust them, but you love them so much that you’re not willing to take any chances on their safety. Make them understand that you respect their privacy, and that you will always give them the space they want. What you only need is a mental satisfaction that they are not doing anything wrong and that they are not putting their safety in danger.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

Even though you can take decision of using a parental control app on kid device by yourself as you technically own the smartphone, it is better to discuss it with the teen. Also, decisions like these are not taken overnight. It is best to tell the kid what you want and why you want it and then note his or her reaction. If he or she shows extreme reaction, then take a back step and wait a while before bringing it up again. Do not force your decision on your kids. Instead, convince them to let you install a parental control app on their device by telling them how useful it is, and how much mental peace of mind this small thing will give you. Trust them to eventually understand your concerns and feelings.

Teens may not take the whole thing well in the start, but they will understand it eventually. Give them time to think and convince them with logic, not by force. And while you are at it, do not forget to remind them how much you love them. They’ll definitely want to hear it.