Q: What controls can I place on a12-year-olds' cell phone given to him by his non-custodial mother?
My son has a smartphone that his mother gave to him without discussion with me. The phone has a lock code that his mother will not share with me and she has instructed the child to not share it with me. Our parenting agreement has no mention of cell phones to guide us. I have parental controls on his computers and tablets that he uses when he is with me. I set a rule that he cannot take his phone to bed with him. I have spoken with my son about what I expect of his behavior using all of the digital devices including his use of social media. What can I do to keep my son safe and act responsibly while on his phone? Am I legally responsible for anything my son may do on the phone while he is with me? Since his mother refuses to work with me on setting any controls of the phone, I need to know what I can and cannot do.
A: This is a shared parenting issue and may possibly be addressed in your parenting plan under communications. If not it is still a shared parenting issue . You should consult with a qualified attorney to discuss the situation and give a good analysis as to how to proceed forward
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