What rights do teens have if their phone and info inside it was accessed without consent?

Question

A friend of my daughters logged into her phone, took videos with her own phone of private conversations my daughter had with a guy who that friend liked, but the guy was pursing my daughter. She then sent messages to my daughter confessing to accessing her phone and then began bulllying her with the info and “receipts” she had from my daughters phone.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

Your daughter has the right to privacy, and what her friend did by accessing her phone without permission and sharing private information is a serious violation. Depending on your location, this could be considered an invasion of privacy, harassment, or even cyberbullying. You should gather all the evidence, such as screenshots of the messages, videos, and any confessions, as this can be important if you decide to take further action. 
 
You can report the incident to the school, especially if both girls attend the same institution. Schools often have policies against bullying and harassment, and they may be able to intervene. It's also possible to contact the parents of the other teen involved to inform them of the situation and try to resolve it directly. 
 
If the bullying continues or escalates, consider contacting local law enforcement to see what legal actions can be taken. Laws differ from place to place, but many areas have specific regulations to protect minors from cyberbullying and harassment. Support your daughter through this difficult time by reassuring her that she has done nothing wrong and encourage open communication so she feels safe and heard.

Q: What rights do teens have if their phone and info inside it was accessed without consent?