[jakobe]

Yes, children this young are totally able to use their skills responsibly. If you think it's necessary to eavesdrop on your kids, read all their private communications --- how will they ever trust you?

If you want to find out about a teenager's life, you'd be surprised how far talking to them will get you. Don't talk at them, don't interrogate them; just be interested without judging them. Most kids, like most grownups, are happy to trust and share secrets with anybody who understands them.

If you spied on your kids, and eg. found out they took drugs, what would you do? If you don't understand their situation, their point of view, there's nothing you could do to help them.

But if you do understand their situation, you won't need to spy on them; you'll feel it when they need your help. You'll be able to provide guidance, and since you didn't violate their trust, your kids just might accept your help.