Keeping Teenagers Safe at Home

As parents, one of our biggest concerns is the safety of our children. As teenagers begin to assert their independence and explore their newfound freedom, it's natural for parents to worry about them sneaking out of the house, taking the car for a joyride, having parties when you’re away, or simply getting themselves into typical teenage shenanigans. 

There’s no instructional manual on parenting, but most parents would want to do whatever they could to make sure their teens are safe (even if their teens may not see it that way). A smart home security system can help you achieve this without creating distrust between you and your teen. 

Here’s how:

Using Smart Home Security Systems to Keep Teenagers Safe

When we think of ways to keep a closer eye on our kids, we may be thinking of the little ones more than teenagers. Most teenagers are self-sufficient and capable of being home alone, but not all of them can be expected to follow their parents’ rules. Though you should always communicate with your teenager about expectations, honesty, safety, and trust, there are ways to use your smart home security system as an extra layer of safety.

For the Teenager Sneaking Out

Teenagers are clever, and if they want to sneak out, they’re usually pretty good at doing it. So, one way to prevent your teenager from doing so and potentially putting themselves in danger is by utilizing these smart home security devices:

• Outdoor cameras: Outdoor cameras can help catch your teenager sneaking out. Of course, if they know where the camera is, they may find a way to avoid it. This may require some out-smarting! 

• Smart locks: Monitor when the lock is being activated, deactivated or locked remotely.

• Entry sensor alarms: Teenagers typically sneak out of often unused doors and windows. Consider placing entry sensors on such entrances to alert you when they may be used.

These systems can be used to appropriately monitor your teenager's activities, or in this case, their comings and goings. However, the best way to protect your teenager is to foster a trustworthy relationship. Make sure your teenager is aware of your security system and how it is being used and do not use the system in a way that would violate your teenager’s privacy or trust.

For the Teenager Staying Home Alone

Teenagers are perfectly capable of keeping themselves safe when home alone. However, for any worrisome parent, sometimes your teenager’s maturity and abilities aren’t enough to keep your anxieties at bay when you leave them home without adult supervision. 

To further ensure your teenager’s safety when they are home alone, consider these tips: 

• Install smoke detectors in your kitchen so that you will be notified of any cooking mishaps.

• Place entry sensors on your liquor cabinet doors to protect any alcohol from getting into the hands of a curious teen.

• Arm your security system in Home Mode. Doing so will mean that your sensors are on and vigilant, even knowing that there is someone in the home. 

A Sensitive Issue: Protecting a Teen’s Privacy

It's important to remember that while you want to keep your teenager safe, you also want to respect their privacy. One way to do this is by setting up your smart home security system so that you only receive notifications when certain doors or windows are opened, rather than receiving notifications every time. But the most important step is to inform your teenager where you’re placing sensors in and around the home so that they are aware and can make responsible decisions. It’s also important for them to understand how the equipment works, too, in case they ever need to send an alert to the police or they are home when an emergency happens. 

Don’t Wait to Keep Your Teenager Safe

Using a smart home security system is an effective way to keep your teenager safe while also protecting their privacy. From motion sensor alarms and smart locks to smoke detectors and outdoor cameras, a smart home security system can go a long way in terms of giving you the thing every parent of a teenager wants: peace of mind.  Explore our packages to find out what’s right for your home and for your teenagers!