It’s been a constant battle between parents and teens: how much freedom can mothers and fathers give to their children? In the meanwhile, though, parents are relying on new gadgets and hi-tech techniques to monitor their teens’ behavior, especially when it comes to driving.

The American Family Insurance company in Denver is offering the parents a new mode of monitoring how their teens are faring with regards to driving. Their program includes setting up cameras in their cars. The camera can capture 10 seconds prior and after an extraordinary driving circumstance such as speeding or swerving. It cannot record any collision or even full stop. Only parents are granted the permission to watch the video as they are the only ones who possess the password. The camera could have cost them around $900, including $50 for installation. The insurance company, however, is giving it freely to their customers.

Just when teens thought that it’s the only system in town, think again. In fact, there are already several of them, in different varieties. For instance, parents can monitor not only swerves and overspeeds but also hard turns and sudden stops. The device is somewhat small, like that of a 9-volt-battery, and can be placed under the dashboard of the car. It collects data which can be downloaded to the PC. The gadget will also sound an alarm every time the driver goes for overspeeding or fast accelerations.

In Florida, Teen Arrive Alive provides cellular phones equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System). This is an online system which help parents track down the speed and location of the car to which their children are driving or even riding in. Alltrack USA, on the other hand, can monitor the speeds and location of teens. For any violation or extraordinary situations, they can call or e-mail parents about them. Drive Cam will soon be offering monthly service plans to both parents and teens. The camera will allow them to capture their driving habits. The video clips can also be used for proper mentoring from driving experts.

These systems received both acclamations and disgust from teens. Normally, a portion of them felt that their rights to privacy are violated. They can no longer enjoy sudden joyrides with friends. Male teens cannot bring in ladies into their cars, for fear of being watched by their parents. Others, however, became more open to the idea. As a matter of fact, these devices have taught them valuable lessons. They help them to drive properly and carefully, as well as to be honest at all times.

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