KATV-TV reports that Denise New of Arkadelphia is facing harassment charges from her 16-year-old. Her son, who lives with his grandmother, also requested a no-contact order. Prior to this issue, New and her son reportedly had a “great relationship,” despite their living arrangements.
According to the boy, his mother hacked into his Facebook and email accounts, then changed both passwords. She also allegedly posted remarks that involved slander and information about his personal life.
New admits to changing the passwords, but denies hacking–she claims he left his account logged in on her computer. She also admits to making “maybe three, maybe four actual postings,” but says the rest of it was a “conversation” between her, her son, and his friends.
New reportedly “hacked” her son’s Facebook account because she was disturbed with the things he was posting–including a post that suggested he had driven home one night at 95 mph because he had been upset with a girl.
New plans on fighting the charges, as she believes she was fully within her legal rights as a parent to monitor her son’s online behavior.
“Oh yeah, I’m going to fight it. If I have to go even higher up, I’m going to. I’m not gonna let this rest. I think this could be a precedent-setting moment for parents,” she told KATV-TV.
Prosecutors approved the harassment charges on March 26, and New faces a court date of May 12. Prosecutors declined to comment on the case because of the boy’s status as a minor, but did make a statement saying that New’s alleged statements justified the charge.
Such a case almost seems dead in the water–why wouldn’t a parent be allowed to monitor his or her child’s online activity? As for the 16-year-old…well, come on, people. Be careful who you friend!