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Parents reading kids’ letters is illegal in Chongqing

By Zheng Jinran (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-08-24 17:42

It’s illegal for parents to read their children’s chatting records or text messages, according to the Regulation of Protection on Minors in Southwest China's Chongqing municipality, China Youth Daily reported on Aug 24.

Any organizations or individuals are banned from violating minors’ privacy, such as opening or reading minors’ letters, e-mails, chatting records or text messages.

But the regulation did not address how to enforce the ban or what kind of punishment will be given in the event of a violation.

The new regulation will be implemented on Sept 1, 2010, with the principle that lawful rights and interests of minors should be given “special and preferential protection.”

It also stipulates detailed rules covering many aspects of protecting children. For example, guaranteeing students’ safety at school, protecting their privacy and paying attention to their psychological well-being.