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all 112 comments

[–]99percentsureimadude 898 points899 points  (13 children)

You need to tell them that this is extremely illegal and you will not hesitate to report them to authorities for child abuse and harbouring indecent images of a child (because CCTV will show you changing clothes, which is essentially child pornography). Please do report this to social services too.

[–][deleted] 27 points28 points  (12 children)

To be honest child protection in my country is very bad. I checked and the camera doesn't get to the corner of my closet but I still feel insecured.

[–]skeeter04 110 points111 points  (0 children)

cover the camera. Try a part time job to get out of the house

[–]WeeklyConversation840s Female 74 points75 points  (4 children)

Your parents reasons are stupid. My husband and I never did this to our now adult kids. Why all of the sudden are they "concerned"? Your room is your private space. You're 16 and deserve privacy. Your parents need to land that helicopter.

[–]fucklaurenboebert 63 points64 points  (3 children)

When my mom was growing up her dad took her door off the hinges and she had a sheet that she was only allowed to put up when she was changing. She was a calm, well-behaved kid/teenager who never got in trouble or anything, the only reason she figured he ever did that was because he was an abusive control freak. Sometimes that's really the only reason.

[–]Mizango 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Bingo! Too often trauma and insecurity are passed forward.

Sadly, I have 2 uncles that have that same line of thinking. “Until you pay bills, you have no privacy”.

It’s toxic as fuck. You’re spot on.

[–]janae0728 8 points9 points  (0 children)

My father was like this too. It started when I was a preteen as the somewhat logical (but still not acceptable) consequence of slamming my door when I was mad. Continued as a teenager - any time I did something he didn’t like (even things my mother gave me permission to do) my dad would take the door away from me. I “earned “ it back arbitrarily by behaving in ways he saw fit. It’s controlling and abusive.

[–]WeeklyConversation840s Female 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow. Some people are just, wow.

[–]NickSteve5 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Break that shit into 100 pieces and tell them you will keep doing that so don’t bother to buy more. Nothing they will do after that is worse than this invasion

[–]alejamixEarly 20s 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Still try the bluff

[–]Tinkerrific 631 points632 points  (18 children)

Tell your parents if they put a camera in your room you will call the police and report them for trying to make child pornography.

All it takes is one picture, 1 sec of video of you undressed to to be true and for them to have broken so so many laws

[–][deleted] 241 points242 points  (17 children)

Don‘T say police. Go one further and say FBI. The FBI takes child pornography VERY seriously.

[–]belil569 36 points37 points  (15 children)

Tell that to gymnasts

[–]B1gD1cV1rgn 8 points9 points  (13 children)

What do you mean?

[–]CeelaChathArrna 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They aren't from the US.

[–]ElanaDryer 511 points512 points  (9 children)

Be naked in your room all the time. When they ask about you doing anything, threaten to report them for child pornography.

[–]HelicoccterJ 177 points178 points  (1 child)

This….could actually work?

[–]BroadwayMoon 140 points141 points  (0 children)

This will work. 21F here. If you speak to a trusted adult like an aunt or uncle, you could tell them ahead of time that you’re constantly naked in your room and that it’d be child pornography. Especially if you’re willing to go and a close family member is willing to take you in, it’ll be your time to fucking shine sis.

[–][deleted] 29 points30 points  (5 children)

Lawful evil. I like it.

[–][deleted] 17 points18 points  (4 children)

Lawful good*

[–][deleted] 11 points12 points  (3 children)

Rebelling against authority (parents) doing bad things is chaotic good, but DND alignment is so screwy you could argue any alignment.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes. This is diabolical in the best way.

[–]AggravatingPatient18 9 points10 points  (0 children)

What is their rationale for this camera? Are they wanting to monitor your study habits and or trying to catch you masturbating?

At least you know it's there, I've heard horror stories of young people having no idea they've been recorded.

This is a serious invasion of privacy. I agree with what others have suggested, contact a trusted teacher or school counsellor for advice. Also make discreet enquiries with the police.

Go to the library to study and stay out of your room until you're ready to sleep. Change your clothes in the bathroom and smile and wave to the camera each day, clearly saying "I do not consent to being recorded."

I'm sorry OP, this upsets me as I have a daughter your age and her room is her sanctuary.

[–]hatesfelix 7 points8 points  (0 children)

OPs acc has been deleted i am worried for her.

[–][deleted] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

What country do you live in? If you're in the US, what state?

Do you go to public or private school? If you go to a religious school, do you trust the school counselor there? Do you know any adults you trust? You need to talk to someone about this, but you don't want to talk to any adult who might have the same weird beliefs as your parents.

Do you have siblings? Can any of them support you emotionally in this? Are your parents recording your siblings, too?

What reason do your parents give for doing this? And what is their daily life like? Do they work at home or go to work somewhere?

This is abusive and in every place that I know of, illegal. You might look into emancipated minor laws.

[–]MasonBason1234 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Put a big blob of cream or Vaseline on the lens and then keep ‘accidentally’ pouring water on it? Tell them that if this is the new family rule. They need one in their room too to make it fair! I would also inform them that as soon as you can, you are going to move out and cut contact. This means no future grandchildren and you WILL tell the rest of the family why! You could also say you refuse to study whilst that ‘thing’ is in your room! You reap what you sow and they need to know the consequences!

[–]Playful_Cupcake_5590 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Do you have anyone in your circle who you can talk to about this? Other family members? I absolutely cannot think of a good enough reason why your parents would feel the need to do this. It’s creepy and invasive.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I acted as your advice and the result is as in the update.

[–]Cute_Mousse_7980 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Uhm. If they are concerned about your phone usage, why not use the Parental lock for the iPhone (or similar)? And just give you an incentive to get good grades. Spying on your kid will just make them run as far away as possible as soon as they can. When I was a kid, I would always run away if the gate was locked. If it was open, I felt fine.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have a few questions for you to consider...

Is there a reason for your parents to be concerned about your safety when you're alone?

Have you significantly broken their trust recently (like, really big type of thing: ran away, shot up a convenience store, OD'ed)?

I'm asking those questions because if the answer is no, then I can't see any reason for a camera in your room. You deserve privacy.

If your current solution isn't enough, it's OK to tell more trusted adults until you get a better solution. While parents are responsible for keeping you physically, emotionally, and mentally safe, they also should be allowing you the privacy and space to develop your own independence as you grow older. It's a balance.

Good luck, OP!

[–]OppositeOk9894 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Smash the fucker

[–]arwenavana 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First of all I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I’m 21 now and moved out of my abusive household against all odds. While it never actually happened, I had the threat of cameras being installed held over me for a while. That’s highly, highly illegal. I know it seems very scary but honestly change your clothes in front of the camera. Then your parents technically have possession of child pornography. They won’t be able to talk their way out of that one. Forget about getting in trouble with them, they’ll be getting trouble with the LAW. Get one step ahead of those assholes. I hope it all turns out okay.

[–]daydreaming-g 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Bless you for your patience. I would had smashed that camera and have a mental break down in front of them.

[–]zombie_ie_ie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No, this isn't a solution. You're being made to live in a jail or a reality show and this is a breach of privacy. EVERYONE is entitled to their privacy no matter their age. It is your right and you should fight for it.

The best solution would be to report this to social services. If you don't want to do that, you and your brother should either go live with your aunt or you should start preparing to be independent and move out of that house as soon as you can and take your brother with you.

[–]Crystal225 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Girl... The solution is still illegal. Are you comfortable with it being pointed on you at night? I would call another realtive/friend or teacher.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Youre not a science experiment. Its for control. This is absolutely insane to read. Please know that this is not normal at all and you deserve privacy and autonomy as a human being. Not being monitored like you're an animal in a zoo.

[–]SlytherinSilence 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is approaching child p0rn. Not okay.

[–]Final-Scientist1671 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Somebody suggested school counselor. Yes. See if there is a school psychologist. Hang on to some good that they do and have done for you. As bizarre and as wrong as it is, it is their unsophisticated way of caring. For you. Perhaps. You might be all that they have that is good and gives meaning to their lives. So they do desperate things. These years are the worst for any teenager. Hang in and don’t do anything for the camera. Make it the most boring movie ever made. You sleeping and turning over every three hours.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Either masturbate a huge amount or stick an old cellphone up there recording you doing a legit days study and then, when they’re asleep, mount it in front of the camera playing the study video on loop.

What nationality are you, btw? This sounds like Asian parent levels of study enforcement.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This does seem creepy to me but glad you got some kind of middle ground. I’d still mess with them and moon the camera tho

[–][deleted] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Another piece of advice. Get an IQ test just to make sure your parents didn’t pass those genes to you. Foda-se….

[–]Towards_Ascension-IX -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hairspray the lens if you wish to lose the video function and render the camera useless without thorough cleaning. If you ever need to outsmart them there are electronic jammers available online. If you're low on cash like I was in my teen years, then you could do any job opportunities to raise your financial status, find blueprints for such a device and just order the parts and assemble it yourself.

Now when it comes to abusive parents, just do you're absolute best to stay at school, finishing all the study programs you can and absorb as much information as possible. LISTEN to your own heart in order to find out what you'd absolutely love to do. There's this really great buddhist proverb, that if you do what you love for living, then you'll spend your life without working a single day.

I grew up in a heavily abusive environment and trust me, narcissistic egomaniacs, psychopaths or people in general who may suffer under severe mental imbalances do not always wish to change for the better.
So what can YOU do about it? Live your life still to the fullest, try to get along with them but do not sacrifice your own mentality and/or physical health in the attempts of saving someone else. It just simply is not possible to the extent we'd wish it to be. When trying to change anyone else, first think how difficult it may be to change ourselves at first.

The sooner you can start earning your own income the better. Even if it is on a low scale at first, no worries. Everyone has to start from somewhere. Plus going to work is awesome excuse to get out from a abusive environment without them being able to say anything about it, unless your grades start dropping or something like this.
Try to physically exercise at least three times a week, very good for body and mind overall. And if you should fall a victim to domestic violence then REPORT it As soon as possible! That does not mean you would hate them or anything like that, quite the contrary. By sometimes forcing people to get help with THEIR own inner baggages we end up doing them a huge favour. Don't EVER believe that you're not good enough, pretty as a person or something like this. Focus on positive outcomes, do not worry about HOW you're going to get there- universe will figure out the how part for you. So long as you follow one course until success, all great. Meditate, spend time in nature during weekends for example. Do not decay away quietly indoors, that is bad for mentality (speaking from personal experience). Socialise with others, make new healthy connections. People who see you trying will eventually step in to assist with whatever they can, so long as you're hungry for success. Set goals, make yourself a vision board to help you map out some ideas what you may love the most.

Keep trying, keep going, do not stop especially when it gets hard, that only means that something great is about to come your way! Fall down seven times, but stand up eight.

[–]Consistent_Goal_1083 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Same advice as the last 50 times this was asked before being deleted.

[–]Cheekygirl97 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That’s illegal, tell them that, seriously, and don’t hesitate to tell authorities if they follow through

[–][deleted] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Ok so, first of all, what they are doing is a complete invasion to your privacy, which is extremely illegal. As some other people here have pointed out, you shouldn't hesitate to report them to the authorities or somebody else that can help you with this. Please do this as soon as possible, because you don't know what else they might do. Tbh, your parents sound like really toxic individuals and, If I were you, I would definitely consider moving out to a place where you and your privacy are respected.

You could also report them to people like CPS for the abuse that you suffered at their hands, probably won't be an easy call to make, but at least then you'll be rid of them, and they will be deemed unfit to properly take care of a child. They could also get punished for this by authorities and for litterally breaking the law for placing that camera there.

I hope things get better for you and that you can work this out and seek help. I wish you the best of luck.

[–]Tiberius_Sabik -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Monitoring for homework and phone use...my ass... report them to the authorities this is abuse and violating privacy. They belong in jail!

[–]SanguineElora -1 points0 points  (0 children)

CHILD ABUSE!! CHILD PORNOGRAPHY!!! THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND YOUR PARENTS ARE DISGUSTING PEDOS

[–]froggfingers -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I remember a friend and I were drinking and thought it would be hilarious to mount a cctv camara in the corner of his sisters room... (it wasnt wired up or anything, just stuck to the ceiling) but she had absolutely no reaction.. we went in a few hours later and she was just on the bed watching tv and when asked why she had no reaction to the camera she just shrugged her shoulders... very dissapointing prank... I know its not answering your question but your post just reminded me

[–]ImmortaHulk -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I think I know you personally

[–]Alex_ker -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Ever thought of running away

Am sorry, all I meant to say what they are doing is totally wrong and stupid, well u can pull the wire off when they are not in the room, or put a thick black cloth over it

What they are doing is invasion of privacy, but as u told about am parents, am pretty sure they care pretty less about it

Act normal in that room, or as they want u too, when u wanna do something which can anger they, use the non monitored area

Cos fighting them will be fruitless, and waste of time and energy

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[–]Money-Complaint2044 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It can be federal crime in many countries. I would oppose to it and claim that I will cover it every single time if they force it to be installed. What are they trying to get? You have your rights

[–]LaForge_80 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The legality of recording you in your bedroom can vary from state-to-state. I'm no legal scholar. If it feels a little gross, it kind of is...especially when a minor is involved.

However, parents record (and stream) audio and video of infants...this behavior has become expected, even praised as mainstream parenting. Hardly anyone would criticize a parent for recording an infant.

I recommend to contact a competent adult that you trust, perhaps a school counselor, seek the perspective of another that may be familiar with state laws in your area.

Beyond that, what will likely surface, is those actions you take that would motivate your parents to record in the first place. Be prepared to have this conversation.

Good luck.

[–]Eternity_Warden 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Get out of there as soon as you can, and in the meantime cover it up when you get changed but don't destroy it or leave it covered - this will only fuel their abusiveness. Again, get out as soon as you can and don't look back.

And as others have said, look into the legality of that. It's clear evidence of abuse as far as I'm concerned, and likely would be in many legal jurisdictions. Finding legal help could help you get out sooner, or at least give you some protections.

Perhaps you could contact a lawyer - the first you call won't necessarily help but they might be able to give you the number of one who will help for free.

[–]adrianestile 0 points1 point  (0 children)

call the social services ASAP, are you in your home or in some religious highschool?

[–]BrendaArya 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aww naw. I would go to the police and accuse them of child pornography for the simple fact you have to change clothes in there. It's your private space! They have no right.

[–]moonlitcat13 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your edit still doesn’t make this any less abusive.

[–]Nothing_But_Ironman 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pretty much the same thing everyone else is saying, but don’t call them out just yet. Undress one time, call the cops, and your parents are completely fucked.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You have 2 options here

A. Threaten to report them to the FBI for recording a minor changing her clothes, and possessing, as a result, child pornography. Or

B. Let them do it once and then make them your bitch

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is completely beyond the pale. Call the relevant authorities and report them.

[–]SydDakota112 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you have iPhones your parents can set up screen time restrictions if they really do just want to monitor your phone usage, this has so many options like setting up down time and a certain amount of time to use on each app. You can also set you a sleep schedule. Your phone will go on do not disturb from say 10pm to 8am. To help you stay off your phone and focus on sleeping. If you don’t than they can go old school and just collect electronics at bedtime and give them back in the morning. That’s how I did it when I was a kid. And the screen time is what my parents do now with my 10 year old sister. Just there’s so many other options than a camera.

Also if it becomes a bigger problem it isnt legal to put a camera in a minors room unless they have a medical or physical need like kids with medical conditions or violent kids that abuse there families, so always keep that in mind, but that will cause a big investigation that you might not want to open, but sometimes parents need to be reminded that you may be their child but you are you’re own person. Not their property.

[–]completebalance0101 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You need urgent help as your so called are unreasonable and certainly abusive.

Can you not talk to teachers or counsellors to find solution to your problem.

The best solution would be to move out for your mental health sake. Your parents are extremely cruel.

[–]Puzzled_Juice_3406 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Even with your edit this is extremely controlling. Wow. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this.

[–]ToastyBread329 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In few years your parents will wonder why you dont want any contact They are terrible

[–]Noirceuil_182 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey OP, you have awful parents and I'm so sorry this is happening to you. They are abusive and controlling, no way around it.

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much you can do at the moment, except bide your time and plan for your escape. Are you going to college after you turn 18? Who will pay for it? If you move away for college you might want to look into ways of not depending on your parents.

If not college, how much do you think you could save, money-wise? How can you keep it secure from them? Is there available housing on your area for a single person? Do you have any friends who are planning on moving out? Would your aunt like a tenant?

Hang in there, OP. There might not be much you can do at the moment, but know that you are right and that this is not ok. Take care of yourself.

[–]lovebeinganasshole 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is helicopter parenting to the extreme. Are your grades not enough??

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Break the camera.

They buy a new camera.

Break the new camera.

They buy a new camera using your money.

Break the new camera.

They buy an industrial strength metal chassis camera bolted into the studs of your wall.

Break the new camera.

Ain't much that can survive a hammer and some reckless abandon.

[–]RangerJohn948 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was a cop for years before joining the forrest service. I would be greatly concerned, because I've seen this shit before. Parents put camera in young ladies room, make a pay to stream website and you're naked all over the internet.

What they're doing falls in a gray zone. The second you take your shirt off and they see your breasts, it's child pornography and possibly distribution of child pornography if they're streaming. And sadly, I've seen that scenario happen and people will pay a MASSIVE amount for something like that.

Best bet, tell a school social worker or school counselor or someone. It's better safe than sorry. Their story to me sounds sketchy and inconsistent. Either they're truly technologically illiterate and don't realize they can use apps and shit to manage your phone usage, or theirs some shady shit.

[–]Rude_Sun8261 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know y'all might not read this, but this is SO common in HK, that you won't believe it. And sometimes the parents have microphone for speaking to the kids / tutor (because hey why bother to walk all the way to your kids room?) during studying / lessons. Kids' rights in HK? Pretty much non existent. It's awful but very common.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Destroy it.

[–]mybarefootsoul 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As a parent I'm sorry you got stuck with asshats. I hope you grow up a beautiful soul. At least know eventually, very soon you'll be free too explore the world how you see fit.

[–]validusrex 0 points1 point  (0 children)

BRO.

Stop suggesting to these children they should call the police on their parents or threaten their abusive parents with police! What the fuck is wrong with you people???

BEST case scenario, reporting them actually works, kid gets taken from the home and placed with another family member, deals with the trauma of displacing themselves, goes into a living situation they know less about and be at the center of a number of complex family dynamics.

WORST case scenario the police do nothing, parents get even more abusive because they’ve been disrespected and kid is even further traumatized.

Y’all gotta think about consequences when you’re making suggestions. The police are not some magical fix button, CPS is not the Justice League for minors. They have limited power and abusers are vengeful and cruel and setting a child up to bein a worse situation so you can pat yourself on the back for being morally upright on Reddit is fucked.

[–]Lumpy_Potato_3163 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cover the camera!! Gross

[–]Mauskrazor3rd 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Masturbate furiously while looking at the camera then report them for being in possession of child pornography. Checkmate

[–]julius_pizza 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Asian parents?

[–]chipfaceLate 30s Male 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Smash the camera.

[–]pHa7Ron67 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Install one in theirs.

[–]Highdrive323 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly I would run away have them call the cops and show them why the heck you ran away because that ain't it. NO parent should put a camera in their Childs room that's Hella creepy as fuck. Shit call CPS even they would run a marathon through them.

[–]venus-drosera52 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's fucking insane

[–]Own_Committee2030 0 points1 point  (0 children)

time to start masterbating 24/7

[–]Travis-G-Money 0 points1 point  (0 children)

kill

[–]alliandoalice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Break the camera, snip a few wires so it only looks like it’s working

[–]whatamdoingherekids 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I mean if I was a guy I would just be there naked while listening to p00n hub intro every day

[–]ConcupescentCupid 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry for the abuse and helicopter parenting you’re being subjected to OP. You’re not crazy - this is NOT normal or acceptable.

I’m glad you’re nearly an adult now and I would focus on your studies, make sure you get into University and you will appreciate your freedom more than most.