When parents of teens choose to install a home security system they often wonder how to include their children in the use of the system. With most teens getting home from school before their parents arrive home from work, it’s almost impossible not to let them in on the functions of the systems. In fact, some parents feel more comfortable knowing their teen is coming home to a safe house after school when a security alarm is set.

However, parents should know there are a few risks to letting a teen know how to operate a security system. If a teen isn’t responsible enough to be informed of important security information, you should not allow them the ability to operate the home security system.

One thing to remind your teen is they should never allow friends to see or access your home’s security system codes. Remind them to keep all information secret from even their best friend, girl friend or boy friend. Otherwise your security system could be seriously compromised.

Another thing to remind your teen is they cannot disable the alarm system at night, after it’s been set. This is a good house rule to hold, under specific curfew times (alarm-setting times). Many parents find their teen tries to sneak out of the house, disabling the alarm before going. This can be dangerous not only to the escaping teen but by disabling the alarm the entire household is at risk for being unsecure.

All in all, a parent should use their own judgment on whether a teen is responsible enough to be able to use the house alarm. Some parents give their teens limited use and even choose to change their alarm codes frequently in case their teen does slip and let the codes out in public. However, with proper supervision a teen can successfully use a home alarm.