IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Is it OK to read your kids' social media posts? Kelly Ripa sure thinks so

When does a parent's right to pry override a kid's right to privacy? That might be a tricky question at times, but according to Kelly Ripa, there's no question at all when it comes to social media posts.If her children put it out there, she's going to read it — end of debate."My daughter [Lola] always says she wants more privacy, and I respect that," the "Live With Kelly & Michael" host told Peo

When does a parent's right to pry override a kid's right to privacy? That might be a tricky question at times, but according to Kelly Ripa, there's no question at all when it comes to social media posts.

If her children put it out there, she's going to read it — end of debate.

"My daughter [Lola] always says she wants more privacy, and I respect that," the "Live With Kelly & Michael" host told People. "I said, 'If you want to keep a diary instead of Instagram, then you will have privacy. I will not read your diary, but if you're going to be on Instagram, I'm going to read that, because that's not private. That is social media.' That's how we work it out in our house."

Ripa explained that it's "uncharted territory" for parents these days.

"We're in outer space as parents!" she added. "[When I was a kid] we had one phone, it was in the kitchen, and if we wanted privacy, then we would have to stretch the phone cord as far as it could go down the basement stairs." 

Now, if daughter Lola (13) or sons Joaquin (11) and Michael (17) want privacy, they can keep their conversations limited to their not-corded phones or letters. But if they chat on social media, it's fair game.

The position isn't a new one for Ripa. During a recent sit down with Wendy Williams, wherein she confessed she didn't care if her kids like her ("I'm not your friend"), she explained it in simple terms.

"If you want to tweet about what a pain in the butt your mom is, I'm going to see that," she said.

What do you think about the parents and privacy debate? Should parents read their children's social media posts? We put the question to our followers on Facebook, and so far, the vast majority of responses are solidly in agreement with Ripa.

So watch what you post, kids!

Follow Ree Hines on Google+.