Is opening your teenage child's mail a federal offense like opening an adult's, or is it legal?

Question

I know that opening anyone's mail is considered a federal offense, because it is the USPS, but does that law apply to children

Answer 1

No if the child is your child and they are under 18, then technically it is not illegal.  

Answer 2

if you are the legal guardian of the child you can legally open his/her mail. As long as the child is legally a minor.

Answer 3

It depends. And, I'm assuming your child is under 18.

Are these court documents we're talking about? In the event of a child custody dispute, this can get a but sketchy. In some instances, this could be a violation, but in most cases you're safe. It all depends on whether or not you have a right to that information and if you in having access that information are violating the rights of your child. If the mail in question is a child support payment designated specifically for the child and you are stealing from your kid, I can see grounds where you might get sued by your child. Especially so in the case where the child is old enough to file for emancipation.

Oh, and if these are mental health records, and your child hasn't given you permission, then it's definitely illegal from what I understand.

Other than that, you have rights as a parent. You can screen for p**n, naughty stuff and the like. Just be careful.

Answer 4

Yes, they can.

Mental health records are open to a parent, by law.  No child support check is ever sent to a minor.. it goes to the parent.  A minor does not have authority to file a lawsuit against a parent.

With the possible exception of info relating to abortions or birth control, a parent has the authority to be aware of what a child is doing (or saying). Assuming that the parent has no reason or cause to not trust a child.. they will normally respect personal letters or such.  However.. that is an option, not a legal requirement.