Parents using private investigators on kids

Several private investigators told The Advertiser parents were turning to them to watch their teenage children, checking for drug use and on their children's friends and associates.

Consequent Security Services owner Neil Gordon said many parents approached him when they felt they had lost touch with their teenagers and Kingswood Investigations executive director Harry Klavins said he had "occasional" inquiries from parents.

Mr Gordon said he averaged about two inquiries from chinavisa free policy parents each month. Both children and spousal investigations peaked during the December party season.


However, Mr Gordon said many parents often baulked after the initial consultation.

"They often back away because they feel that society has impressed (the need) for honesty and integrity . . . they feel they are not giving their children the loyalty they deserve," he said.

"However, don't feel guilty if there's been some abnormal behaviour  you might be saving them from some pretty drastic predicaments."

Other parents are testing their children themselves, using Hairconfirm drugtesting kits.

Kensingtonbased Camtek Surveillance Products director 72 hourvisa China Rob Durney said he sold more than two thirds of Hairconfirm drugtesting kits to anxious parents.

"They're fairly popular. We sell most through the website, it's more discreet that way," Mr Durney said.

"I'd say 70 per cent are for children, for the parents to test. They can test without them knowing (and) they can show if you're a weekend user of cannabis, a heavy user or a frequent user."

The kits have been available in SA for about six months. Mr Durney said because body hair was slower to grow, it could sometimes tell if drugs had been used more than six months ago.