As kids live it up on 9 nights, parents play spy games

I SPY: Hired to protect, this trend looks at easing the so-called 'parental stress'.

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Ahmedabad: Nine nights of dance and celebrations in Gujarat during the Navratras is also something that gets most parents concerned during the festive period.

But youngsters spending the whole night out during the Navratras without any parental control, reports of burgeoning sales of condoms and an alarming rise in abortion rates during the period is enough to transform concern into paranoia.

This is where the neighbourhood detective comes in.

"In Navaratri, parents keep surveillance, seek protection and want to keep watch on their child, be it male or female,” says a private detective Sanjeev Thakkar.

'Hired to protect' - the trend to ease the so-called 'parental stress' has generated a mixed bag of opinions even when it comes to the guardians.

“We should trust our kids,” says one parent. Another one is more cautious. “Till now I don't think I need this kind of service, but if at all I find it I may go for it.”

With rates that range from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 per night, some detective agencies are professional enough forward the case of an errant teenager to a counsellor if the need arises.

“This is a crucial age, the chances of them going on the wrong track are high,” says Thakkar.

But the Gen Y, who is on the receiving end of all this surveillance, begs to differ.

“Either they should allow them to or not. No point hiring the detectives and letting them go,” says a girl.

It is the bond – well, not James Bond – but the family bond that might just be at stake because of these spy games.