STOP! In The Name of Love… Sneaky Parents Admit Spy Tactics When it Comes to Their Offspring and Dating

It’s like the Monatgues and Capultes all over again… except, you know, without anyone dying.

One in three parents have admitted to getting in the way of young love, and plotting to get rid of their child’s ‘unsuitable’ partner.

Deliberately igniting arguments, failing to pass on messages, confiscating phones and even following their offspring are just some of the nasty tricks parents use to keep young star-crossed lovers apart according to a survey released today.

The research was commissioned by Penguin Books to mark the release of the second book in a new romantic series for teen readers; Girl Heart Boy: Rumour Has It.

Speaking about the findings, the book’s author Ali Cronin said: ''As a parent, I think falling in love for the first time - and the inevitable heartbreak when it ends - is all part of growing up and the best option is usually to let your child get on with it, but be there for support when things don't end up as they had hoped.''

The study of 2,000 mams and dads found that one in three has disapproved of someone their child has started dating; around one in ten admitted disliking them so much that they did ‘anything they could' to try and break-up the young lovers. We’re almost afraid to ask what the meant by that… sounds very ‘Godfather’-like!

And if you think online communication would be the way for crafty youths to steer clear of their parents’ prying eyes – think again. More than half of the parents surveyed admitted to regularly checking their son or daughter’s Facebook profiles, some even creating a fake profile to befriend their child.

What could spark a parent to act in such a way? Well, here are a few (okay, fifteen) reasons that parents were good enough to stand in the way of love…

15 Reasons Why Parents Sabotage Young Love

1.    Not good enough?

2.    Too old?

3.    Reputation as a 'troublemaker'?

4.    I don't like their family?

5.    Live in a rough part of town?

6.    Didn't work hard enough at school?

7.    Smoker?

8.    They sleep around?

9.    Drinks too much?

10.    Too young?

11.    Drug taker?

12.    Unsuitable hobbies or pastimes?

13.    Criminal record?

14.    Tattooed?

15.    Drive a fast car