A former CIA and FBI agent has revealed her controversial parenting tips – including performing background checks on teachers.

Tracy Walder worked as a spy for several years, even operating at a counterterrorism centre during 9/11 and serving several tours overseas on confidential missions.

But in recent years, the mum-of-one has swapped her high-action fieldwork for a desk job in national security.

Sharing a post on Instagram (@theunexpectedspy), with her 12,800 followers, she has quickly gained 18,800 views after sharing advice on how she keeps her eight-year-old daughter [not named for privacy reasons] safe.

“I worked at the CIA for five years and became a special agent at the FBI afterwards, which is very rare for a woman,” the 44-year-old, from Dallas, Texas, told http://NeedToKnow.co.uk.

“I loved the counterterrorism mission but I didn't wish to be overseas any longer.

“I’ve seen a lot as an FBI agency and CIA officer and want to protect my daughter.”

Sharing her top advice, Tracy says to research and befriend anyone who might come near your child.

Tracy said: “Google all of your children’s friends' parents, all teachers, coaches, dance teachers etc.

“I friend-request them on social media, some friend me back, some don't.

“I also run checks on them through BeenVerified, Intelius and look up federal court cases in PACER, a free federal case lookup.”

During her searches, Tracy has discovered that some of the people had financial, as well as personal issues.

She said: “Social history is important.

“One of my daughter’s teachers befriended me on social and I always found his social media odd – not criminal, but strange.

“He was constantly talking about how much he hated his job and how he partied all the time.

“He’s now sitting in jail, convicted for 20 years on federal porn charges.”

When it comes to your kids, Tracy’s strongest opinion is simple: trust absolutely no one.

She added: “I mean [do not trust them] ever.

“Trust is earned, never given blindly and fully all at once.

“People find my point of view on trust offensive because no one wants to think they aren't trustworthy.

“I have many wonderful trustworthy friends and my daughter has had some very trustworthy teachers, but I never give people my full trust right away.”

Sharing her video online she garnered over 857 likes and hundreds of comments.

Johnny said: “You are a great parent. No one should dispute these tips.”

Steve added: “I agree with you. It's unfortunate our world has changed so much.”

Someone else commented: “Social history above and beyond the background check. We concur.”

Kat wrote: “All of these rules apply in our home as well!”

Another follower said: “I fully agree with every one.”

“These are great. Thank you!” added Lacey.

“Thank you! As a mom these tips are essential for us,” wrote Lou.

“Good parenting,” commented Maria.

ENDS