Cody's parents are overly strict about television viewing. In response, Cody sneaks to his friend's house to watch TV. His behavior is explained by

Cody's behavior is explained by the attitude of his strict parents.

In a rebellious act, Cody has the necessity of showing his parents that he is capable of taking his own decisions. He wants his parents to note that he is free and that he can act with some grade of responsibility.

That is his way to confront his parent's strictness and decisions.

Rebellious behavior often is the result of a complicated behavior of a child whose necessities or demands are not met.