Best way to keep a check on kids text messages?

geek84

Good Morning

I have 2 teenagers, who constantly use their mobile phones to send/receive text messages.

Is there any way I can check what messages they are sending/receiving?

They are good kids generally, and I do trust them, but because of their age, I don't want them to fall into bad company.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

victor2

You say you trust them so do just that, and hope they'll tell you if they get into trouble.
Monitoring teenage children's SMS life is a recipe for disaster, you'll only lose trust in them and they will lose trust in you.

paddyrg

There are apps that back up SMS to a gmail account, or like mightytext allow you to send/receive SMS via a PC. One of those might be a partial solution.

However, I can't recommend it as a means of spying, I think you're better off keeping communications open with your kids, not risking shutting them off altogether. If they catch you spying, you'll be so undermined that they'll seek respect and attention elsewhere, likely all the wrong places and people. It's an impossible task, good luck finding the right line.

RumRat

I'd be surprised if your Kids are using text messages these days.
If you go down that road, you are going to have to monitor Viber, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Hangouts etc. Not to mention Twitter and Instagram. (Well you get the point)
Spying on your Kids is impossible, education is the best line of defence and hope that you have laid the foundations for some common sense. After that........It's all down to them.

DCFC79

Mention to them your there if they have any questions.

If you do want to go down that route then I hope it doesn't all go pear shaped.

jamescl

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5315276

The same user asked this question already, not sure why they're doing the same again. They didn't bother to come back and reply that time or listen to the advice they were given then....

Very strange.

SunnySusie

jamescl wrote: »

Very strange.

They would be better off saying, "I want to monitor my kids text messages, I don't really want your opinion on whether it is the right thing to do or not, I just need some advice on how to do it". Without making it clear they're just going to get people trying to give admittedly sound but most likely unwanted advice each time it is reposted. Actually there is one useful suggestion above.

I hope that makes it less strange for you

Something like https://www.airdroid.com/ could also help (assuming android?). Allows remote access to messages, if you are not the owner of your phone you would presumably need permission to install it.