Best Child GPS/Info App

[keithsmith22]

My son is getting an LG Ally for Christmas and I would like to put an app on his phone that helps me to see what texts he sends and receives, can give me his GPS location as well as other things to help me keep track of him. I have looked at a few but prefer a free one if possible. Please let me know if any of you use these and how well they work. Also, are there any apps that keep some of what he is looking at to a PG rating? Thanks in advance.

 

[Bob Dammit]

Mobile defense will allow you to track the phone via GPS. As far as the limiting what your child views and texting, you're getting into a gray area. I can understand your desire for keeping your child safe, but that same info can be used to stalk someone else. I personally would buy the spy apps available online, because anything you install on the phone to allow you access could be allowing someone else access too. Good luck!

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[keithsmith22]

Mobile defense will allow you to track the phone via GPS. As far as the limiting what your child views and texting, you're getting into a gray area. I can understand your desire for keeping your child safe, but that same info can be used to stalk someone else. I personally would buy the spy apps available online, because anything you install on the phone to allow you access could be allowing someone else access too. Good luck!

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I am not aware of any spy apps online. I never thought about if I can see it then one of these companies could see it and use it maliciously if need be. I just know that you can never be to safe.

 

[mcatdtDroid]

There are no good parent apps on the market... there are only 'pretend to be good parent apps' meaning, you don't need an app to view what your kid is texting better than telling jr, 'i will periodically monitor your history'' any deleting or questionable stuff, they lose the phone for xx amount of time.

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[keithsmith22]

There are no good parent apps on the market... there are only 'pretend to be good parent apps' meaning, you don't need an app to view what your kid is texting better than telling jr, 'i will periodically monitor your history'' any deleting or questionable stuff, they lose the phone for xx amount of time.

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Oh yeah, he already knows the rules but now that he is going to a smartphone I just want to be as safe as possible. I want to know if something was deleted that may be troublesome. Keep up with the text history and internet searches. I do think that once he gets his gmail account linked that keeps the search history with google that I can monitor. Its mainly texting and location that I am worried about.

 

[Bob Dammit]

You also need to remember your kids are smarter than you are. As much as we'd like to admit we are tech savy, kids know more than us anymore. They can, and will, bypass anything you put on their phone if they want to.

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[lazerdude]

really???...I mean really????

Had to laugh at some of the responses...are you guys parents??

Let me tell you that I am a parent and I monitored my childs online and phone behavior...you DO need some software...telling them you will randomly check their phone and/or computer wont work...they know how to clear history and cache, etc.



You might be behind your kids technologically speaking, but I am not.

I can point you to some of these products if you respond with your email.

 

[mcsinfl]

take a look at this thread, it doesn't discuss text/email, but it does discuss gps apps

http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-applications/4624-gps-tracker-child.html

and mcatdtDroid, you have made it clear several times in a couple threads that you think anyone that uses this kind of software as an additional measure of protection is basically an idiot. Please, if you don't have anything useful to contribute, don't say anything

 

[mcatdtDroid]

Listen...if I can't trust them in the first place it tells me 2 things....1. I messed up somewhere, and 2, they don't need a smartphone. Its like giving a gun to a thug and saying ''dont use it though or you'll get in trouble''

My kid wont see a smartphone. There is no need for it at 15. They can use the family room computer for the legit use needs. Everyone wants to justify giving in to the 'i want a cell phone because everyone else has one'' as a safety issue. I call bologna on that.

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[lazerdude]

easy does it...

you're obviously not there yet...but its not just your child ...you cannot control anyone else.

this had nothing to do with a smart phone...just a typical 14 yr old...no matter how they look or seem to be, they are still 14 (or whatever age)...

this from just a month ago...be sure to read it and watch the video with it...
Police: Homeless Man Found Hiding in Teen's Closet - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

I've been involved with child protection for some time and I am tired of parents who think they (or their kid) is above it our wont happen to them

 

[sonicxtacy02]

Easy way to track text data is to setup handcent as the default and use handcent online to view texts

 

[mcatdtDroid]

That link takes me to the website but no story... still with that said, you proving there are sick freaks out there doesn't mean that kids should be given smartphones and you aren't proving how having a smartphone would have prevented that guy hiding in the closet anymore than a regular phone. Im not saying my kid is untouchable.... but using scare tactics like a man in your closet to justify giving your teen full access to unmonitored internet is a fallacy.
Kids don't need cell phones.
I can see a need for a 16 yo new driver having a cellphone for emergencies is one thing...
Nannyapps are made for parttime parents to give the impressions to others that they are good parents that care. ''Think of the children....and buy my 29.99 nannyapp or you want your kids to be raped and abducted'' a false anaolgy but apparently it works extremely well on marks. Im glad you found a way to make a good living, but dont get mad when people call you out on your scare tactics

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[mcatdtDroid]

Easy way to track text data is to setup handcent as the default and use handcent online to view texts

Agreed...my problem comes when a kid figures it out and simply bypasses it and uses stock mms app. This is when true parenting should come in and consequences are given for trying to 'outsmart' the parent. But instead, parents would rather try to find a better app instead of confronting the kid


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[mcsinfl]

I agree there is no replacement for parenting. For me this is not about trust, this is about protection and the ability to contact my child and for them to be able to contact me whenever they need to. I live in South Florida, and as much as I dislike it here, I'm here to keep the kids close to their grandparents that retired here. This place is crime ridden and any extra measure of protection I can take, I'll take it. As I mentioned earlier, my kids are 7 and 11. When they're teenagers, maybe my position will change on the smartphones.

I grew up in a small town, everyone new me and my parents. If I got in trouble, they were going to find out. I don't have that same luxury with my kids even though I would like to. Short of hiring a bodyguard to protect them when I'm not there, I'll take whatever steps are necessary and sensible to keep me better informed, including spending a couple hours with them every day so I know what's going on in their lives and the people they hang out with. I don't consider this bad parenting, I think it's very sensible and appropriate.

Additionally, they already had itouches, psp's etc. Instead of those game platforms, now they have the droid, which they always keep with them.

As for cost, I was paying an extra $10/mth per line plus $10/mth per line for Verizon's Family Locator service. With Verizons new promotion, I am paying the same $20/mth and getting more services, and as I had upgrade discounts available, why not a smartphone.

 

[lazerdude]

why are you angry?

sorry about the link...works for me...
not saying the smart phone or any phone would have prevented anything at all.
However, if the parent had been monitoring the phone and computer, they would have known the guy was coming. You even said "unmonitored internet"...Wow!! you agree with me and dont know it.

I'm not mad and dont feel like your calling me out. I'm calling you out at the very least...you are uninformed and in denial.


try this link... Police: Homeless Man Found Hiding in Teen's Closet - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports
I hope it works...