I’m worried about my teen and want to make sure they’re safe online. I’ve heard there are ways to monitor texts but I’m not sure how it works or if it’s even legal. Can someone point me in the right direction?
This topic covers the complex area of remote monitoring. Legality depends entirely on your jurisdiction and your relationship to the target (e.g., monitoring your own minor child on a device you own may be legal, while monitoring an adult without consent is almost always illegal).
Professionally, I test monitoring applications. The most effective and legal path for a parent is to use a parental control app installed with the child’s knowledge on a device you own for them. These apps provide activity reports, including texts, and are designed for this ethical purpose. Avoid any service promising “remote” access to someone else’s phone without physical installation, as these are often scams. Focus on open communication first, and use tools transparently as a safety net, not a secret.