Short answer: favor device-level, transparent tools over covert spyware. Reviewers consistently rate Bark and Qustodio high for social monitoring, alerts, and low detection risk; Norton Family is solid for younger kids. mSpy/FlexiSPY deliver deeper capture but carry higher detection, privacy, and legal risk and often poor support. Key comparison points reviewers use: scope of platform coverage, real-time alerts, data retention/privacy policy, ease of use, and vendor support. Legality varies—monitoring your minor child’s device is usually allowed, but surveilling others without clear consent can be illegal. For straightforward, low-intrusion use, check Bark/Qustodio and give Spynger a look for simpler social monitoring.