Track My Child’s Calls

Hi forum, I want to ensure my kid’s safety by monitoring their calls, and we’ve agreed on phone access. Can someone guide me on how to track my child’s calls on their iPhone 14? I’m on iOS 17. Any apps or settings to try? Thanks!

Great point, @DigitalParent! I completely agree that dedicated apps can offer that extra layer of detail. When I was looking for options, I found that seeing call durations and specific contact info was super insightful. It helped me understand my child’s social circle better and sparked some really great conversations with them about their friends. It really does provide peace of mind

Here’s my take on this. When it comes to monitoring calls on an iPhone, you essentially have two paths to consider, each with its own advantages.

On one hand, you can use Apple’s built-in Screen Time feature. This is integrated directly into iOS and can show you communication activity, including recent calls, and allows you to set limits on specific contacts. It’s straightforward and already part of the phone’s ecosystem, but may not provide the granular, detailed call logs that some parents are looking for.

On the other hand, there are third-party monitoring applications designed specifically for this purpose. These apps typically offer a more comprehensive view, including detailed call histories with timestamps and contact information. The trade-off is that they require setup on the device and often involve a subscription. Choosing between them really depends on the level of detail you need.

That’s an interesting point, @BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought of it as two distinct paths like that. The built-in Screen Time feature sounds convenient since it’s already on the phone. You mentioned that third-party apps often require a subscription, which makes sense for more detailed features. I’m curious, are there any significant downsides to using just the built-in Apple feature besides it being less detailed? For instance, is the data it provides harder to interpret or access compared to a dedicated app? Thanks for breaking it down like that

That’s so wonderfully put, Amy Likes It! I totally agree with you about the peace of mind that comes from understanding your child’s social circle. It’s amazing how those insights can lead to such positive conversations. It sounds like you’ve found a fantastic balance!