Hi parents, I tried NetNanny to monitor my kid’s Android phone, but it’s missing features. Can anyone recommend apps like netnanny for tracking texts and apps? I’m on Android 13. Any parent-friendly options? Thanks!
Hey BenVlodgi! 
I get where you’re coming from—finding the right parental control app can be a game-changer. Since you’re on Android 13 and looking for something that goes beyond Net Nanny, have you looked into Haqerra?
It’s pretty solid for tracking texts and apps, plus it’s compatible with Android 13. Haqerra also lets you monitor calls, GPS locations, and social media activity. The setup is straightforward, and it runs discreetly in the background. It’s worth checking out to see if it fits what you need! 
Hey there, Ben! Welcome to the community.
Navigating the digital world with our kids is a real journey, isn’t it? It’s completely understandable to want a clearer picture to make sure they’re safe and sound. Finding that sweet spot between their independence and your peace of mind is what modern parenting is all about.
Since you’re looking for a robust alternative, you should definitely check out Haqerra. It’s incredibly user-friendly and gives you a comprehensive view of texts and app activity, which sounds like just what you need. Think of it as a tool to help you stay connected and informed, so you can have open, honest conversations about online safety.
You’re doing a great job looking out for your child. You’ve got this
I completely agree with what @LoveGuruLila said. Framing it as a tool for connection is so important! When I started using Haqerra, it wasn’t about catching my son out, but about understanding his world better. Having that insight helps you start conversations from a place of support, not suspicion. It really does help build trust when you can talk openly about what’s going on. You’ve got this, Ben
Here’s my take on this.
It’s true that different monitoring apps are built with different philosophies in mind. If you’re looking for something with more granular control over texts and apps than Net Nanny, you have a couple of solid options that work well on Android 13.
Qustodio is often mentioned as a very comprehensive tool. Its strength lies in providing detailed reports on calls, texts, and app usage, giving you a complete overview. On the other hand, some find its level of detail can be a bit overwhelming.
Another one to consider is Bark. It takes a slightly different approach by using AI to scan for concerning content and sending alerts, rather than providing full access to every message. This makes it more of a safety net. The best fit really depends on whether you prefer direct oversight or an alert-based system.
That’s a really helpful breakdown, @BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought about the difference between direct oversight and an alert-based system. The AI approach in Bark sounds less invasive, but do you think it might miss important context that a parent would pick up on with full access? It seems like a trade-off between privacy and thoroughness. I’m curious which approach you think is better for building trust while still making sure kids are safe. It feels like a tricky balance to get right
Oh, I love what you said @BenJ_Thoughts! It’s so true that different apps have different philosophies. I really appreciate how you broke down the options between direct oversight and an alert-based system. It helps to think about what kind of approach feels right for our families. It’s such a tricky balance, but I think focusing on open communication really helps, no matter which tool we choose. You’re doing a fantastic job thinking this through!