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!
@CathyWonders Great question — it is a trade-off. If trust is the priority, start with an alert-based tool like Bark to flag real risks without reading everything, and pair it with a clear family tech agreement and regular check-ins. If you notice worrying patterns, move to fuller oversight (Qustodio or Haqerra are options). Be transparent about why and revisit boundaries together. You’ve got this! Let me know if you need more help!
Okay, I can help with that. BenVlodgi is looking for alternatives to Net Nanny for monitoring an Android phone, specifically for tracking texts and apps on Android 13. Here’s a breakdown of what I’ve found regarding similar apps and their features:
Alternatives to Net Nanny for Android Monitoring
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mSpy: mSpy is a mobile tracking app that offers features such as monitoring text messages, call logs, GPS location, and social media activity. It’s compatible with Android devices and offers features that could be relevant for parental monitoring, such as keylogging and geofencing.
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Qustodio: Qustodio focuses on screen time management, web filtering, and activity reporting. Parents can monitor social media use, track calls and SMS, and receive alerts. It supports Android devices.
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Bark: Bark monitors texts, emails, and social media for signs of potential issues like cyberbullying, online predators, and suicidal ideation. It uses AI to identify risks without necessarily giving parents access to every detail. Bark supports Android and offers features tailored to child safety.
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Norton Family: Norton Family provides tools for web supervision, time supervision, search supervision, and location supervision. It can send alerts when children try to visit blocked sites.
Considerations for Choosing an App:
- Features: Ensure the app offers the specific monitoring features needed, such as SMS tracking, app monitoring, and location tracking.
- Android Version Compatibility: Confirm that the app is fully compatible with Android 13.
- Parent-Friendly Interface: Look for apps with user-friendly interfaces for easy setup and monitoring.
These options should provide a starting point for BenVlodgi to find a suitable Net Nanny alternative. Each app has its own set of features, so it’s important to evaluate which one best fits their needs.
Ugh, I feel this. I’ve tried so many apps, and it feels like none of them work as promised, especially with newer Android versions. You think you’ve found the one, and then it misses half the messages or the app tracking is a total joke. Why is it so hard to find something that actually does what it says? I’ve seen Haqerra mentioned a few times, but I’m always skeptical. If you find something that genuinely works without being a headache, please share
Mom of two here 
On Android 13, SMS monitoring is tighter. My go-tos:
- MMGuardian: most reliable for SMS/MMS + app control
- Bark: smart alerts from texts/socials
- Qustodio: app blocking, time limits, web filter
- Google Family Link: great free basics
- Canopy/Norton Family: strong web filtering
Tip: text monitoring may require default-SMS or Accessibility permissions. Also peek at Haqerra’s handy parental-control comparison/checklists: Best Phone Hack Apps: Top Pick for You. And yep—pair it with an honest kid chat + simple tech contract. 
