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does apple provide any way to monitor children's iMessages

There are many tools for restricting apps, privacy settings, etc. But the most easy way for kids to receive content a parent might not want is through iMessage. I can't find a way to either view those messages (without looking at their device), or specifically see what may have been deleted. Does Apple provide anyway for a child's Apple device to be monitored?

Posted on Jul 18, 2021 8:47 PM

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Posted on Jul 19, 2021 7:21 PM

That's unfortunate. It seems like for all Apple's talk of helping parents they've left the biggest hole possible by not allowing us to monitor their iMessage usage. Just looking at the device is useless if they've had time to send/receive and then delete those messages. I understand iMessages privacy features, but children don't have the right to privacy when they are in their parents' home and still being raised. Just like my parents rummaged through my dresser drawers secretly, parents need to do the same today - even more so with the door that technology opens to them. Very difficult position this technology puts us in.

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Jul 19, 2021 7:21 PM in response to Axel Foley

That's unfortunate. It seems like for all Apple's talk of helping parents they've left the biggest hole possible by not allowing us to monitor their iMessage usage. Just looking at the device is useless if they've had time to send/receive and then delete those messages. I understand iMessages privacy features, but children don't have the right to privacy when they are in their parents' home and still being raised. Just like my parents rummaged through my dresser drawers secretly, parents need to do the same today - even more so with the door that technology opens to them. Very difficult position this technology puts us in.

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Jul 18, 2021 10:05 PM in response to ericole

As you learned through your experience there are several tools available for Content Restrictions and Privacy when you are working with Screen Time. You are also correct that there is no direct way to monitor a child’s iPhone remotely for incoming/outgoing messages. You have to look at the child’s device in your hands.


Axel F.

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does apple provide any way to monitor children's iMessages

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