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I find it very unfortunate that there is no good way to monitor my daughter’s iPhone. The operating system just does not allow for it.
I am aware of the “restrictions” function, but that is only a partial answer. And I have tried some of the various purported parental control apps for iOS, and they have been abject junkware.
Hi Scott,
What functions would you like to see in such a parental control app?
Best,
István
Hello,
Thank you for the reply. But sorry; I did not see your reply before just now.
I’d like what I consider to be core functions that any good parental control platform should offer:
* Ability to block malicious, adult, and other unwanted web sites (by categories, such as “hate,” “religious,” etc.).
* Blocking of malicious emails and SMS.
* Blocking of sending private information via email or SMS (i.e. prevent sending home phone number via SMS, or Social Security Number, address, etc.).
* Ability to view current device and activity status in a portal (i.e. location, battery level, recent calls/SMS, etc.).
* Ability to define either a whitelist and/or a blacklist for calls and SMS.
* Immediate emailed alert when an inappropriate web site was accessed, when a blacklisted (or non-whitelisted) contact was contacted via call and/or SMS.
* Ability to view SMS content.
* Ability to restrict access to certain apps either completely or during certain days/times (e.g. no games during school hours, or no Safari at all, ever).
* Ability to restrict device usage to predefined days/times.
* Geofencing (i.e. alert if the device is not in a predefined area at a predefined time, or if the device is in a predefined blacklisted area at all).
My understanding is that under iOS, many of these functions are impossible due to restrictions inherent to the OS.
I realize that some people object to what they perceive as an “invasion of privacy” with respect to this type of monitoring. I don’t care about these people or their ridiculous objections.
Do you offer any solutions at avira?