When is it Ever Appropriate to Install Cell Phone Monitoring Software on a Partner’s Phone?

Let us be the first to say that cell phone monitoring software must be used responsibly if it’s going to be used at all. But one thing many people ask us is whether or not it’s ever appropriate to install cellphone monitoring software on their significant other’s phone. Whether it’s a serious, long-term relationship or not, people have been trying to use technology to make sure their spouses, boyfriends/girlfriends, and partners are on their best behavior.

Is there ever a situation when using cell phone monitoring software is legal or ethical? Let’s take a look.

When It’s Not Okay

With great power comes great responsibility. If Spider-Man lives by that rule, so must you when it comes to using cell phone monitoring software. That means understanding when it’s not okay to install cell phone monitoring software on your partner’s phone.

In general, never, ever install spy on cell phone free app monitoring software on someone’s smartphone without their knowledge. Not only is that a breach of trust but in many jurisdictions it’s illegal and comes with steep consequences including jail time.

The only situations where monitoring software is acceptable is when, for example, you own the cell phone or when the person you’re installing the software for knows what the software is and what you’re monitoring.

Tempting as it is, don’t install cell phone monitoring software on the down low in an attempt to stop your spouse from cheating on you. You’re better off sitting down your spouse for a frank, open-dialogue chat if you’re that deeply concerned about affairs.

Cell phone monitoring software is a powerful tool. And it’s easy to install. But ask yourself. Do you really want to live in a relationship with no trust on the table? Spy on cell phone free download should be used with care. By sneaking it onto your spouse’s phone, you destroy any ability to form trust in the relationship.

When It’s Acceptable

We’ve talked about when installing spy on cell phone text messages software is not acceptable. But are there situations where it’s ethical and cool to install it on your spouse’s phone?

For example, if you and your spouse are typically open about your internet behavior, you might consider installing software on both of your phones to have an easy way to back up your texts and photos.

If you share a phone, you might install monitoring software as an easy way to locate your phone should it become lost or compromised.

In general, if you plan on installing software on your spouse’s phone, be sure they’re aware of what the software is capable of and that the software is on their phone. Install the software on your own phone as well. It’s only fair.

Use cell phone monitoring software on your spouse’s phone like you would use it on your own smartphone as an easy way to help locate your spouse’s phone and help keep it secure. Monitoring software isn’t just there to monitor everything that happens on a phone. It can also be used as an easy way to make sure your spouse’s phone is safe, secure, and protected no matter what.

In general, never, ever install cell phone monitoring software on someone’s phone without their expressed consent. While cell phone monitoring software is powerful, it’s also unethical to use monitoring software when someone has no idea it’s on their phone or doesn’t know what you’re monitoring or using it for.

The temptation is always understandable when it comes to why you might install cell phone monitoring software on someone’s phone. But don’t let that temptation get the best of you. Trust must exist in a relationship for the relationship to be able to thrive. 

Your Teen's First Cell: Tips and Rules

Teens and cell phones. Today, it’s virtually impossible for one to exist without the other. It’s a symbiotic relationship spurred on by marketing, advertising and peer pressure— it's both passive and non-passive aggressive. For example: Susie has the new iPhone 6S and your kid wants it too. Then Alex gets it—followed by Jason. Peter got the new HTC OneM8s and Steven got the Galaxy S6. But what does you child have? Nothing. And he is letting you know about it. Every. Single. Day.

So, you and your spouse finally agree to give him one—but which one? Like many things, purchasing a smartphone can be a stressful experience. But not, like, real stress. Yours is a “first-world problem”.

“Should I get my young teen a cell phone? What type of smartphone should I get my teenager? Should I monitor that cell phone?”

You’re never going to hear some war-ravaged Nigerian asking that question as they’re being chased out of their burning homes by some AK-47-toting warlord and his machete-wielding hordes. No. Lucky for you your biggest challenge is trying to decide if your teen deserves a newer and better version of the iPhone than the one you’re currently using.

Choosing a phone may also be decided by your budget or your data plan. Many parents opt for a phone that will work along with their cell-phone provider and often opt for the Family Plan. But if you’re considered to be unhip or cheap (which most parents are by their teen children), you may just get them the phone they insist on. After all, who can stand the sound of those poor tortured teens.

So now you’ve done it. You’ve given them what they want. Maybe they deserve it. Maybe they are truly the responsible type. But maybe you should lay a few ground rules … just in case. You are probably going to ask the next question "how to spy on cell phone without installing software that can be harmful to this brand new cell phone?" Below are a few rules to discuss with your teenager to make sure that they’re using their smartphone responsibly:

• Be aware of the hidden costs. Ringtones, texts and apps aren’t covered by the data plan and all add up. Tell them that any incurred costs will come out of their pocket.
• No phone after bedtime. Have them leave their devices in a public area of the house overnight so that they don’t text or surf or whatever until 3 a.m.
• Obey the school rules. Be adamant about them leaving their cells in their backpacks or jackets during class. In fact, tell them to turn it off during school hours.
• Don’t do anything mean/wrong/bad with the device. With great power comes great responsibility. Having a phone is a privilege. Don’t write or forward a mean or sexually suggestive email, tweet, post, pic or text—and don’t join in on any that exist. Don’t take a selfie that is suggestive in any way—and don’t take one of anybody else. These things get out. They ruin reputations and land the teen—as well as the parents—in hot water.
• No texting and driving! That also goes for talking, surfing and watching. Eyes on the road all the time.
• Don’t respond to unknown numbers. Scammers, pervs, stalkers and worse are out there using tech to prey on the weak or naïve. Tell your kids to be smart and patient. Only answer the communications of friends and loved ones.
• Turn it off once in a while. Doctors recommend that kids have only 2 hours of entertainment screen time at day. Have your kids monitor themselves and ask if they think perhaps they’re spending too much time on their devices and in front of the TV.

If you want to make sure that your teen is obeying you, you can always use a worry free spy on cell phone software. But free apps don’t always work. So, “how do I spy on a cell phone”? you ask.  Install a trusted mobile monitoring app like Auto Forward and start spy on cell phone text messages within minutes!