stormynights22 wrote:
My teen has a nasty habit of deleting all conversations on her phone even though she's been given strict instructions not to. It appears there is something she may be hiding. Is there a way to monitor all incoming/outgoing text messages on her phone?
I don't know of any way to do this. Maybe check with your carrier to see if it's possible to get a copy through them.
My kids know that deletion of browsing history and/or text messages can lead to a loss of their devices for an unspecified amount of time. They also know that downloading and/or use of specific apps (Kik, Snapchat, etc.) can get their devices taken away as well. Having a phone to a teen may seem like a right but it is a privilege and if they can't abide by the rules that are set by the parents they should lose that privilege. Even if you feel that she needs a phone, a standard flip phone should suffice.