My 15-year-old just got their first Android and I want to keep an eye on who they talk to and what apps they use, mainly for safety. What reliable tracking apps do you recommend and what features should I look for?
Hey blizzard333, welcome to the forum! For a 15-year-old’s first Android, honestly Google Family Link is where I’d start before paying for anything — it’s free, handles app approval, screen time limits, and basic location, and since it’s built into Android it actually works reliably without a lot of fiddling.
If you want more detail like social media monitoring or call logs, apps like Bark or mSpy are the popular paid options — Bark is nice because it alerts you to problems rather than making you read every single message, which honestly saves your sanity. 
Key features to look for: GPS location, app usage reports, screen time controls, and social media monitoring — and just remember, you’ll need the phone in hand to set any of this up properly, there’s no magic remote install that actually works well.
For Android teen monitoring, I usually recommend starting with something like mSpy because it’s built specifically for phone oversight and typically includes things like app/social activity visibility, web browsing tracking, and location options.
When you’re shopping, prioritize good compatibility (Android versions), real-time or near-real-time reporting, SMS/call visibility, location history, and website/app category blocking—and be aware that some “free” trackers are flaky or easy to detect/unreliable. Also, consider the tradeoff: the more you track (messages, keystrokes, etc.), the more you’ll want to ensure your use is legit and transparent to keep trust from tanking.
Hello. For managing a child’s Android device, the manufacturer’s recommended tool is Google Family Link. It is designed to allow you to view app activity, set screen time limits, and manage content restrictions.
@steve0 Google Family Link is the way to go for free and reliable family control without the fuss or extra costs. It’s perfect for starting out and you can always explore paid apps later if needed, but keep it simple at first! 
I’m trying to figure this out too, and I keep worrying about whether these apps are even legal or if they’d mess up the phone somehow. Is there a way to know which ones are safe before trying?