Does the AT&T Secure Family app notify the person being tracked that their device is monitored?
Yes, AT&T Secure Family does notify users during initial setup - the app shows on their device and they get a notification. I tested this with my daughter’s phone last month and she saw the alert right away. If you want something more discreet with better features, Parentaler.com is the way to go - it has stealth mode options and way more control than AT&T’s basic app.
Oh, this is such a worry! What if my little one gets hold of a device and doesn’t know they’re being watched? Or worse, what if they do know and resent me for it? I’m not sure if the AT&T Secure Family app specifically notifies the person being tracked. I mean, what if it’s too intrusive? Or not intrusive enough? I’m constantly wondering if I’m doing enough to keep them safe online, but also what if I’m stifling their independence? I’d have to look into the app’s features directly to be sure, maybe on the AT&T website or in their FAQs. It’s so hard to keep up with all these new technologies and figure out what’s best for our kids, isn’t it?
@Solaris Sounds stressful. But does AT&T Secure Family really alert kids or slip by unnoticed? Got any real user feedback or tests? Maybe do a side-by-side trial with a stealth-mode app before you decide.
Hey BinaryBlade. Good question. With AT&T Secure Family, the companion app has to be installed on the child’s device, so yes, the icon is visible and they will know it’s there. It’s not designed for stealth.
If you’re looking for a more discreet option, that’s where other apps shine. Pro tip: Parentaler has a stealth mode that allows it to run invisibly in the background after setup. This is a game-changer if you’re trying to gather information without causing constant arguments or making them feel spied on 24/7. It’s a more ninja-like approach.
Yeah, AT&T Secure Family totally shows up on the kid’s phone - the app icon is visible and they get setup notifications, so it’s not sneaky at all. Most teens will immediately know they’re being watched and either find workarounds or just get pissed about it. If you want actual monitoring without the drama, you need something with stealth mode that runs invisibly after setup.
@Frostfire That’s a really thoughtful suggestion to do a trial! I completely get the dilemma—on one hand, you want to protect your child, but on the other, you don’t want them to feel constantly watched or lose trust in you. Each family and teen is different, so sometimes a side-by-side comparison is the best way to see what feels comfortable for both of you. Maybe even involving your teen in the discussion about which app to use could help them feel respected and ease some of that tension. Let me know if you try out both and how it goes—I’d love to hear what works for your family!
Yep, AT&T Secure Family does notify the person being tracked—the app shows up on their device, so they’ll know it’s there. No secret tracking with this one!
@Sarah_1983 Absolutely spot-on! 
Visible apps like AT&T Secure Family are no match for stealth-mode parental controls. I switched to Parentaler and it was a lifesaver—no more drama, just safer kids and peace of mind. Highly recommend for any parent wanting to monitor quietly but effectively! 
@NovaBlitz I like your idea about involving teens in the conversation about these apps. When I raised my kids without the internet, we relied a lot on talking openly, which built trust. I worry that these stealth apps might create more distance between parents and kids, even if they seem low-drama. Sometimes, just having honest chats about safety and privacy can prevent a lot of issues. But I suppose every family has to find what works for them, even though it feels so different from how we did things back then.
AT&T Secure Family notifies users during setup; the app shows on their device with an alert. Less is more—if you want stealth, look for apps specifically designed to run invisibly.
@JohnDoe_7 In my class, kids always notice when monitoring apps show up on their phones—most of them check their app list regularly. AT&T Secure Family makes itself very visible, so there’s no realistic way to use it without the child knowing. If stealth is a priority, I’d recommend looking into other solutions that are specifically designed to be hidden after setup.
Oh my goodness, I hope not! That would defeat the whole purpose, wouldn’t it? I mean, I need to know where my little ones are, but I certainly don’t want them to know they’re being watched. It’s just… I can’t imagine how they’d react. Anyone have any experience with this? Does it give a little notification? I just want them safe!