To ask about a tracking device on mobile

[Pleasehelpme433]

My son (12)!keeps going out and not telling me where he’s going and won’t answer his phone. I’m afraid he’s going to get in to trouble and is hanging around with people he shouldn’t be with.

We have the find friends app but he turns off his data so can’t be tracked. I have called our provider 02 to see if there was anything they could do but they weren’t able to help.

Anybody know any (other) way I can track his phone (therefore track him)?

at 12 years old! I wouldn't let him go out anymore, that's really scary!

If you have access to his phone then download mSpy. Might be worth contacting Apple to see if there's a way to stop him turning his Find My Friends off. This must be stressful for you OP

Ok thank you - I’m in a constant state of panic, he’s completely out of control ☹️

Don’t allow him out? He is 12 and should be in doing his homework. You can’t stop them turning data off I’ve tried everything

He goes out anyway- I’m close to resorting to hiding his shoes but feel that’s maybe stooping a bit too low

I think contacting Apple maybe a good idea

Well we’ve put restrictions on ds iphone so he can’t switch the data off. Easy to do.

iOS 12 allows you to stop mobile data being turned off. Can’t stop flight safe mode though or turning the phone off.

I told mine if they turned location off they wouldn't get the phone paid for. Works so far. If he's 12 you should just about have time to lay down some rules about where he's allowed, when he has to be back and about communicating with you. You need to be quick though.

Have you tried removing his phone from him?

I would take the phone from him and not let him out if he was behaving like that. I have a 12 year old and there's no way I would put up with that.

Stop him going out or take his phone off him!! He's 12 - you're the adult & you're in charge - you decide if, when or where he goes!

Out of interest OP, what would you do with the location? Would you go out and find him or just monitor him?

You are not stooping a bit low hiding his shoes, set down some strict boundaries. Take control of this now as he seems to be in control of what he’s doing to you by switching off is data so you cannot find him. Have you sat down and tried talking to him why he is doing this and what is it he wants.

Yes I monitor unless it’s getting late then I’ll go and find him. I won’t take his phone as I would rather him call me in case he’s in trouble. Thanks everyone I’ll call Apple in the morning

Take control of him OP while he's a 12yo boy and not a 17yo and it's too late

Apple customer support are really helpful and friendly over the phone

Best of luck OP

Have you tried 'Life 360'. I have just got it for 13 year old DD. Seems pretty good so far. Tho I do not think any of them are infallible.

Hi op,
I really am NOT judging you but I am confused as to your post.You don't seemed concerned about why or where he is going or with whom.
How is he getting out?does he not come straight home from school?if not I'd be at the gates and walking him home if you are able?
If this is not dealt with now,you could be leaving yourself wide open for future problems.
Has his behaviour suddenly changed?is he going to school?are any of his teachers aware of a change in him?
Knowing where he is is good but I'd be wanting to sort this out by finding out exactly what is happening.
At that age,whatever he might say!he still needs your protection and guidance.
Good luck

Of course I’m concerned! That’s why I want a tracking device! Yes I have a lot of problems with him, no he won’t go to school. Yes it’s been going on for years - im doing everything I can

OP do you have support from the EWO , early interventions, YOT team etc? If he's refusing to go to school, hiding from you and essentially running away on a day to day basis he's very vulnerable to criminal exploitation. There's things they can do to help

That is what i mean I don’t think that you can stop them putting it into airplane mode or deleting apps?
I have heavy restrictions on my kids phones but I haven’t been able to control everything nothing is infallible

I think relying on the phone tracking isn’t going to solve this issue you need external help and support as someone has detailed above

Hmmm.... id use some sort of a tag. Stick it to a jacket, bag etc...
Was looking for a specific product but couldn't find and in a bit of a rush now but just to give you ideas:
www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.hongkiat.com/blog/bluetooth-tracking-devices/amp/

Thank you everyone.

Yes I realise issues are wider and deeper, we have several people intervening such as Ed Psych, families first and people trying to help with his learning but it’s of course a slog getting to the bottom of what the real problem is. He won’t talk to anyone so it’s very difficult to help him.

I’m worried sick about how vulnerable he is and what dangers are out there, hence the tracking device.

Thanks again I appreciate your advice

Mrs Strowman I’m sorry I’m not sure what YOT stands for