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Original poster

Ex tracking child

17 replies

Blahtastic · 22/07/2021 18:21

Have name changed for this as am increasingly becoming worried about my ex, dad to DD, and him trying to gather info to use against me.

She's recently had a birthday and he's got her a smart watch. Should I be concerned, could it have voice and video recording via an app that he controls? I've taken it off her for now (she's not bothered, she doesn't like him and hates seeing him) and put it in a drawer for now. It doesn't require WiFi, how does it work? She's told me it has a phone (am guessing not as it would need a sim card in it or Bluetooth to another phone?) Also has GPS. I've had a quick Google but am not very technically aware so don't want to give her free reign to use it if it's going to be used to collect info ex will use against me.

He's previously tried to report me to SS, and has told school I have mental health issues. SS spoke to me and gave me details for local domestic abuse services. By way of history, he was controlling during our marriage but not physical, so I'm not worried about that, more that he could have eyes or ears into our home. I have to do grey rock with him and recently stood up to him during an argument which he didn't like.

Thanks for any advice

OP posts:
Woodmarsh · 22/07/2021 19:17

It would depend on the phone but yes he could potentially track her on it. They usually connect to an app on a phone to upload their data

Theunamedcat · 22/07/2021 19:30

Yes he can track her via the watch

Theunamedcat · 22/07/2021 19:31

Realistically what will he find out? Your child goes too and from school big deal

reallyworriedjobhunter · 22/07/2021 19:32

Do you know what the make and model of the watch is? Def leave it in a drawer for now.

Megasausagehead · 22/07/2021 19:33

If it has GPS, he can track her.

I would factory reset it to wipe any changes.

Original poster
Blahtastic · 22/07/2021 19:40

If she goes anywhere else with me he will know our comings and goings, so not just to and from school. We also have another child together that has stopped contact with him (DC's choice). Yes he probably won't hear anything of interest to him, but he's manipulative and a thoroughly unpleasant character and I wouldn't let him into my house by choice. It seems like he's possibly found another way in.

OP posts:
Faithless12 · 22/07/2021 19:41

What make of smart watch? It’ll be easier to help with all of the information. For example the Apple Watch has an eSim not a physical sim.

Original poster
Blahtastic · 22/07/2021 20:10

The brand name seems to be Teminice, not sure I could do a factory reset as he'd know I'd done something to it. I'll leave it in the drawer for now, it can go to and from school and to his house, hopefully she'll leave it there next time.

Thanks for the advice

OP posts:
mathanxiety · 22/07/2021 20:16

Please, please take the advice of the social workers and see what the local domestic abuse agency can do for you

Abuse doesn't have to be physical to have lasting, horrible effects. You are afraid to reset the watch to its factory settings in case he figures out what you've done, and that alone is proof of the power of emotional and psychological abuse.

Please avail of whatever help is out there for you so you can break free from the power he holds over you.

BusyLizzie61 · 22/07/2021 20:24

@Blahtastic

The brand name seems to be Teminice, not sure I could do a factory reset as he'd know I'd done something to it. I'll leave it in the drawer for now, it can go to and from school and to his house, hopefully she'll leave it there next time.

Thanks for the advice

The phones features work in collaboration of a mobile app. So presumably set upto work alongside the ex's mobile. It doesn't appear to track location nor have recording facilities. It looks like the most he could really gleam is how active or inactive she is and how long she sleeps or doesn't.
BusyLizzie61 · 22/07/2021 20:24

The obvious choice if concerned is a factory reset.

Original poster
Blahtastic · 22/07/2021 21:22

Thanks all. It's reassuring that the watch doesn't seem to be a real 'spywatch', although unsettling. Mathanxiety you are right, he does still have a hold on me somehow, I am afraid to rock the boat or speak out, usually due to a backlash of abusive texts. Whatever has happened here it has spooked me, I'll speak to the DA people to get further advice. Thanks again

OP posts:
GettingItOutThere · 22/07/2021 21:36

I would make that watch disappear... you know how clumsy kids can be sometimes!

but yes, they can track on these watches on an app

HalzTangz · 22/07/2021 21:50

What is the make and model of the watch.
Most watches can show you a text or tell you you have a call on a phone you have linked to it. This won't work if no phone is linked.
There are no cameras on smart watches so he can't secretly video you, I've never seen an app (though I might be wrong) that allows recording of conversations through a watch.

Does your daughter have a phone, was the watch set up on her phone?

saraclara · 22/07/2021 21:55

That watch is a cheapie that has no ability to map her or transmit or receive GPS. The only thing that a phone app can track is her activity level, if she has the kids' version. If the adults' version it also tracks sleep. But that's it. You don't get a lot for £25.

saraclara · 22/07/2021 21:57

Ignore the bit about the kid version. That one's a different brand. Got fooled by the two sponsored results at the top

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