Brazilian Parents Use Monitoring Apps to Track Instagram and Mobile Use

Parental monitoring applications are being promoted in Brazil as tools for parents to supervise their children's online activity. The mSpy app claims to capture Instagram Direct messages, including deleted ones, archive shared photos and videos, list new contacts, and provide keyword alerts for content such as drug references or harassment. It also supports other platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram and TikTok. Google’s free Family Link app lets parents set screen‑time limits, approve or block app installations, schedule device‑free periods, and locate the child's phone when the feature is enabled. Both solutions require installation on the child’s device and parental access to the relevant Google accounts.

These apps are presented as ways to promote safer digital habits for minors.