Secret phone hacks teens use to hide activity that every parent should know about

Many children are able to hide what they're up to on their phones (Image: Getty)

Half of secondary school children reveal they know how to hide what they’re doing on their phones from parents, new research has found. The study by EE reported 46% of 11-17-year-olds said they can outsmart parental monitoring - with many using tactics to dodge restrictions or disguise what they’re up to.

While one in five parents use parental control apps, and a quarter ask to see their child’s phone, eight in 10 admit they don’t believe their kids tell them everything about their online lives. And a worrying 30% of youngsters agree their parents have “no idea what they get up to” online.

Many kids are even using clever hacks to slip under the radar - from “fake” calculator apps to disappearing messages and emojis with hidden meanings - as seen in the Netflix drama Adolescence. But 37% of kids say they think it’s fair for their phone to be confiscated if they break agreed rules. And while 42% wish for more independence, nearly a third (32%) say being more honest about their online life would reduce family rows.

Kelly Engstrom, Brand and Marketing Communications Director at EE, said: “With Christmas on the horizon, smartphones will be at the top of many children’s wish lists, while millions will have started secondary school this autumn with a first device in their pocket. 

"As they get to grips with the technology and their growing independence, it's inevitable that some will want to test their boundaries and share ideas with friends on how to keep their activities secret.

“This isn't about catching children out or taking away their privacy, it's about giving parents the knowledge to guide them safely through the online world and buy, or hand down, a smartphone with confidence.”

Here's what you should look out for.

APP HIDING & CAMOUFLAGE

Some children are using innocent-looking apps such as a calculator that secretly stores photos and videos, while others tuck forbidden apps into folders with “boring” names like “Maths Homework” or “Notes". Others regularly delete and reinstall them to avoid detection.

Some kids have even figured out how to jailbreak screen time limits, turn off location tracking, or use biometric access (like Face ID) to unlock parental settings and find passwords.

PRIVATE & DISAPPEARING CHATS

Apps with disappearing messages make it easier for children to have conversations parents will never see. Others keep fake social media accounts or use private, password-protected chats to stay under the radar.

CODED COMMUNICATION

Coded communication is now one of the top “cheats” among teens. Kids are using secret slang, abbreviations and emojis to talk about things they don’t want their parents to see.

Some use emojis to disguise what they really mean - whether that’s to joke around, chat privately, or discuss mature topics. And while many emojis are harmless fun, some have hidden meanings in teen chat. 

EE has released a list that every parent should know as well as The P.H.O.N.E. Chat, a free online guide offering tips and a downloadable parent-child contract to agree on phone use.

The resource was developed with online safety charity Internet Matters and informed by the EE Youth Council. EE has also introduced new Safer SIMs for under-18s, offering three plans designed to “think like a parent”, with varying protection levels and free in-store online safety sessions nationwide.