Expert: DebiN - 8/30/2009

Question
Is there anyway to read your child's text messages online or get copies from your service.  We have at&t family plan.  I am a concerned parent and just like to keep tabs.  Thank you.

Answer
The content of text messages is not available anywhere except on the cell phone itself. AT&T does not keep the content of text messages on their servers nor it is available on line. However, you can restrict the people that your child communicates with with AT&T's Parental Controls. Here are some details about this feature:

Features and Benefits
With AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless, you start with an easy online setup that allows you to determine specifically how and when your child can use the phone. You can set limits for:

Number of text and instant messages
Dollar amount of downloadable purchases (ringtones, games and more)
Amount of Web browsing/data usage allowed per billing cycle
Times of day the phone can be used for messaging, browsing, and outbound calling.  
Who the phone can call or text (incoming and outgoing) by blocking or allowing certain numbers
The access of content inappropriate for children
As your child approaches the text and download limits, he/she will receive an advance warning. Once a limit is reached, there will be a notification that the action is restricted and that the service will be stopped until the next billing cycle begins.

Calls and text messages to and from phone numbers you designate as “Allowed Numbers” and calls to and from 911 will continue to be permitted regardless of the limits you set.

Please Note Important Limitations:
This product cannot currently be used to set specific monthly limits for minutes. All incoming calls are allowed at all times except from numbers you designate as “Blocked Numbers.”
AT&T Smart Limits for Wireless does not block or restrict Push to Talk, Video Share, Visual Voicemail (VVM), BlackBerry email or BlackBerry Connect services.
See chart below to be sure Smart Limits for Wireless is compatible with the browsing/data services and features your child uses in their wireless world.

I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN