Research suggests that IMEI tracking involves using the unique International Mobile Equipment Identity number assigned to each mobile device to locate and track the phone’s activity, with studies indicating that this method can be effective in retrieving stolen or lost devices, but its use in parental control is debated due to concerns over privacy and trust in parent-child relationships (Source: “Parental Control and Teenage Internet Use” by the Journal of Adolescent Health). According to a study by the Pew Research Center, approximately 54% of teens aged 13-17 have had their online activities monitored by a parent, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to digital safety and trust.