How Safe are GPS Trackers for Kids?

Whether your child suffers from a hereditary illness, is struggling with their mental health, or you just want to know where they are, purchasing a GPS tracking device is not a decision that should be taken lightly. We took a look at the safety of these devices and have shared some of the things you need to consider before you decide to invest in one.

The Reason GPS Devices Are Sold

The first thing that you need to consider is that GPS trackers for kids were not primarily invented to help parents track where their children are, this is just a marketing ploy to get you to spend your money on them. In fact, GPS tracking devices are a powerful tool for the companies that make them because they provide rich data that is highly saleable and sought after.

Data mining companies will purchase the information shared and stored on your devices for a significant sum of money, meaning that your desire to invest in a safety mechanism for tracking your children could end up with the same information being sold and resold many times.

Think About the Settings

So many of us are impressed when we find a device that is simple to use, access, and deploy that we forget how dangerous this can make them. The easier it is for you to set up a tracker and link it to your devices, the easier it is for other people to do the same.

In reality, the GPS tracker shows you where your child is, but it does not show you who is interacting with them or who is exploiting any number of security flaws to be able to access the device remotely.

Consider Why You Need One

Another important consideration before you invest in a GPS tracker for your child is to work out why you need one. Many parents choose to get one when their child has an illness and may need urgent support or when trust has been broken, and finding new ways forward to resolve that is important. Whilst these reasons may seem logical and appropriate, many parents choose to use GPS tracking as a means to check up on their children.

The issue with using GPS for checking up is that you run the risk of ruining the trust in your relationship with your child and becoming a helicopter parent that does more damage than good. Taking the time to carefully assess your reasoning is a vital step in deciding whether to proceed with your purchase or not.

Finding the Best GPS Tracker

While there are many serious considerations for parents before buying a GPS tracker, if you have chosen to invest in one, you should shop around to find the best device with the best security setup. The great news is that there are a number of high-quality devices that have been made to ensure that your information is stored securely so that you can feel confident that your child is safe, and so is your data.

Using Your Kids GPS Tracker Effectively

Once you have invested in a GPS tracker, it is important to take the time to discuss your decision with your children and to agree on a healthy way to use them as time moves forward. Involving your child in these discussions will not only empower them to take control of their safety but will also allow you all to make use of GPS trackers in the best way for your family.