GPS TRACKERS FOR KIDS: FINDING THE BALANCE BETWEEN MONITORING AND INDEPENDENCE

At BrickHouse Security, we get calls all the time about GPS trackers for kids. People ask our team questions about the best ways to ensure their child's safety 24/7, and on a daily basis, we're asked whether embedded microchip GPS trackers are options for monitoring children. It's clear many parents are extremely concerned about the safety and whereabouts of their kids, often staying awake at night with their worries. While GPS trackers can be great tools for parents, their use also raises the moral question of how much monitoring is too much. It's important to be well-informed about the uses of GPS trackers as you choose the best way to approach your child's safety. At BrickHouse, we are here to help you when you need to know. Why Parents Choose to Use GPS tracking application for Their Kids

Ensuring their child's safe passage from home to school and other stops. Tracking safety concerns such as speeding, leaving set perimeters, stopping unexpectedly, car accidents, etc. Locating their child in the event of an abduction Opportunities to monitor a teen's driving and use the information gathered to educate them about road safety. Independence for children as they can go out without direct supervision.

A number of ethical questions are raised when considering the use of GPS trackers for kids. Many people question their use, fearing they will hinder a child's development of independence and "street smarts," so to speak. After all, if mom and dad are looking over their child's shoulder 24/7, the child may develop a false sense of safety when they are out on their own. Other fears are that the infringement on a child or teen's privacy will cause them to rebel or act out and remove the tracker, that "stranger danger" is less of a concern than many parents believe, and that the trackers that allow parents to listen in to what is happening around their child can be considered a violation of privacy.

In spite of the cases for and against tracking a child, GPS trackers are a huge market right now, with ever-increasing popularity. Some of the devices specifically designed for parental use with children boast unique features to meet a variety of needs. These products are designed to give parents all of the information they could possibly want about their child's whereabouts, health status, and more. But here the ethical question arises once again. How much of this information does a parent need, especially about a healthy child without special needs or a teenager who is learning to navigate young adulthood? For example, having to-the-minute updates about your child's vitals or their location when they are being safely monitored at school may be excessive. In fact, this level of helicopter parenting can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety for the parent as they monitor their child's every move throughout their own work day.

Open Communication About GPS Trackers for Kids

When it comes to tracking your child or teenager, covert monitoring is possible, but many parents find greater success with being open with their children about tracking. It can be beneficial to have a conversation with your child or teen to explain the purpose of the GPS tracker being employed to watch them. Some points that should be covered in your discussion with your child or teen include:

Each parent knows their own child best, and depending on the reasons for choosing to use a GPS tracker, they will have their own insight into the information they want to disclose about their reasons for tracking them. If a GPS tracker is not to be seen as a threat of privacy and independence, however, it is important to reassure your child, for their peace of mind and yours.

BrickHouse Security's Preferred Devices

At BrickHouse Security, we recognize that parents are identifying a need to track their children in order to monitor their safety and well-being. We offer a number of devices designed to remain stable and functional in a range of situations. Our GPS tracking devices are flexible enough for a variety of placement options, ensuring that your tracking needs are met.