There are various considerations when deciding whether to use a location-tracking app on your child's device.

Article shared courtesy of the UHPS Online Safety Hub.

Parenting is a delicate balancing act, especially in today's digital age. When it comes to deciding whether to use a location-tracking app on your child's device, it's not just a matter of convenience; it's a debate that often stirs mixed emotions. Some parents may worry about invading their child's privacy, while others find peace of mind knowing where their children are, especially as they start to become more independent. Here are some things to consider to help you navigate the decision.

Benefits

• Confirming your child's safe arrival at school via walking or public transport.

• Monitoring your child's whereabouts when they are home alone after school.

• Keeping track of your child's location when they are unresponsive to calls or messages.

• Ensuring your child's safe arrival at after-school or weekend activities.

• Gaining peace of mind by monitoring your child's location and phone battery during their growing social independence.

• Tracking your teen's driving habits and speed when they start driving.
   

Considerations

• Some location-tracking apps might share your child's data with third parties for profit.

• The low privacy standards of certain location-tracking apps pose a risk of data exposure for your child.

• Tracking your child’s location may create trust issues, potentially harming your relationship with them.

• Your child may feel anxious if they feel you are constantly monitoring them.

• Persistent monitoring may hinder your child from developing natural safety instincts and situational awareness.

• If your child resists location tracking, they may resort to risky tactics to evade it, jeopardising their safety.

• Secretly installing a tracking app on your child's device may breed resentment if discovered, potentially leading to them hiding things from you in the future.

Popular location tracking apps

If you decide to use a location-tracking app, here are several of the more popular options:

Qustodio

Qustodio is a comprehensive parental control tool for online safety and digital wellbeing. The location feature enables parents to locate family members on a map and see a history of where they’ve been. They can also receive arrival and departure alerts for saved locations.

Apple Family Sharing

Sharing device location is available via Apple Family Sharing. This feature allows up to six family members to share content, location, and services between their Apple devices.

Life 360

Life360 is a family app for sharing locations and staying in touch. It features private maps, arrival and departure alerts, private chat for photos and messages, and provides parents with location history, driving safety information, and device tracking.

Microsoft Family Safety

The Microsoft Family Safety app enables families to stay connected with family location sharing and tracking. Parents can also save places their child visits frequently, receive location alerts, and monitor driving habits.

Google Family Link

Google Family Link is designed for Android devices and Chromebooks. The location feature lets parents see their child's location on a map and set alerts for when their child arrives and leaves a particular place.

Using a location-tracking app

Open and honest communication with your child is vital if you decide to use a location-tracking app. Here are some tips to help:
 

1. Explain the why: Talk to your child about why you want to use a location-tracking app. Emphasise that it's about safety and not a lack of trust.

2. Set ground rules: Establish clear ground rules for using the app. Make sure your child understands how it will be used and that you respect their boundaries.

3. Involve your child: Including your child in decisions around family expectations ensures they feel heard and involved and understand the process.

Remember, location-tracking apps can be helpful tools, but it's equally important to strike a balance between ensuring your child's safety and allowing them to develop independence and situational awareness. Each family is unique, so choose what works best for your situation and maintain open communication with your child. Ultimately, it's all about nurturing trust and ensuring your child's wellbeing as they embark on their journey to independence.