Parents are talking about using technology to keep tabs on their kids.
The technological advances that are available to you can make you do crazy things, like using a GPS to track your kids when they’re away at school or on a field trip.
The idea may sound pretty awesome at first, because you may think you won’t have to constantly worry about your kids’ safety while they’re away from the home…but think again.
Tracking your kids by GPS means you’d have to know exactly what they are doing, where, and at which times during the day…all that. Let’s say it’s 2:30 p.m. and your kids are supposed to be on their way home from school. What if they have to stay behind to finish up a project of theirs? What if their teachers have just a couple more things to say? Well, you begin to freak out because that little dot on the GPS isn’t making its way down the street.
Dropping your kids off at school and picking them up later in the day, without the certainty of where they are…since when did that get so bad?
If you want to lighten your wallet and spend hundreds for a GPS unit and the service subscription, go ahead, but try to keep it away from your kids’ backpacks.
Do you agree? Or, would this be considered helicopter parenting? Would you track your kids this way?
Would You Track Your Kid By GPS? [Wired]
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I think it’s a great idea for younger children (perhaps up to 5 or 6). When you go to the shops or are in crowded areas I think it could be a good solution. Children have a habit of disappearing, so perhaps this might make things easier. I don’t buy it for older children though. You’ve got to give them a little freedom!
@21st Century Mummy: I agree with you that tracking the older kids by GPS wouldn’t be such a good idea – they need to learn to be independent! But I MAY be tempted to get a GPS for my son/daughter if they’re younger (around 5-6 as you said), although I’m afraid I may be labeled as a helicopter parent…
You mention the part about crowded areas and children getting lost – have you read Just Parenting Advice’s article on teaching kids to talk to strangers in case they get lost?
Here is the link:
http://justparentingadvice.com/why-you-should-teach-your-kids-to-talk-to-strangers/