These Are the Best Devices to Keep Track of Your Kids.
I’ve lost my kids on target runs more times than I’d like to admit, so I don’t want to give them more freedom to go out into the world. Although I may lose my children from time to time, I have somehow never lost my smartphone. This disturbing fact made me wonder if I should invest in a system to track the little people I shouldn’t lose to this technology that never leaves me.
I acknowledge the security and ethical concerns associated with tracking your family members, but I think that when used properly, these devices can give anxious parents like me some peace of mind and allow kids to enjoy parentless life from time to time. Here are some of the best gadgets you can use to keep an eye on your kids.
Tracker GPS tracker
Used by UPS and Nissan, these affordable trackers , used by UPS and Nissan, come with a SIM card, allowing you to follow anything or anyone around the world, according to their Amazon page. It also has an SOS button and a feature that alerts you when anything leaves a pre-selected area. And with the ability to notify you when your car is speeding, this device is perfect for parents of new drivers.
Apple AirTags
Apple AirTags do not use GPS. They work by communicating with a network of Bluetooth-enabled Apple devices , which should work, especially if you live in a densely populated area. However, as Lifehacker associate editor Joel Cunningham explains , tiles are updated sporadically, so using them for real-time tracking can be tricky. Apple has even stated that these relatively inexpensive (but controversial) devices should only be used to track inanimate objects ( your luggage, for example ), but that still doesn’t stop parents from doing so.
Tile sticker
Using technology similar to Apple’s AirTags, Tile products have been around for years, allowing Android users to securely track their objects, pets, and children with a free app. The Sticker model is waterproof and has a battery life of three years. Just remember: they will probably have the same restrictions as AirTags, so don’t be surprised if they don’t update the location right away.
Apple Watch SE
The base model of the best-selling smartwatch is the perfect device for a teenager who is almost ready for a smartphone. You can easily track it on your iPhone, iPad and MacBook using the Find My app. It also includes safety features such as collision detection, fall detection, and emergency SOS, so if something happens to your child, you’ll know within seconds. If your model has cellular service, the user can make calls and text messages without an iPhone nearby. It’s also customizable and can play music to help your child become the tough guy on campus.
Gabba phone
If your child isn’t ready for wearables yet, the Gabb Phone is another way to keep an eye on them while giving them some freedom to connect with friends. Of course, the device looks like a smartphone, but there is no access to the Internet or social networks. You can also track them on your devices through the free app, but the service costs $24.99 per month on a two-year contract.
Jiobit smart tag
Jiobit, from the same company as Tile, is an update to its little sister that uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to track your child. You will need to use the app and subscribe to its service, which has a price range depending on the length of your contract. Like Tracki, the Jiobit has an SOS button and can alert you when the smart tag leaves the specified area, but what sets it apart from other devices is the 10-day battery life and a durable strap clip that can only be removed with a special tool.
GPS Tracker AngelSense
AngelSense markets its tracker for children and seniors with special needs and offers accessories for people with autism and sensory issues. It has many of the same features as the Jiobit smart tag but includes two-way communication and claims to use AI to learn your child’s daily routine so it will automatically alert you when a deviation occurs. The only downsides are the expensive subscription and poor battery life, but the company often offers promotions on the device to help offset some of those costs.
Smart watch TickTalk 4
Slightly more affordable than the Apple Watch SE, the TickTalk 4 smartwatch has many of the same features as its more expensive cousin, including talk, text, and an emergency SOS button. What sets this bulky wearable apart is its camera, so users can make video calls and send photos and movies via text. There’s also a listening feature that allows worried parents to hear their child’s surroundings without them knowing.
Car GPS-tracker Bouncie
Unlike Tracki, this piece of equipment connects directly to your vehicle to ensure your teen’s safe driving, track trip details, and alert you when they leave a designated area or are involved in a car accident. It also offers subscription roadside assistance.