5 High Tech Ways to Keep Track of Your Kids This Fall
September 2, 2015
One of today’s most hotly debated topics revolves around how much freedom children should be given. Some parents believe that kids should be independent from a young age while others feel that their children need to be closely monitored. The majority of us fall somewhere in between.
No matter what side you’re on, most will agree that we need to keep our little ones safe. Whether they are spending time outside with their friends or navigating their way to and from school, most moms and dads will want to keep tabs on their children even if it’s from afar. Here are some devices that can help put your mind at ease:
Toddler Tag Child Tracker
Brick House Security makes this non-GPS device that can be attached to clothing. Parents have the option of setting an alarm to sound if their child wanders more than 30 feet away which can particularly useful for younger kids. The device is also capable of pinpointing a child in a crowd up to 150 feet away.
PocketFinder
If you are looking for something that can be easily concealed, the PocketFinder is a great option. It is one of the smallest GPS tracking devices on the market and can even be attached to pets. It allows parents to have full-time tracking through the website or with a free mobile app.
MyBuddyTag
This safety device comes in a variety of styles ranging from a silicone watch to a Velcro wristband. It can be programmed to sound an alarm when a child has left a specific range, will alert parents if it has been submerged in water for more than five seconds (to prevent accidental drowning) and contains identification information should a child need to be reunited with parents. The MyBuddy Tag is not a GPS tracking system but it does use Bluetooth and is compatible with apps for both the iPhone and Androids.
FiLIP
Parents who are willing to spend a little more money for a higher end device may like the FiLIP, which requires AT&T wireless service and a monthly plan (can be part of a mobile share or standalone plan). Up to five contacts can be programmed into the watch-like gadget that allows parents to send short text messages, set SafeZones, and be alerted when their child enters or leaves a designated area. In case of emergency, it also features an automatic location beacon and ambient sound recording and will call each of the five contacts until someone answers.
SafetyTat
If you are looking for something low-tech but practical, consider the SafetyTat. The temporary tattoo allows parents to write their phone numbers for transfer onto their child’s skin so that they can be reached should they become separated from their child. You may also choose a SafetyTat that contains allergy and medical information.
While these devices can certainly be used to facilitate helicopter parenting, they can also be useful to those parents who wish to give their children more freedom while depending on technology as a safety net. Have you tried any of these products or similar devices?
