You can keep track of almost anything from your smartphone or computer – from your stocks to your team's score. And now, if you're considering keeping track of your kids via your gadget of choice, you're not alone. The age of technology presents us with the controversial topic of keeping tabs on our children. You may be wondering whether it's okay to use tracking devices to ensure that your children are staying out of trouble. If this is the case, there are a few things for you to consider.
According to a study conducted by Retrevo Gadgetology, 59 percent of parents think it's alright to track their child's location without his or her knowledge. Researchers found that 64 percent of moms would opt to track their kids, while 53 percent of dads think these methods are acceptable.
In addition to physical tracking applications, some programs will allow you to read your children's text messages and emails, as well as monitor who they are calling.
Although these methods will likely keep your children safe, they might also make the young ones feel alienated.
Whether you choose to limit your children's privacy or not, it's suggested that you monitor their communications discreetly. Some level of trust should always be established within the parent-child relationship.
This is a loaded question and really needs to be applied uniquely to each individual situation. I use a GPS tracking and communication device with my 10 year old who loves the fact that he knows his Dad is watching him (from the sky) when he comes home from school, tennis or a friend’s house. He and I both love the capability to talk with each other with the simple press of a button to tell each other if we’re running late, lost or confused or just want to modify plans due to life’s many unexpected changes. It’s a great daily tool we couldn’t live without and the fact that he wants to use it as much as I do means that there is no trust issue. Now if and when that changes, well, that’s a whole new story and I’m sure we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Then I agree that using a tracking device can damage the trust you are trying to establish with your child that will be key to his growth and your relationship with them.
I dread those teenage years when you go from protecting them from strangers at years 5-15 to protecting them from themselves at 16, 17 and above when driving, drinking, and a whole litany of other scary teenage practices become the enemy you are trying to fend off. Then, tracking their whereabouts with a GPS tracker to see if they go to that friend’s house, cut school or drive over the speed limit are something you may want to know but they may not want to share with you. I wish us all luck.