How Kids GPS Trackers Make Parenting Easier

You’re on a family outing enjoying the sunshine when you do a headcount and something, or someone rather is missing and the panic sets in. 

Kids tend to wander, whether it’s in the grocery store, public park, or even your own home. Instead of keeping your head on a swivel, give your kids more room to roam safely with technology like GPS trackers to make parenting easier. 

Arriving safely before and after school 

If you don’t drive your kids to school, adding a GPS tracker to their backpack or clothes can give you a little extra confidence that they got there safely. 

Many GPS trackers allow you to set digital boundaries around safe areas like their school or your neighborhood. So when your child enters or exits the area, you’ll get a notification and can contact them directly. This way you know your child arrived safely at school and stayed there all day. 

And the day doesn’t end when the bell rings. After school activities and playdates may have your kids changing locations frequently. And for co-parents or adults who share caregiving responsibilities, a GPS tracker can show you where your kids go after they’re picked up from school. 

Wandering and special needs

Kids with special needs like autism require their parents and teachers to be extra vigilant. Wandering can lead them to dangerous areas or far away from their classmates. Specially designed GPS trackers like AngelSense attach comfortably to kids’ clothing or bags and come with special features to keep caregivers updated on their location.

Staying together on vacations and outings

Family adventures should be fun for parents and kids. A GPS tracker can let you turn your kids loose and still keep an eye on them. GPS trackers like Relay double as a screenless phone or walkie-talkie function that allows you to talk to your kids and check-in. 

Common GPS tracker features

Kids’ GPS trackers come in many shapes and sizes. From cleverly designed wristbands to candy bar sized trackers that slip into backpacks. Most connect to your phone through an app that allows you to set digital boundaries, contact your child, and of course, pinpoint their location.

These are a few common features you may find in GPS trackers. 

Location tracking

This one may seem obvious, but accuracy can vary from device to device. Look for a GPS tracker that updates its location frequently (think every 15 minutes) depending on your needs. You can find some that update more often, but you might have to sacrifice battery life. 

Geofences

Geofences are digital borders that you can set up through the GPS tracker app. They can be as small as a building or as large as the state. 

When your child exits or enters an area, you’ll get an alert on your phone. Schools, friend’s homes, parks, and other trusted places are great spots to set up geofences. 

Two-way talk

Some GPS trackers act like walkie-talkies and let you communicate with your child directly through the device and your phone. You can find this feature in kids’ smartwatches or screenless options like the Relay. 

Games and activity tracking 

Usually found on kids’ smartwatches, games, and step counters are great motivators to help your kids stay active and entertained. They’re also good motivators for keeping the tracker near (or on) your child at all times. 

Portability 

Whether on a wristband or single unit, most GPS trackers are tiny enough to fit into pockets, clip onto belt loops, or slip into school bags. 

Bluetooth or cellular connection

Kids’ GPS trackers usually use Bluetooth or cellular connection to stay in touch. The right one for your family depends on the situation.

Bluetooth trackers are best used while you’re with your child like at the park playground. They alert you when your child wanders too far and the connection weakens. 

Cellular trackers are better sent with your child to school and use a cellular signal and GPS to keep track of your kiddos.

Independence and safety don’t have to clash

Thanks to technology, the eternal parenting struggle of independence and safety doesn’t have to continue. A GPS tracker for your child allows them to explore their world while allowing you to know they’re safe. 

Learn more about the best GPS trackers for kids and explore more options with the best smartwatches for kids.