- \n
- Easy to use;<\/li>\n
- Compact;<\/li>\n
- Works well in a small area;<\/li>\n
- The least expensive option.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Locator beacon cons<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Short range;<\/li>\n
- No SOS button;<\/li>\n
- Ineffective in noisy environments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
GPS trackers: Key rings, pendants, clip-ons<\/h3>\n
If your child already goes out without you, then you\u2019re looking for a GPS tracker. The lightest and most compact options are key rings, pendants, and clip-on trackers. They can be worn as jewelry or attached to the child\u2019s backpack or clothing. Such devices can be hidden from view easily, and some models can be fixed in place to make removing them difficult.<\/p>\n
The functionality of miniature trackers varies from device to device. The simplest allow you to track your child\u2019s location and set safe zones (such as school or home) that they are not allowed to leave at certain times. If they do, you\u2019ll be notified immediately.<\/p>\n
Many trackers have a large and obvious SOS button (often the only button on the device). Even a toddler can press it if in danger, and you\u2019ll immediately receive a notification with location details. Some models with a built-in microphone also send a sound recording from the device so that you can evaluate the situation. You can also use the parent app to request audio from the microphone.<\/p>\n
Other devices offer unique features. For example, in addition to location, one tracker is able to determine<\/a> which relative the child is with at that particular moment. Another device\u2019s app provides, in addition to the usual map, an augmented-reality view<\/a> when you hold up the phone, showing which direction you need to go to find your son or daughter.<\/p>\n
The main disadvantage of key rings and clip-ons is that they are attached to a backpack or jacket, so if your child takes it off to go and play, you will only see the location of the tracker. Older children might intentionally try to remove the tracker to avoid being monitored, and you may have a hard time convincing them that it\u2019s for their own safety.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s more, GPS trackers are relatively expensive devices, and they require mobile Internet, so there\u2019s also a monthly subscription fee to pay.<\/p>\n
GPS tracker pros<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Easy to use;<\/li>\n
- Compact;<\/li>\n
- SOS button;<\/li>\n
- Securely attached.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
GPS tracker cons<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Can be removed together with clothing or backpack.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Smartwatches<\/h3>\n
Unlike key-ring trackers, smartwatches are worn on a child\u2019s wrist, and therefore they\u2019re unlikely to get taken off as readily as a backpack or jacket. And they generally have more features, including calls (with or without video), texting, step-counting, educational games, and the like. That makes the gadget more interesting for children, which is a huge advantage.<\/p>\n
Smartwatch trackers also have an SOS button as described above, and some models have a built-in sensor to detect if the child (or someone else) attempts to remove the smartwatch. Another significant advantage of a watch (compared with phones) is that your child will not miss your call even in noisy environments.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/media.kasperskydaily.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/92\/2020\/06\/01072107\/kids-location-tracking-smartwatch.jpg\")
<\/a>A smartwatch is one of the most common gadgets you might use to help keep track of your kid<\/p><\/div>\n
Many companies produce children\u2019s smartwatches, and the big brands do not yet dominate the segment. As such, device and app quality varies greatly. Before buying a gadget, be sure to read some reviews.<\/p>\n
Some models suffer from poor positioning accuracy, loss of cellular signal, and other bugs. And it turns out that millions of smartwatches for kids made by various brands are not even protected against cybercriminals<\/a>. Anyone can find out the child\u2019s location, movement history, and other personal information; or even hijack the parent\u2019s account and impersonate them.<\/p>\n
Remember as well that to be fit for a child\u2019s use, a device needs to be tough enough to withstand more than just hand-washing; it has to survive rough play and a child\u2019s generally active life. If a model is not sufficiently shock-resistant or waterproof, it will break in no time \u2014 and again, most such gadgets are not cheap.<\/p>\n
Smartwatch pros<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Always on your child;<\/li>\n
- SOS button.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Smartwatch cons<\/strong>:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Bugs in some models;<\/li>\n
- Relative expense.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Smartphone apps<\/h3>\n
Once your child is older and already has a smartphone, the most affordable and convenient tracking option is an app. Using an app will save your teenager from having to carry \u2014 and you from having to buy \u2014 an extra gadget. Most app stores offer simple trackers without additional features. However, for a more comprehensive solution, you might opt for a full-fledged parental control app, which kills three birds with one stone: Know where your child is, monitor their safety online, and limit device usage<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Google Play and Apple\u2019s App Store offer parental control apps that are either totally free or require an inexpensive license or subscription. Obviously, the former are better for the family budget, but their functionality is also limited. And if the developers of a free app earn their bread from advertising, bear in mind that ad modules can be very lax with your data<\/a>.<\/p>\n
- Can be removed together with clothing or backpack.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n