Updated on: 21-12-2024
Kids are curious by nature and often want to explore the world around them without restrictions. As a parent, it can be difficult to balance giving your child the freedom they crave while also ensuring their safety. In a day and age where children can disappear in the blink of an eye, it's more important than ever to have some way of tracking them.
A GPS tracker for kids can help ease your mind, as you'll be able to see your child's exact location at all times. and they come with a variety of features. Some trackers work indoors and outdoors, while others only work outdoors; some include two-way communication while others do not; and still others offer location updates at specific intervals (e.g., every five minutes, every 30 seconds).
In this blog post, we'll discuss the basics of GPS trackers for kids, including what to look for when purchasing one and how they work.
What is a GPS Tracker?
A GPS tracker is a device that uses the Global Positioning System to track the location of a vehicle, person, or object. GPS trackers are becoming increasingly popular for personal use, as well as for business purposes. There are a variety of different types of GPS trackers available on the market, ranging from small and discreet devices that can be hidden in a vehicle, to large and bulky trackers that are designed for tracking commercial vehicles or large pieces of equipment (you can use kids watches with phone or you can use a location tracker apps like uTrackeMe Gps tracker app).
They are most often sold too small, palm-sized device which may be readily attached or worn with a certain item of clothing or portion of the human body.
Many tracking devices come with a stable locking attachment feature, meaning that they may be attached with a tote, tshirt, or pants, being able to be eliminated.
Probably one of the best GPS tracking device is sold from the shape of a wristwatch. All these lovely, fashionable GPS smart-watches are readily suited into the wrist of a child and should be used along with smartphone apps to locate your kid's location.
Have a look at our selected GPS trackers and smartwatches to allow children to find all different fashions of tracking devices you use for your child's safety
How Do GPS location devices Work?
GPS tracking devices can be used to pinpoint an individual's location from any place on earth. GPS stands for "Global Positioning System", also related to a selection of satellites around the world.
Wearable GPS tracking devices work with smartphone or online software or a location tracking app (there are a lot of free mobile tracking apps on the internet that you can use) which allows you to accurately find the position of this tracker device.
Most GPS devices, including GPS watches, have several different purposes that you can use to make sure your kids are safe and secure. those features include:
Using one is not simple. Attach these devices to your kid's clothing, wrist, or back pack, and join into the related iOS or Android application that'll show you their location and let you contact them.
Pros vs Cons Of GPS Trackers For Kids:
There are pros and cons to using GPS trackers for kids.
Some of the pros are that you can always know where your child is, you can set boundaries and receive notifications if they go outside of those boundaries, and you can find them if they get lost.
In addition some device trackers give you the ability to hear what's happening in your kid's surroundings.
Some of the cons are:
Some Have Short Battery Life which means you need to always ensure the device is fully charged before use.
Potential Cybersecurity Issues
Some lack the messaging and call functionalities.
They can be expensive, they can sometimes provide too much information leading to helicopter parenting, and they can be a target for thieves. Ultimately, the decision to use a GPS tracker for a child is a personal one that should be made after weighing all the pros and cons.
Examples Of Why They Work
GPS tracking devices can be used in a wide variety of different scenarios to ensure that your child is safe and secure.
Walking To School
‘One popular reason to use a GPS tracker device is when your kids walk to and from their school themselves. Using the functionalities of the tracking device, you’ll be able to monitor where your child is, and on their journey to and from school.
You’ll also be able to receive customized alerts when your child eventually arrives at school as well as when they leave. If your child goes off route, you’ll also be notified, which will enable you to discuss journey of your kid.
When Travelling
Another situation where GPS tracking device works is when you are travelling to your favorite destinations along with your kids. When traveling or if you are on vacation.
It is often for a young kid to have lost in a crowd, even when you should be always ensuring they're by your side. In this case you will find your kid's location easily using GPS tracking devices. If your kid ever goes missing, the GPS tracker will help you with the following:
There are different scenarios where GPS tracking devices might be used.
FAQs About GPS Trackers to track location
What is the best GPS tracking device for kids?
This depends upon many factors. First, you need to know where and when you're going to use the gadget. If you need to get in touch with your child, you are going to want to guarantee the GPS tracking device is built with call and messaging features, such as some GPS smart-watches.
If you merely want to keep tabs on your kid's whereabouts without needing to get to them, then the conventional attachable device will probably be a good idea.
What best app for tracking location that you can use to connect with your GPS device?
Many GPS devices come with a corresponding tracking app for connecting the GPS tracker device to a smartphone. An example uTrackMe Phone Gps tracker app is free and easy to use, to track your kid's location, install geofences.
Should I buy a SIM card?
This entirely depends upon the manufacturer of these devices. Nearly all GPS tracking devices for kids come with built-in simcards, so that you do not have to be concerned about installing and purchasing one. But, you might desire the freedom to pick your own simcard, and lots of companies offer devices with the liberty of installing your personal simcard.
How costly are GPS tracking devices?
Normally, a fantastic excellent GPS tracking device will costs you nearly $50-$100. Prices vary based upon the brand and also the quality of the device. But your kid's safety is priceless, therefore GPS trackers are worth the purchase.
How old does my child need to be to put on a GPS smart-watch?
Nearly all GPS smart-watches that found on the market are acceptable for most ages. Most manufacturers provide watches which fit children and teenagers.
What’s the ideal battery life for a GPS device?
If it concerns your device battery lifetime, it is ideal to select one that will endure for atleast 2-4 hours. This time period ensures your little one should have the ability to enjoy the complete evening of using their opinion with no exercising.
Some devices can last upto five days without having to be recharged, but it's worth noting that the unit frequently do not come with displays or call and messaging plugins.
Do I have to pay for a monthly fee to use a GPS tracking device?
Sometimes, you might well be asked to pay for another monthly network fee to make use of your GPS tracker. While many GPS devices manufacturers assemble their devices with incorporated SIM cards, so you are going to need to pay for a fee of approximately $10-$15 a month to use them.
Instead, if your device does not come with an integrated SIM card, you may pick your plan from a thirdparty provider.
How precise are GPS tracking devices?
GPS tracking devices work with a large number of satellites that accurately pinpoint any device with approximately 10 to 20 meters.
Once you’ve decided on the type of GPS tracker you want, the next step is to decide which features are important to you. Do you need a tracker that can track your child’s location in real-time? Or would activities tracking and SOS alerts be enough? Depending on your needs, different trackers may be better or worse suited for you.
Finally, price is always an important factor to consider. Luckily, there are a wide range of prices when it comes to GPS trackers for kids, so you should be able to find one that fits your budget.