GPS Child Tracking
By John B. Whitsell
Making Tracks GPS
www.makingtracksgps.com
jbwhitsell@makingtracksgps.com
As GPS technology matures, new and innovative uses for the system continue to be developed. GPS units are becoming smaller, as power requirements are reduced. Miniature mass storage technology has been a boon for this industry. One of the latest and controversial applications is GPS child tracking. We will discuss the technology available and the controversy over a child’s rights.
GPS child tracking technology has developed in two areas; personal cell phone gps tracking and miniature vehicle tracking. A number of companies have developed active cell phone tracking systems. More recently, they have started to market GPS child tracking cell telephones with the attendant software to either track a connected child’s route or current specific location. There are a number of mapping and software programs that will give aerial photographs of the child’s location. This is a subscription service.
GPS child tracking devices can also be implemented in a device located in a vehicle. These devices receive and store data over some predetermined period of time and are then down-loaded to a PC. Their data is evaluated and presented through software provided by the equipment vendor. They are able to provide stored routes, speeds, stops, etc. The disadvantage of these systems as GPS child tracking units is they are historic and require remote processing.
The child’s privacy issue always comes up when discussing GPS child tracking. This is especially the case with older teens. In both these equipment applications, the parent or guardian has to be sure they understand we all have the right to not have surreptitious tracking of ourselves no matter the age. This can be addressed with a discussion of the technology and your particular application with your child. This has a potential deterrent affect as well as meeting the legal requirement for notification.
In summary, GPS child tracking is an up and coming technology that certainly has application in today’s parenting environment. Children are more mobile and society more accepting of bad behavior, so any tool a parent can find to help with their task is worth looking at.
