The Ethics of Tracking Your Kids with a GPS Watch

Being a parent is one of the most difficult and rewarding things to do. From ensuring your child grows up to have the tools they need to navigate the world to ensure their safety and security, it is a job that never ends. 

The Ethics of Tracking Your Kids with a GPS Watch
[image: pexels by julia m cameron]

According to Superwatches.com, Many parents invest in kid GPS tracking devices to help them keep an eye on where their children are, and if they are sticking to the plans, they agreed. However, there is a moral dilemma with the usage of these devices and whether or not parents are breaching their child's right to privacy. We look at the arguments for and against to help you work out what is best. 

Why Should Parents Not Track Their Children

There are a number of reasons why tracking your children with GPS devices may not be the best decision, including:

• Breaking the trust between parents and children - If your child is old enough to go out on their own and has been trusted to do so, then tracking them can damage the work you've both put into creating a strong bond. If a child feels untrusted, then tracking can become counterproductive.

• The threat of data breaches – it’s important to remember that tracking your child via a third-party device leaves you and them at risk of having your data breached and opens them up to someone else being able to access personal information and tracking details without you knowing.

• Your information can be sold – there are no tech companies in the world that make devices purely to support secure tracking for parents. All companies make money from selling your data to other companies, and this includes your tracking information. 

Why Tracking Your Children Makes Sense

However, there are always some exceptions to the rule when tracking your child is more prudent than not. These include:

• If your child is unwell – there are many pressures on young people, and if your child is struggling with their mental or physical health, then being able to access their location can help you to take care of them. However, it is vital that they understand you will be doing this rather than making the decision without their input.

• If your child is displaying risk-taking behaviors – when your child has broken your trust, one way of ensuring that they are doing what they say is to be able to track them for a short while until the trust is regained. However, this should be done in agreement with your child rather than behind their back, as this can further damage your relationship.

• When your child asks you to – if your child proactively asks you to track them on occasion and you are happy to do so, then tracking them should not be an issue at all. However, be careful that your child is not asking you to do this as a way to resolve issues that they may be having.

The Verdict: To Track or Not To Track?

Whether you choose to track your child or not is a decision that should be taken on merit in each different circumstance. Whether it is for a single occasion or an ongoing tracking, you should always communicate with your child to explain your reasoning and get their perspective, as it is this open communication that will help you to keep your child safe and retain a healthy and trust-filled relationship.