Do you think it's okay for parents to track their children? Like GPS cell phones, car trackers, etc?

Absolutely. The kids shouldn't have anything to worry about if they aren't lying to their parents. Also, kids will be less likely to try to do anything that they aren't supposed to if they know that there parents can find out.

The world being what it is today, I think parents have no choice but to choose whatever means necessary to protect their children.

G'day Gypsy,

Thank you for your question.

If there are concerns about the child's safety then yes. However, there should also be some respect for the child's privacy and the matter should be discussed with them if appropriate.

Regards

It certainly isn't a bad thing. A good parent would want to know what their child is doing. Of course, parents shouldn't shelter their children either. The kids need to be exposed to the real world at least a little before they are thrust into it. So, it's kind of a double edged sword I guess.

I don't think this is okay at all. Relentless intrusion into your child's privacy is ultimately more damaging to them than you all can apparently ever understand. I'm extremely dismayed by all of the supportive feedback on this question. What a waste of time and money just to provide yourself the ability to jump to conclusions about your child's activities. This will undoubtedly create a massive rift between you and your child that could take decades to heal.

Personally, I find it rather intrusive, and if you're going to do that, then the child has a right to know.

I can see the benefits, but I can also see some parents taking it too far. Checking up on them is one thing, practically stalking them is another.

At a certain point, the parent is going to have to grant their child some responsibility and accept the fact that they won't be able to keep a close eye n them at all times. I mean, you have to let the child go out on their own for them to gain any sense of independence and adulthood.

It also depends on the relationship between parent and child. If you know that your child has common sense enough to avoid risky situations, then it seems rather pointless and over-bearing. If the child is rebellious or doesn't have much experience handling themselves with sense outside of the home, then I can see where tracking would be looked to as an option.

If their children have shown signs of mistrust then yes

I think it's fine. As long as you're doing it to know where the child is, then it's just some security measures. At least if something happens, then you'll have more of an idea of where to go first.
As long as this isn't used to butt in the child's privacy or spy on every single thing they're doing, it wouldn't be a problem for me.
It would be great if the kid knew about it, but yeah sometimes it just doesn't work that way.

What my dad used to do when I wasn't with him, every morning he would check in the newspaper and look at the obituaries to make sure I wasn't dead. It's pretty morbid and not exactly a means of preventing anything and he never told me this until I got older, but it was just a stupid habit and fear he had I guess, even though I used to phone him all the time.

'Track', sure, not really a problem there...

But to 'track' them, and use that information to determine what they're doing and then try to stop them or something... That's just absurdly invasive. (Unless it is OBVIOUSLY something dangerous they're doing)

For example, I'd have no problem if my parents knew where I was going, but I 'would' have a problem if they tried to 'intervene' with what I wanted to do ; )

I think its great!!! I'm sure that when I was a kid (3 years ago) I would have hated my parents for it... But its a great way to really know where your kid is...

Heck Yes!! For their safety as well as the parents peace of mind!! I think babys should be micro-chipped at birth.

Yes, I think the GPS tracking would be the best way of tracking them. It is only for their safety,and because the parents care.

No, that's creepy as fuck.
Are the parents so untrustworthy they have to track every movement of their kid?
I feel sorry for those children.

it depends to the type of relationship between children and their parents also according to the country they live in

Whatever it takes to look after MY CHILDREN, to take
care of them and keep them safe, that I would do and it
is no one else business. Those children are mine and
they are under my care and responsibility.

My youngest son is autistic. He has a device (a wrist watch) that can track him if he wanders away. It's made by Brickhouse - you've probably seen the commercial for it for durrasel batteries. When he was very little, our old church used to call him Houdinni, because he had a great knack for dissappearing on them. Now a days, he doesn't wander as much, but when we go out to places like Disneyland and the like, it's nice to have just in case.

If you're talking about teens...yes, I think it's alright to track them. My house = my rules. Sorry...that's just how it is in our home.

Yes, it will pay off when they are kidnapped.

No. Too Big Brotherish.

No I don't think that's a good idea at all. Could cause paranoia in the poor kids. :(

That is a parents job, to know what your kids are doing, and with who and where you are. You can stay home, if you dont liked being tracked.

Yes ..absolutely..it is our job to be a parent...not a friend

I think it's "OKAY" for parents to track their children. It should be part of the parent's role in parenting where they should know where their kids are, in case of emergency and whatnot. However, I think the child's age should also come into mind. The younger the child is, the less likely he/she will complain about privacy issues.

no way that is totally unfair to kids. they need thier space and privacy as well. if they are being tracked then they will feel like their privacy is being invaded and they will most likely rebel. well in the case where you kid is totally out of control i think it would be appropriate to track your kids and find out exactly where they're at. just don't tell them they're being tracked.

Yes. 3 reasons.

1) If you are under the age of 18...I am held responsible for you and your actions. Anything you do is going to have consequences for me. Not you.

2) I'm paying for it..Me parent: You child.

3) Because you live in whose house? My house.

Really, I'd only do it if my child gave me a reason not to trust him.

Yes! It is only for their protection.

If I had a child you can bet I would have them wired up so I could find them anytime anywhere :)

I would say yes because that is what a good mother does. People this days get kidnap buy a guy that the children don't know and the next day, the children end up missing. Cops go crazy finding the children but sometimes don't find them at all. Usally the children are dead. That is why parents track there love ones.

These times are not like the times we grew up in. What with all the predators out there and potential for great harm in general with all that happens in the world(think Comubine) yes, I believe its ok.

If you have good kids who have not given you reason to doubt them, then I would say to keep the lines of communication open and dont make them feel that they arent trusted when there's no reason for it. I was a good child for the very reason that my mom trusted me. I felt like I owed it to her not to do things behind her back. On the other hand, if the child has behavioral issues and has proven to you that they cannot be trusted, then by all means track their whereabouts. Just remember that knowing their location doesnt necessarily give you insight to what theyre actually DOING. Additionally, I would never condone the implanted tracking chip... never never never!!!

I think its okay. But I can see why they would have a problem with it.

Yes, and even better, make it a two-way street. There are too many parents who stop parenting when their children reach age of 13-14 or so and then it's all downhill.

I think it's good to have the ability to track your children. However, I can see where it could potentially cause a problem. If a child has exhibited trustworthy behaviors, I see no reason to track them. The child may feel as though you don't trust them even though they have previously been trustworthy. Therefore, what's the point?

I'm not saying that there isn't dangers present that weren't there even 10 years ago. But we can't live our lives in fear of what may happen.

One could also say if the child isn't doing anything wrong then they should not mind being tracked. That's true to a point. But what about the sense of independence that comes with venturing out on one's own. That's an integral part of growing up.

On the other hand, if you have a child who is constantly lying and breaking curfew, etc., then GPS tracking would be the perfect option vs. lock down.

If my child went missing it would sure ease my mind. I would go with the chip that can be inserted under the skin.

In this day and age when kids can be harmed, absolutely. Also, as someone else said, kids are probably less likely to go go anywhere bad, if they know you are spying on them. At the same time, there has to be a point. People have a right to privacy.

I think if the kid is still in school and living at home, then hell yes lol. But on the other hand, if you trust your kid enough to let them off the leash, then by all means. Once I got into high school, my mother never bothered me about where I was or anything like that (she knew I had enough common sense to not get myself into any trouble).

side note: I've seen on the net that with a certain cell phone provider, not only can you track your kid.....but you can also put virtual boundaries that they are not supposed to cross or you get an automatic alert that they are travelling into prohibited territory (just like the newer ankle bracelet systems employed by law enforcement agencies).

You bet your A** I do!!!

haha no no no no no no noooooooooooooo....kids personal lives just aint personal anymore...now parents know every little thing about them...where they are, who they are with, etc., etc....its rediculous...if you trust your kid enough let them do what they want...they shouldnt dissappoint you...now if your kid likes to get in to trouble then thats kind of another story, but i think tracking children is ridiculous.

Acutally I think it's a great idea if you ask why,I say just cause!

I would only consider this, after being lied to.

Trust has to be earned.

A parent has to be very careful in this area. making this choice to snooping can backfire in many ways.

A child can say that if i am not trusted and have to be trailed by electronic means, i might as well commit the act. this is already happening with electronic tracking devices and children.

Same applies to a suspicious wife or husband.

These devices are excellent if only used for the purpose they were invented.

Yep +5

Actually humans are an animal so to everyone who says "They aren't animals"
You are mistaken

Also if the phone is payed for by the parents it is okay, but if it stuff like cells phones and you read them then that is a little creepy
Otherwise I don't know what the problem is
I doubt the kid is the only one out of them and their friends that has a car
If they wanna sneak out or go to a party use anothers car

No I don't.

I want my children to grow up and be independent someday and guided by their own good judgment.

Not guided by a sense that I see their every move.


What happens when the virtual shackles fall off when the child is 18 and legally an adult ? Personally I
believe a period of euphoric screwing around will follow.

Sadly, this will be at just such a time as any mistakes the kid may make will get them judged as an adult with all the burdens that implies.

Yes.

1) If the child hasn't proved their trustworthiness. This way, the parent can know when they don't go where they say they are going, etc.

2) If the child is traveling or commuting. This way, the parent can help a bit with the child's safety. If they stop somewhere they wouldn't normally, or if they have a wreck, or... you get the idea.

If theyve broken trust sure. MY mother put trackers on my phone and such from 13 to 17 even though i never broke her trust. I hated how somehow someway she was watching me just waiting for me to mess up. I later just got my own prepaid phone after 17 and she never stalked me afterwards.

If the child is under 5 years old, yes. Between 5 and 17 it's iffy. After 18, it's an invasion of privacy, and the parents could be prosecuted for this. One exception would be a mental condition which would warrant the use of a tracking device.

I think it'd be okay to put it on them, but the only time I think it'd be okay to use when they're missing, and I'm talking like "Oh my god, my kid's been kidnapped and the police are useless!" missing.

When the parents were children themselves, it would have been fun doing what their children would have done or would want to do. However, with the thrust of drugs, spiking of drinks, rapes and evils of society, the parent of today feels and is primarily responsible for the childs welfare. With that responsibility in mind, and the technology available today, the parents are left without a choice. The best would be where parents and children go out together, so that a bond is developed where the children watches the parents and emulate their good behaviour and discard the bad part.

As long at you are not Hulk Hogan...


Then, it's creepy!

How old are their children? Once they hit 30 it's a little tacky, but if they're minors, it's fine. Responsible, even. (Sorry--I know that word is kind of old fashioned).

I should hope not! If so, children should be able to turn these features off, as in the world, they will eventually become independent. Why put it off and make it more difficult to make children fend for themselves?