GPS Tracking Devices for Children

• Keep your kids safe. Sri Maiava Rusden/Stockbyte/Getty Images

  Few things strike as much fear into a parent's heart as the thought of child abduction. While wearing a GPS tracker may not provide total protection against the heartbreak of a child gone missing, GPS tracking devices for children can give parents some peace of mind. Most importantly, parents who use this technology need to train children on how to use them so that they are properly employed in an emergency situation.

Wristwatches

• Some trackers are made to look like watches or are embedded inside of a working wristwatch. The advantage of a GPS wristwatch or bracelet is that the child is not likely to take it off since they are unobtrusive and look like everyday wear. Manufacturers claim that these watches are water-resistant and durable enough to survive an active child's rough handling.

Cell Phones

• If your child already uses a cell phone, GPS cell phones add an extra layer of protection. As long as there is cellular reception where the child is, his location can be read over the computer or smartphone.

Vehicle Locators

• Parents of teens driving on the road may feel better about it if they install GPS vehicle locators. These usually look like a small black box. In addition to location information, parents can get information about how fast the teenager was driving. Some models also have a feature that provides online access to reports displaying where the car has been over a period of weeks or months.

Radio Frequency Tags

• Some trackers for children do not use GPS technology at all. They are radio frequency trackers that send a signal to a handheld device. These are usually made in the form of small tags that can be sewn into clothing or placed in a backpack. Radio frequencies generally have limited range compared to GPS trackers.