To track or not to track? The dilemma every modern family faces

[.style-intro]As kids gain independence, tracking them can feel reassuring. But it can also impact their sense of confidence and autonomy. It’s about finding the balance between protecting them and allowing the freedom they need to grow.[.style-intro]

A sense of security

Your child's growing up. They're ready to walk to school, meet friends at the park, or pop to the corner shop. You want to give them freedom. But also? You'd really like to know where they are. And in a world where we can track a takeaway order to the exact metre, it feels only natural to expect the same of our kids. Smartphones make it easy – real-time location, instant pings, full visibility. So why not?

This question runs even deeper than whether or not your child is ready for a smartphone. It's not just about where our kids are – it's about how we want to raise them. And the answer isn't the same for everyone.

Let's be clear: wanting to track your child doesn't make you overprotective. For many families, tracking offers a real sense of security, especially in the early days of independence.

Used thoughtfully, it can help build confidence – yours and theirs. It can ease the nerves of that first solo walk to school. It can offer reassurance that they got where they were going. It can give your child the freedom to explore, with a safety net.

And let's face it: the world feels different from when we were growing up. Roads are busier. Screens are everywhere. It's natural to want to feel connected – even when we're not physically there.

But at what cost?

But here's where it gets more complex. Tracking isn't neutral. It changes how we relate to our children – and how they relate to themselves.

Constant tracking can unintentionally erode trust. When kids feel like they're being monitored at all times, they may internalise the idea that they can't be trusted – or that the world is inherently unsafe. That can have real effects on their confidence, decision-making, and sense of autonomy.

It can also create a false sense of control for parents. Watching a dot move on a screen might feel reassuring, but it doesn't actually teach problem-solving, resilience, or communication. And over time, it can lead to new forms of anxiety: why haven't they moved? Why is their phone off? What if the battery's died?

The irony is that the very tool meant to help us feel calmer can end up fuelling more worry.

Tracking without a smartphone

If you've decided to delay a smartphone but still want some peace of mind, there are middle-ground options. The good news is, you don't need a full-fat iPhone to know your child is safe. Here are a few parent-tested options:

Karri – This modern walkie-talkie means you can chat to your child and track them via GPS, with no screens or distractions.

Xplora Smartwatch – Designed specifically for kids, these devices allow GPS tracking and limited calling, but no access to internet or social media.

Apple AirTag – Bluetooth trackers don't provide real-time tracking like GPS, and as such are not designed for tracking kids. But some families use them as a low-cost, screen-free way to stay a little more connected by popping them into a bag or pocket.

These tools give you just enough connection without opening the floodgates to a digital world your child may not be ready for.

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So, should you track your child?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer – and no judgement here. Every family, every child, every situation is different.

If tracking helps your family feel more confident, that's valid. But it's worth reflecting on how you use it – and what message it might send. Can you use it as a stepping stone, rather than a forever feature? Can you combine it with trust, conversation and growing independence?

Ultimately, the goal isn't to watch every move – it's to raise kids who can move through the world with confidence. Let's use tech to support that, not replace it.