GPS Tracking Gives Parents a Defense Against Child Abduction
The math translates to these odds: 1 of every 7,000 kidnapped children find themselves in the custody of mentally unstable people with ill-intentions. Does this justify putting GPS tracking devices on your child? What about mandating GPS tracking for every child in the United States?
Following are short descriptions of some GPS tracking devices currently on the market, appropriate for personal tracking applications. All work a bit differently. Potential buyers should remember that the success of a GPS tracking device in locating a child is dependent on the system’s ability to receive and transmit radio signals. Sometimes GPS tracking system signals are blocked by tall buildings in forests or indoors. GPS tracking is not possible if the GPS tracking device is turned off.
What GPS tracking technologies are available for personal tracking?
- Cell phone with GPS tracking: Many wireless companies offer a locating feature that utilizes GPS tracking and cell tower triangulation. When prompted, it will show parents where the phone is, using an address and map.
- Wristwatch with GPS tracking: Watches use typical cell phone / GPS tracking technologies to determine the approximate location of the device and an RFID element that can be activated for a direction finder. Some GPS tracking watches will send an alert if forcibly removed and some have a panic button that will initiate 911 services.
- Vehicle tracking devices: Real-time GPS vehicle tracking systems are now designed so small and lightweight, they can be used by a person by placing the unit in a backpack, purse or clipped on a waistband. It will tell a user exactly where a child is, using GPS tracking and it will send a text message when the carrier of the GPS tracking device leaves designated “safe zones.”
- Handheld GPS locators: Portable GPS tracking systems run on batteries and look like a cell phone. In an emergency the user can dial a programmed number, and an alert goes to both a database and a preset email address.
Parents and caregivers cannot prevent abductions from occurring. But the good news is that there is GPS tracking technology available to those who want to act on their concerns.
Child kidnappings are rare, but frightening nonetheless. Is equipping children with emergency GPS tracking devices worth it for the peace of mind it gives parents? Or do personal GPS tracking devices encourage overprotective “helicopter parenting”?
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Tags: Child Abduction, Child Tracking, defense, GPS Tracking, locator
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