What parents need to know about tracking their kids with GPS

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — If you track your children’s location using tech, you’re not alone. A 2024 survey by Pew Research Center found that one in four parents monitor their kids’ whereabouts using GPS.

But is that private data safe? Consumer Reports evaluated 15 popular kid-tracking devices, and here’s what they found.

Overall, Apple’s AirTags and Apple Watches, eufy’s SmartTrack Link, and Garmin’s Bounce performed well when it came to privacy and data security.

If you’re considering a device for your kid, Consumer Reports recommends choosing one that uses multi-factor-authentication so that not just anyone can log in to the device.

Parents should also take the time to read the documentation that comes with the device, including privacy disclosures, and go through the settings menu when first using it to make sure you’re comfortable with what’s being tracked.

Finally, Consumer Reports says you should talk to your kids and let them know what information is being shared with you, the parent, to establish trust and emphasize safety.

Access the Consumer Reports analysis here.

Take a look at more stories and videos by 7 On Your Side.

7OYS’s consumer hotline is a free consumer mediation service for those in the San Francisco Bay Area. We assist individuals with consumer-related issues; we cannot assist on cases between businesses, or cases involving family law, criminal matters, landlord/tenant disputes, labor issues, or medical issues. Please review our FAQ here. As a part of our process in assisting you, it is necessary that we contact the company / agency you are writing about. If you do not wish us to contact them, please let us know right away, as it will affect our ability to work on your case. Due to the high volume of emails we receive, please allow 7 to 10 business days for a response.