As a parent, knowing where your child is can bring enormous peace of mind. As they get older, kids inevitably want their own independence, whilst you still want to keep them safe, which can be a challenge.
Traditionally, many families have relied on giving their children smartphones for communication and safety, including tracking apps. However, the rise of dedicated GPS trackers designed specifically for kids has opened up another option.
While both can be useful, there are important differences to consider when deciding which works best for your family. Let’s compare the two.
GPS Trackers: The Pros
Dedicated GPS trackers are built with safety in mind. Unlike smartphones, which are multifunctional, these devices focus purely on location tracking and easy communication.
Some of the key benefits include:
- Simple to use: GPS trackers such as the Kids Tracker are straightforward, with minimal buttons and no unnecessary apps to distract children. In fact, kids don’t need to worry about the trackers at all, simply put it in their coat or bag and you can do the rest.
- Longer battery life: Because they don’t have large screens or run multiple apps, GPS trackers can last days on a single charge.
- Distraction-free: No games, no social media, no browsing. Just location tracking and, in some cases, geofencing (if you want to set up some alerts).
- Durability: GPS trackers are generally more rugged and easier for children to carry, whether as a pocket device, or in their school bag.
- Parental control: Many trackers allow parents to set ‘safe zones’ (including ours), sending alerts if a child leaves a designated area.
Research suggests that more than half of parents (53%) worry about the amount of time their children spend on smartphones (Ofcom), making GPS trackers an attractive alternative that prioritises safety over screen time.
GPS Trackers: The Cons
We’re big advocates of GPS Trackers, that said, they aren’t 100% perfect. Depending on your needs you may find they can have a few drawbacks or limitations:
- Limited communication: Unlike smartphones, they can’t run messaging apps or make unrestricted calls.
- Single-purpose: They’re excellent for tracking but won’t replace all the other things a phone can do.
- Initial cost: Quality trackers may involve an upfront purchase plus a small subscription for data connectivity. (Our trackers are subscription free, so it pays to research before committing, as you may end up signing up to something you don’t need to!)
Whilst GPS Trackers do have more limited functionality, that’s exactly why we love them. They give you the peace of mind of knowing where your child is, without them needing a smartphone in the first place (something which not all parents want their kids to have, particularly if they’re still young).
We’re also a big fan of battery life, as tracking apps on mobile phones need location data switched on, that’s a quick way to drain the battery. Plus, once the phone dies, so does the location information.
For more information, read about the Benefits Of A Child’s GPS Tracker.
Smartphones: The Pros
Smartphones are popular for obvious reasons. They offer a wide range of communication options and give older children independence.
Advantages include:
- Multiple functions: Calls, texts, video chats, apps, and internet access all in one device.
- Familiarity: Many children already understand how to use them.
- Extra safety features: Built-in tools like “Find My Phone” can act as basic location trackers.
According to Statista, smartphone ownership among children in the UK is extremely common, with around 55% of 8-11-year-olds already having their own device.
Smartphones: The Cons
Despite their popularity, smartphones come with challenges for parents:
- Short battery life: Running apps, games, and video drains power quickly.
- Expensive to replace: Phones are more costly if lost or damaged.
- Online safety risks: Social media, messaging apps, and internet access can expose children to cyberbullying and inappropriate content (NSPCC).
- Distraction: Instead of simply being a safety tool, phones can become a constant source of entertainment.
- ‘Street Cred’: If you are going to use a location app on your child’s phone, remember there not as discreet. There’s potential for friends to notice they’re being tracked by mum or dad.
Which Is Best For Your Child?
The choice between a GPS tracker and a smartphone largely depends on your child’s age and your priorities as a parent. For younger children or those not yet ready for full online access, a GPS tracker offers peace of mind without the risks and distractions of a phone. For older children who need broader communication tools, a smartphone may be more appropriate, though it requires more active monitoring.
Remember, with older children (who may have a mobile phone), trackers can be placed in their bag (if the school run is a major worry), which offers the best of both worlds, accurate tracking, without any intrusion into their life or independence.
At Trackers365, we believe dedicated GPS trackers are the safer and more reliable option when the goal is location security first. They are cost-effective, distraction-free, and built to keep children safe; not entertained.
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