For many parents, giving a child a smartphone feels like the only way to keep tabs on their whereabouts. But let’s be honest, handing over a phone to a 7, 8 or even 10-year-old comes with risks that go well beyond losing or breaking it.
The internet, social media, online games, and constant distractions often outweigh the benefits. So, what if you could have the peace of mind of knowing where your child is, without opening the Pandora’s box of smartphone ownership? The good news is, you can.
Why Parents Want an Alternative to Phones
According to Ofcom’s 2023 report, more than half of parents (53%) say they’re concerned about the time their children spend online, with worries around exposure to strangers and inappropriate content topping the list. Smartphones might provide location tracking through apps, but they also open the door to risks like cyberbullying and excessive screen time. That’s why many parents are looking for safer, simpler solutions.
Dedicated GPS Trackers: Built For The Job
GPS trackers are purpose-built to do one thing well: keep your child safe by letting you know where they are in real time.
Unlike phones, they aren’t crammed with games, social media, or app stores. They’re small, lightweight devices that can be used discreetly, without opening your child up to a new world of technology.
Some of the biggest advantages include:
- Real-time tracking: Know exactly where your child is at any given moment.
- Safe zones: Many devices allow you to set up ‘geofences’. If your child leaves school early or wanders away from an agreed area, you’ll get an instant alert.
- Battery life: With fewer functions than a smartphone, trackers often last far longer between charges.
- No intrusion: An often overlooked advantage of gps trackers is that they don’t intrude on your kid’s life. Use them in coats and bags and friends don’t ever need to know.
If you want to see an example of how these work in practice, our Kids GPS Tracker shows how simple, compact and reliable these devices can be.
Other Low-Tech Options (And Their Drawbacks)
There are, of course, non-digital methods parents have used for decades from arranging strict check-in times to asking neighbours to keep an eye out. While these can still play a role, they don’t offer the same reassurance as being able to check a live location on your phone.
Some parents turn to fitness trackers or smartwatches marketed for children. These can offer location tracking too, but many still come bundled with games or messaging features that bring back some of the same concerns as smartphones.
Air Tags and apps are also increasingly popular, but they have drawbacks too. Firstly, Air Tags have a very limited range, which means they’re only good if you’re in close proximity, secondly, apps rely on smartphones too! Your child would need a phone with location tracking for them to work, something which defeats the purpose, plus, drains battery life in no time.
If you’d like to compare other options against GPS Trackers, take a look at our other guides; What Is The Difference Between An Air Tag And A GPS Tracker and Child GPS Trackers Vs Smartphones: Pros & Cons.
Privacy Considerations
One of the benefits of GPS trackers is that they’re designed with parental oversight in mind rather than personal data collection for marketing purposes. However, if you’re still apprehensive it’s still worth checking what information the device stores and how it’s handled, any good provider should have clear guidelines on their website (here’s our privacy policy and fair usage policies). The ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) provides helpful guidance on children’s digital privacy, which is worth reviewing before buying any device.
So, How Do You Track Without a Phone?
The answer is simple: choose a tool that’s designed specifically for safety. By using a GPS tracker, you cut out unnecessary distractions, reduce online risks, and still give your child the independence they need to walk to school, play at the park, or go on a trip with friends, while you retain peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Phones might seem like the obvious choice, but they’re not the only option. For younger children especially, GPS trackers strike a much better balance: freedom for them, reassurance for you. They’re less expensive, less distracting, and far safer when your main goal is just knowing your child is where they’re supposed to be.
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