Keeping children safe without hovering over them every second is a tricky balance. School runs get longer, after-school clubs finish later, and independence starts earlier than many parents expect. It’s no surprise that GPS trackers designed for children have become more common across the UK. Still, a big question remains. Are kids GPS trackers actually safe to use, and are they even legal?
The short answer is yes, but with a few important considerations. Here’s what parents need to know before making a decision.
Are Kids GPS Trackers Legal in the UK?
GPS trackers for children are legal in the UK, provided they are used responsibly and in line with data protection laws. The key legislation here is the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), which governs how personal data, including location data, is collected and used.
The Information Commissioner’s Office explains that parents are allowed to process their child’s personal data, including location information, when it is done for safeguarding and welfare purposes. The ICO’s guidance on children’s data makes it clear that consent is not required from a child when a parent is acting in their best interests.
That said, legality hinges on intent and transparency. Trackers should be used for safety, not covert surveillance, and older children should understand why a tracker is being used. This approach aligns with advice from the NSPCC, which encourages open conversations about online and digital safety rather than secrecy.
Here’s a quick overview of the areas you should consider. As you can see, GPS Tracking is legal and safe:
| Area | What Parents Need to Know | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Legality in the UK | GPS trackers for children are legal when used by parents for safeguarding | Complies with UK GDPR when used in a child’s best interests |
| Data protection | Location data counts as personal data and must be handled responsibly | Prevents misuse, over-collection, or unnecessary data storage |
| Parental consent | Parents do not need consent from their child to track for safety reasons | Recognised by ICO guidance for welfare and protection purposes |
| Transparency | Children, especially older ones, should understand why tracking is used | Supports trust and aligns with NSPCC digital safety guidance |
| Device security | Reputable trackers use encrypted data and private access controls | Reduces risk of location data being intercepted or misused |
| Data retention | Good trackers limit how long location history is stored | Minimises long-term privacy risk if data is compromised |
| Feature design | Most kids GPS trackers avoid social media or open messaging | Lowers exposure to online risks compared with smartphones |
| Best-use scenarios | Independent walks, school travel, busy outings or shared custody | Ensures tracking is purposeful rather than constant surveillance |
| Privacy balance | Tracking can be temporary or situational rather than continuous | Helps maintain a healthy balance between safety and independence |
What Makes a GPS Tracker Safe for Children?
Safety is not just about legality. It also comes down to how the device works and how the data is handled.
A well-designed kids GPS tracker should offer:
- Secure data encryption to protect location information
- Private access controls so only approved users can see tracking data
- Clear data retention policies, meaning location history is not stored indefinitely
- No access to social platforms or open messaging features
Cybersecurity matters here. The National Cyber Security Centre highlights that connected devices aimed at families should minimise data collection and avoid unnecessary features that increase risk. Purpose-built GPS trackers often meet these expectations better than multi-function smart devices.
GPS Trackers vs Smartphones for Child Safety
Many parents assume a smartphone does the same job, but there are key differences. Smartphones are powerful, but they also expose children to the internet, apps, messaging services and social media; research on children and media use shows that younger users often encounter online risks earlier than parents expect.
Many parents are also now pursuing the ‘no to phones’ movement, which focusses on letting kids be kids, without smartphones, for as long as possible. (If this is something you’re interested in, take a look at one of our most popular blog posts; How To Track Your Child Without Giving Them A Smartphone).
GPS trackers, by contrast, are typically designed for one job. Location tracking. Some include geofence alerts (like ours), but they do not offer unrestricted internet access. For younger children especially, this simplicity reduces digital risk while still offering reassurance.
While smartphones can technically provide location tracking, they come bundled with internet access, apps and digital risks that many parents would rather delay. Purpose-built GPS trackers take a more focused approach, offering location awareness and safety alerts without the added complexity of social media, messaging or unrestricted online access.
The comparison below highlights the key differences to help parents decide which option best suits their child’s age, independence level and safety needs.
| Feature | Kids GPS Tracker | Smartphone |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Location tracking and safety alerts | Communication, apps, internet and tracking |
| Internet access | No open internet access | Full internet and app access |
| Exposure to online risks | Very low | Higher (social media, messaging, browsing) |
| Ease of use for children | Simple, one-purpose design | More complex and distracting |
| Parental control | Access limited to approved caregivers | Requires ongoing app and screen-time management |
| Location accuracy | Designed specifically for real-time GPS tracking | Variable depending on settings, apps and battery |
| Battery life | Typically multiple days | Often daily charging required |
| Geofence alerts | Common feature | Available but requires third-party apps |
| Risk of misuse | Low (limited functionality) | Higher (apps, messaging, content access) |
| Suitability for younger children | Well suited | Often not recommended |
| Ongoing costs | Low monthly subscription | Higher contract or PAYG costs |
Privacy Concerns and How to Handle Them
Privacy is often the biggest worry parents raise. Tracking a child’s movements can feel intrusive if handled poorly. The solution lies in age-appropriate communication.
Experts at Internet Matters recommend explaining:
- What the tracker does
- When it will be used
- Who can see the location
- When tracking might be turned off
For teenagers, this conversation becomes even more important. Using a tracker temporarily, such as for the walk to school or during trips, often feels more reasonable than constant monitoring.
When GPS Trackers Make the Most Sense
Kids GPS trackers tend to be most useful in specific situations rather than as a blanket solution.
They are often chosen by parents of children who:
- Walk to school or clubs independently
- Have additional needs or vulnerabilities
- Attend busy events, trips or holiday activities
- Spend time between multiple households
Are There Any Legal Grey Areas?
As a rule, if the tracker is used openly, by a parent or guardian, and for safety reasons, it sits comfortably within UK law.
Final Thoughts
Kids GPS trackers are both legal and safe in the UK when used properly. They work best as a reassurance tool rather than a form of control, helping children explore independence while giving parents peace of mind.
Used transparently, paired with honest conversations, and chosen from reputable providers that prioritise data security, GPS trackers can be a sensible middle ground between constant supervision and complete freedom.
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