Parents Children Gps Tracking Information Technology Children's Devices

Parents always worry about their children, "wondering" (wanting to know) where they are, whom they are with, and whether they are safe. In the past, parents had to ask their children to share that information and "rely" (depend) on their answers, but today some parents are using modern technology and specifically "GPS" (global positioning system; technology that shows exactly where an object is) to "track" (follow; monitor; observe over time) their children's "whereabouts" (where someone is). They can use computers to know exactly where a "device" (electronic machine) is at any point in time. If that device is being carried by the child, then the parents will know where the child is, too.

Using GPS to track children and teenagers is "controversial" (a source of disagreement and strong emotions). Some parents hide GPS devices in their children's backpack, watch, or car without telling them. This lets them know where the child is and, for example, how quickly he or she is driving. But some people argue that this is an "invasion" (violation) of the child's right to "privacy" (the ability to have information that is not shared) and that parents should raise their children well enough so that they can be trusted.

But GPS tracking can be very helpful in cases of "abduction" (kidnapping; when a person is taken away by a criminal). Cell phones can be used as GPS tracking devices and police can use the "signals "(electronic information) sent from the phone to follow and find the kidnapped child.