Do you want to use technologies to know where your child is, but you don’t know how to go about it? We check what works better: a smartphone, Bluetooth locator, or maybe a watch with LTE? See a practical comparison of children’s location methods.
How to locate a child?
Child safety is a topic that returns like a boomerang – especially when the toddler disappears from sight. Fortunately, technology today gives several tools that can calm the parent’s nerves, but also … mix a bit. Because how to choose the best way to locate a child? Is an ordinary smartphone enough or is it worth investing in Apple Watch with LTE? Or maybe the best idea is Airtag or some other locator? In this article, we spread the topic into prime factors.
Location smartphone – the simplest, but is it the best?
Let’s start with the most obvious solution – a smartphone. If a child uses an Android device, you can install Google Family Link. The application will work in the Apple ecosystem “Find” (Find My). Tracking works in real time, you can set location notifications, and see the history of routes.
However, it all depends on the battery and internet access. If the smartphone discharges, we will not check the location. The child can also turn off cellular data or GPS, or simply … leave the phone somewhere. In theory it is the simplest solution, but in practice it is different, especially if we are dealing with a forgetful (or clever) student.
Airtag – a gadget with potential, but with restrictions
Apple Airtag He gained popularity as a locker for keys, suitcases and bicycles. It is not surprising that some parents operating in the Apple ecosystem began to pin it to the child’s backpack. In the city it can work – Airtag uses other iPhones networks, so the chance to locate in crowded places is large. It works quietly, discreet, the battery is enough for a year. Apart from the densely populated Airtag, it may not work so well. If the child is on a trip in the forest or plays in the yard in a small town, then the range may break off.
Bluetooth bands and mini locators – for a short leash
For simple applications – type of control on a playground or when shopping – you can also use Bluetooth locators that are not associated with the Apple ecosystem – Samsung galaxy smarttag2, Tile mate or Chipolo One.
Some (e.g. Galaxy Smarttag2) support offline mode that can help you find a child in a crowd, provided that there are other Samsung smartphones around. Pros? Small sizes, long battery life (even a year), ease of attaching to the backpack.
Smartwatch with SIM card
A watch with an ESIM card (e.g. Apple Watch in the cellular variant) works even without a phone – it allows you to call, send a sauce and track the location in real time. This is one of the most accurate and reliable solutions. Cons? Cost – both the watch itself and the subscription to ESIM. You also need to remember about charging, because the battery in the watch is enough for a few days.
Children’s smartwatches with GPS – cheaper, but not necessarily better
On the market you will find a whole range of children’s smartwatches with a locator – the cheapest models (e.g. Garett Kids Sun 4G, Forever call me 2) cost PLN 100-400. They have their own SIM card slot, and in a special application you can check where the child is currently. Sometimes they also have the function of voice connections, the SOS or Geofencing button. Unfortunately, the quality of locating in cheaper devices is often very inaccurate, and the applications are quite coarse. In addition, there are doubts about data security.
GSM locators without display – discreet and effective
If you want something really minimalist, it’s worth looking at such devices as Notione GPS Whether Mini GPS TKSTAR TKSTAR. These are small locators operating on the SIM card – without a screen, without distractions. You can throw them into the backpack, sew in clothes or put it in a pencil case. Most of them have a SOS button and send a location to the application on the phone. Some even have a wiretapping function. This is a good solution if you want to keep an eye on a younger child, but do not give him equipment with internet access.
What to choose? It depends where and how you move
There is no one perfect method of locating a child – it all depends on your family’s lifestyle. If a child moves around the city, it works best Apple Watch with ESIM or a solid GPS smartwatch from a reputable brand, e.g. for younger ones – GSM locator type Notione GPS Or a cheaper smartwatch with a SIM card.
For exits in the crowd – e.g. concerts, festivities – a good choice will be Airtag or Smarttagthat will help quickly track the child within Bluetooth. And the smartphone? Still the most convenient solution – unless the child unloads it every three hours or does not turn off the location “by accident”.
The truth is that it’s best to have two tools – and an emergency plan. And besides … just talk to the child. Because even the best technology will not replace trust and a healthy relationship …;)
