anyone put gps tracking on their teen phone?

[dlavie]

Whether or not you enable the GPS, law enforcement can "ping" the phone when there is a need to. Thats how they found a previous kidnap/murder victim.

Trouble now is that the scum that do this evil will separate victim from phone.

I'm not ready for implanting anyone. Eventually everyone would have to have it done, Patriot Act 10. I believe it was Ben Franklin that said, "If you trade your freedom for security, you'll get neither."

 

[RunninTeach]

I don't think having GPS in the phone is a bad idea at all. (I'm with Laura - I wouldn't mind having this for myself.) You may very well trust your own child to be responsible - it's the predators out there you can't trust. Teenagers should have some amount of freedom but with limits -- for their own safety.

If a teen wanted to do something against the parents' wishes and turned off the GPS or the phone (or left it somewhere), the parents would know, and then the kid would lose the phone (or other) privileges altogether.

BTW, have you ever watched Hulk Hogan's reality show? This topic made me think of it. I saw an episode where he installed a GPS in his daughter's SUV and tracked her every move. He is, though, overly protective to an extreme -- he interrogates her prospective dates and then calls them numerous times while she's out. Ultimately, I suspect this will backfire in the end.

~Cathy http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/4.gif

"Out on the roads there is fitness and self-discovery and the persons we were destined to be." -George Sheehan

 

[maggiethecat]

I think it is good as long as you really communicate with your kids about it. I think the kids have a right to decide if they are okay with it. Always remember, kids are smart. They'll decide one way or the other. They can always just leave the phone where they are supposed to be - then say they didn't answer it because they had bad reception and it didn't ring. If they don't understand that you are doing this 100% because of their safety and not to check up on them, they will instantly look for any way to thwart and undermine it.
Just my 2cents, I just remember being a kid all too well...

 

[Fit_mommy]

When I first saw the Disney mobile phone commercials advertising GPS tracking for kids phone I thought it was a fantastic idea! I say go for it. I think it will bring you some worth while peace of mind. No, it's not full proof ofcourse but what is?

I do not agree with young kids who can not pay their own phone bills having a cell phone simply to blab or text on but to have a phone that is TRULY made to keep parent and child in touch is an excellent idea IMO.

My child is only 2 years old. When the time comes, I would definately consider this!

 

[Fach]

Lot's of great feedback. DH and I discussed options last evening. We are still undecided. Our 16 DD is a great kid who has stayed out of trouble and made good choices thus far. We are considering if this would send her the wrong message. I think she and I should have an honest heart to heart. If we understand each others motives better then maybe the decision will be easier.

I'll report back with the outcome.......

 

[MadnNatsmom]

When the time comes, I will sit my children down and tell them why I am doing this. It will not be done without their knowledge (you can't anyway - a text message is sent to the phone every time it's located. There is no "secret" way to locate a phone.)



<<<<<<Great way to ruin the relationship between you and your daughter.

She needs to know that you trust her, it hurts to find out that your own parents dont even trust you.

just an opinion from someone who just recently was a teenager.

~Michelle


If my relationship with my daughter is ruined because of GPS tracking - you can bet that our relationship was in trouble WAY before that. Respect and trust goes both ways.

Just an opinion from a mom who was also a teenager who got into a lot of trouble.

 

[Fach]

>When the time comes, I will sit my children down and tell
>them why I am doing this. It will not be done without their
>knowledge (you can't anyway - a text message is sent to the
>phone every time it's located. There is no "secret" way to
>locate a phone.)
>
>
>
><<<<<<Great way to ruin the relationship between you and your
>daughter.
>
>She needs to know that you trust her, it hurts to find out
>that your own parents dont even trust you.
>
>just an opinion from someone who just recently was a
>teenager.
>
>~Michelle
>
>
>If my relationship with my daughter is ruined because of GPS
>tracking - you can bet that our relationship was in trouble
>WAY before that. Respect and trust goes both ways.
>
>Just an opinion from a mom who was also a teenager who got
>into a lot of trouble.
I felt exactly the same way when I read this. Did I detect a tone of anger to it? Still, I appreciate all comments this one included.

 

[macska]

I'm a firm believer of "trust but verify". So have it, but use only when it is really important.