Megan Rumney, an executive from Severna Park, Maryland, decided to buy her older son a smartphone to track his location and social media use. Initially hesitant, she gave in to social pressure as all her friends were getting smartphones for their children. Rumney wanted her son to feel included as his friends communicated mainly through their devices. She later got her younger son an Apple Watch for similar reasons, allowing them some autonomy while being able to track their location when they are not with her.
Rumney admitted that constantly using tracking apps like Life360 became somewhat burdensome. While she values knowing where her kids are, she dislikes the family’s reliance on devices. She expressed concerns about the emotional impact of constant monitoring on her children and mentioned that she might not have opted for smartphones if given another chance.
A study revealed that about half of parents in the U.S. track their adolescents’ movements using location-tracking apps. However, experts caution that excessive tracking can strain parent-child relationships and hinder teenagers’ sense of autonomy. Adolescence is a critical period for seeking independence and privacy, which may conflict with constant monitoring.
Location apps provide parents with a false sense of security as they only know their teen’s location but not their activities. Experts emphasize the importance of teaching teenagers safety strategies and responsibility instead of solely relying on tracking apps. Giving children phones solely for tracking may expose them to online risks like cyberbullying and social media addiction.
The prevalence of psychological disorders like depression and anxiety among adolescents has increased in recent years. Parents face high levels of anxiety trying to monitor online threats faced by their children. Finding the right balance between safety and privacy is crucial, with experts recommending open communication and setting expectations around location tracking.
Pamela Wisniewski, a youth online safety researcher, advises parents to have regular conversations with their teens about tracking expectations. She highlights the importance of using tracking apps as tools for safety and communication rather than punishment. Maintaining a balance between tracking and respecting privacy is essential for healthy parent-child relationships.
Megan Rumney reflects on the impact of tracking her kids, acknowledging that it has facilitated discussions on sensitive topics that she didn’t have with her parents. While the technology allows parents to stay informed about their kids’ lives, it also raises new challenges. Rumney believes that everything is now out in the open, whether for better or worse, with the advent of tracking technology.