AirTag for Kids?

The ability to view real-time locations of family and close friends used to require clunky, expensive gadgets. Today, parents and families can get a higher level of security and peace of mind from a tracking device that is pocket-size and easy to use.

But a GPS tracker can also come with dangers, so it’s worth doing your homework before using them with your family; especially your kids. 

One of the most popular — Apple’s AirTag — is worth reviewing thoroughly. Apple has a well-known track record for high quality tech products, but AirTags were never intended as GPS trackers for kids, and using them that way comes with some serious drawbacks.

How do AirTags Work?

Unlike GPS devices, AirTags don’t use satellite networks to triangulate location. Instead, they use Bluetooth to anonymously ping other Apple devices, triangulating the AirTags location and sending that to iCloud. Once iCloud has that data, if an AirTag is in your FindMy network, you can view its location. That means that if there are no Apple devices around, the AirTag is useless.

Can I Use Apple AirTag for my Kid?

Apple’s AirTag is a high quality, quarter-sized device that uses Bluetooth to communicate with all connected Apple devices in a user’s “Find My” network. Apple’s Find My network is a convenient way to let family members track any Apple device that has granted permission to share location data.

For example: if you have an iPhone, then purchase an AirTag and add it to your Find My network, you can open the Find My app on your iPhone and view the location of the AirTag at any time.

AirTag was created to be a part of this network but was intended to track things — keys, school bags, luggage — not to track children. Given the small size and price, some parents have used an Apple AirTag to track their child’s location throughout the day. 

It’s understandable, given that with an AirTag case you can easily loop it around a child’s shoelace or belt loop. But the existence of a small and easy-to-hide location tracker has dangerous implications for the general public and children.

AirTag Warnings

Because AirTags are so small, they can be (and unfortunately have been) hidden in purses or bags by stalkers or predators without the victim’s knowledge. Some people have been tracked for days, unbeknownst to them.

This means that even if you choose not to purchase an AirTag for your child, they are still at risk of being unknowingly tracked. 

In response to these stories, Apple now alerts its users when a Bluetooth device like Airpods or AirTags has been separated from the original owner and have been seen moving with someone else for a few days.

“AirTag Found Moving With You”

Apple users will receive a message like this if an unauthorized AirTag has been with them for a few hours.

Luckily, Apple and Google recently partnered to alert both Android and Apple users if an unauthorized device has been following them, meaning that alerts that you might be being tracked aren’t limited to Apple users. 

To make sure that Apple and Android users receive these warnings, they should toggle alerts on in Settings. These and other precautions for AirTag users can be found on Apple and Android’s websites.  

Also, Apple has no way to alert someone who doesn’t carry a phone that another AirTag has been planted on them. That means that if an unauthorized AirTag is on a child who doesn’t carry a device, there would be no way of knowing. 

Alternatives for AirTags for Kids

Parents want to let their kids play and explore like they’re meant to. They want them to have the freedom to hang out with friends and enjoy childhood. 

Apple AirTags do present the option to track kids’ location while they’re are out and about, but they don’t let parents contact them throughout the day to check in. 

The good news is better options exist that not only let you monitor your child’s location but communicate via call and text — without all the problems that come with AirTags or adult smartphones. 

AirTags vs Gabb GPS Tracking Devices

AirTags function only to track the location of whatever they’re attached to. This has its pros and cons in regards to parents tracking their child’s location. 

While it may seem convenient for Apple users, the Airtag does little to actually protect a child in a vulnerable position — it can’t make calls, it can’t send out an emergency message, and parents can’t be notified when a child ventures somewhere they’re not supposed to be.

Gabb devices, on the other hand, can be connected to a parent’s device quickly and easily through the MyGabb. 

Gabb location services let parents track their child’s location at all times. Parents can also set up Safe Zones that alert the parent when their child steps outside of them. 

Gabb devices also all come equipped with an emergency call function, and Gabb devices allow parents to stay in touch with their children via phone calls and text.  

And you don’t have to compromise safety for connection — Gabb devices like Gabb Watch and Gabb phone don’t let kids download dangerous social media apps, internet browsers, or time-wasting games. 

What has your experience been with location tracking? What do you recommend for other parents when it comes to tracking your child’s location? Let us know in the comments!