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FacebookParental tracking of kids' cell phones bugs some children
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Traci Dickerson of Huber Heights didn't hesitate when asked if she would use the tracking feature on her children's cell phones to locate them. "Definitely. I have four children. I need to know where they are at all times."
Her 12-year-old son Eli just as quickly disagreed. "I don't like it. It feels like they want to spy on us. They're invading our privacy."
Extras
The Dickersons illustrate how the newest and perhaps fastest-growing cell phone service is dividing generations. By logging into a phone company's Web site, parents can pinpoint their children and even track their movements on a computer screen — with or without their children's knowledge — as long as they have cell phones with them.
The new service piggybacks on a federal law requiring that all new cell phones signal their locations for 911 response crews. At least six companies are offering location-based services — Wherify Wireless, Guardian Angel Technology, Disney Mobile, Verizon Wireless and Sprint. Cingular and T-Mobile are expected to launch theirs next year. Only Sprint notifies the children that they are being tracked.
In a recent nationwide survey, the research and consulting firm C.J. Driscoll & Associates found that more than half of all parents had a strong interest in tracking their children ages 5 to 12, and a third of parents surveyed felt the same about their teenagers.
But is tracking a tool for parenting or policing?
"Can't we use the old-fashioned way of telling the truth?" said Dennis O'Grady, a Dayton-area communications psychologist who blogs on how to talk to teens (www.drogrady.com/blog/?p=252). "I like the advantages of technology, but first I like the advantages of positive communication and a good relationship between parents and children."
Comments
By Don
January 22, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
I am responsible for my kids until they turn 18 and move out of my house. My house, my rules, my a*s in jail if they do something stupid, so they need to deal with it…..
By Scarlett
January 21, 2007 08:27 PM | Link to this
A 12 yr old has no rights so there isn’t anything to violate…parents need to keep up with their kids.
As for the poster who posted ‘turn off the phone’..sorry guy, doesn’t matter. We have checked with our carrier and the signal can still be picked up off or on. It works just like OnStar in your vehicle.
Just imagine all of the abducted children over the years that could have been found. truly heartbreaking…
By cheryle roberts
January 21, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
if you think about the fact that we could now track the where abouts of aducted children then this makes perfect sense. How many more kids would be found that are not? As for the privcay issuse grow up, as long as we the parents take care of our teens we have every right to know where they are at all times. Perhaps there would be less kids in trouble if their parents knew where they were. Trust is good but come on , how many of us as teens did things that our parents didn’t know about.
By Joshua
January 21, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
In this day in age, the only way parents can feel safe allowing their tween to go play in a neighborhood park is to give them a cell phone. If they need help, they can call for it. It gives the parents a little assurance. It is much better than cooping the kids up indoors all day. Today’s kids are out of touch with the outdoors as it is… As far as kids just having to turn off their cell phone: Unless you have Sprint, they don’t need to know you are tracking them. Good safety tool!
By bob
January 21, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
i have a mixed opionion on this subject
By Dan
January 21, 2007 08:59 AM | Link to this
I think it is a great idea to be able to track your kids. They should have nothing to worry about if they are honest with their parents at where they say they are.
By Austin
January 21, 2007 08:57 AM | Link to this
I agree with Tim. When a child is old enough to get a part time job after school, and pay for that cell phone, along with the $40+ bill each month is when they can have one. If your a parent who feels your child deserves one before that, then yes, you should be able to track his or her movements. As for “What happened to telling the truth?” - when you were a teenager, did you tell the truth 100% of the time?
By sandy
January 21, 2007 07:11 AM | Link to this
I think it is the greatest invention since TV….Just think of the possiblities that could come about with this device. Of course, I agree that kids should be older than 10 to even have such a thing as a cell phone…..don’t ruin a good thing
By Andy
January 21, 2007 06:33 AM | Link to this
All the kid has to do is turn the cell phone off.
By tim bassett
January 21, 2007 05:45 AM | Link to this
In the first what is a 5 year old doing with a cell phone. Kids do not need cell phones.When a child turns into an adult has a job and can pay for his or her phone then that should be there own choice but not until.