Category: Safety | Internet Security

So many scams, too little time to stay ahead of them all. Cyber criminals are not nice people, but they certainly are creative; always thinking of new ways to scam you. Scammers are opportunists working in multiple areas at the same time. Their motivation is money. They will either access your personal information and sell it to others or easily steal your money outright.

You may not know about every scam that’s on the internet or offline in the real world. But there are common ways of how you can be aware of and prepared for all potential scams. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to learn about old scams and new ones that are created.

Common Scams to Be on the Look Out For

In Part 1 of our scam awareness series, we look at common scams and new scams that are ever emerging.  Through this education on scams, you’ll notice a persistent theme of how you can be prepared. Even if a brand-new scheme designed to fool you rears it’s ugly head for the first time, there are consistent things you can do to protect yourself.

Most people become victims of scans through email and texts.  The first defense against malicious messages is to follow the SLAM Method.

SLAM stands for Sender, Links, Attachments, and Message. All of these elements should be scrutinized.  

Sender: Don’t accept message requests from outside of your known circle of friends or connections.  Don’t accept friend requests from anyone you don’t know.

Links:  Do not click on any links in social media posts, profiles or messages unless you can see the full URL and be certain that the site is legitimate.

Attachments: Never download or open attachments from social media posts, profiles or messages.

Message:  Look carefully at the body of any social media message or post that you are interacting with. If it feels off, contains misspellings, off grammar or even uncharacteristic emojis, you might be looking at a phishing attempt.  Be wary of messages that push you to take some urgent action or another.

Remember the SLAM Method throughout our scam educational series.  But we’ll also be looking at scams that also happen via direct communication with scammers.  Let’s begin!

Charity Scams

Types of charity scams include:

Crowd Sourcing Scams:  Don’t take for granted that all is legit. Scrutinize the validity of the crowding funding request.

Post Tragedy Scams:  When a tragedy strikes, scammers will sometimes spoof the website or create a site that closely resembles the site of a legitimate donation site.

Firefighter, Police and Military Scams:  These scammers will often use familiar or local organizations to build trust and take people off guard.   Some will directly target military veterans and their families.

Warning Signs of Charity Scams:

1. Requests for cash, money wire, or gift card donations can be a red flag. Use a credit card instead.
2. Non-tax deductible donations are a red flag that a charity may not be legitimate.
3. Pressure Tactics: Real charities will never use a hard sell or pressure tactics to solicit a donation.
4. Fake information: Charitable donation websites almost always end with .org and domains will always start with https:// not http:// without the “s”.

Beware of fake charities based related to common world issues, such as what happened during the pandemic. Scammers prey on the emotions of people who want to help those in need of disaster relief, such as during war or refugees fleeing their country for safety or a better life.  Charity and disaster fraud often increases during the holiday season.

Cybercriminals will also call people thanking them for a previous donation, a donation which may have not been made. Veteran fraud and disaster fraud are often the premise used for fake charity scams.

Marketplace Scams

There are two categories within marketplace scams.

Non-Payment Scam:   In a non-payment scam, cybercriminals will use a phony screenshot of a completed cash transfer to trick a victim into shipping an item.

Non-Delivery Scams:  Scammers trick victims into paying for goods and services that are never delivered.  They offer prices that are almost too good to be true.

Non-delivery scams advertise popular items and services at deeply discounted prices and ask for payment using gift cards or cash payment through a payment app.

Marketplace scams come in many forms so always be cautious.  These creative types of scams also happen when individuals are selling items online.

Prevention Tips:

1. Know your marketplace:  When shopping online, do so on trusted sources with secure processing and payment policies that protect consumers.
2. Use a credit card:  Credit card companies have systems and policies in place to protect against a fraud.
3. Stay on the platform you are shopping on:  Scammers will try to bait their victims into leaving the marketplace platform for messaging and payment.

Gift Card Scams

It may seem obvious to many that that any legitimate organization would ask to be paid in gift cards.  Still, it’s a common scan that pulls people in. Scammers create a sense of fear and urgency pressure their targets into acting quickly without thinking. Asking to keep the transaction a secret is a warning sign of a gift card scam.

Cyberthieves prefer gift card payments because they offer anonymity.  Unlike other forms of payment, transactions can be anonymous and are difficult to trace or reverse, unlike bank transfers.  Gift cards are also widely available and offer immediate access to funds once the victim buys a gift card at a local store and send the scammer the number and pin to redeem the funds.

What To Do If You Are Targeted

Any gift card payment request is likely a scam and should be ignored. If you receive a phone call, email, or text message requesting a gift card as payment, immediately hang up or delete the message.

Contact the company directly using a known number or email address instead. If you have an account with the organization, log into your account to see if there are any notices, such as an overdue payment.

Display Name Scams

Display name spoofing occurs when the cybercriminal manipulates the sender’s display name or makes the display name look like an email address.  Seeing a legitimate display name deceives you into believing that it’s from a trusted email source.

If a sender looks familiar, but the message makes unusual requests, it is best to contact the person or company directly through another method of contact.

Delivery Scams

Types include:

Pet Delivery Scams: These are fake ads where payment is required upfront.

• Protect yourself asking to see the pet in person before you pay.

Fake Delivery Notifications:  Here, scammers mimic big name online shopping or shipping companies in their delivery scam messages. They claim there is a problem with the delivery of your package, or you need to confirm something has been delivered.

• Be cautious of clicking on links or downloading attachments.  Never enter personal information when requested. Verify the tracking number and status of a delivery through the companies’ official website. 

Non-Delivery Scams:  An example of a non-delivery scam in this training involves making a purchase online, but never receiving the order or confirmation details of the purchase.  Only make purchases on reputable websites.

• When you do make an order, follow up immediately if you don’t receive a confirmation of your order. Check the address on the website and phone number. 

If you are unable to make contact and your credit card was charged by a non-delivery scammer, you should call your credit card company and consider deactivating the card.

Transportation Scams

Scammers will make phone calls or send messages via text or email claiming that your flight has been delayed or cancelled. Messages will likely include links that offer a refund for the flight or an opportunity to rebook for a small fee.  Airlines will never ask for a fee to rebook. Contact your airline directly on their website or call them to enquire about the status of your flight.

Cyberthieves also set up fake websites or send messages offering deals on rental cars as well. Always verify the URL and company phone number before booking. In your unsure, going to directly to the official website is always better than clicking a link.

Learn the dangers of freight scams.  Be on the look out for gifts and rewards being offered by transportation companies. Tread carefully and do your research before jumping on a deal that may be a scam created to steal your information or your money.

Technical Support Scams

Technical support scams often involve cybercriminals pretending to work for well-known companies to fix non-existent issues. They manipulate victims to build trust and convince them to comply with their demands.

A scammer gaining remote access to your device remotely can install harmful software or access sensitive data, leading to significant privacy and financial risks.

Requests for payments to be made via gift cards or cryptocurrencies should always be treated as a scam.

Technical support scams often start with unsolicited pop-ups or phone calls warning of an issue with your device.  These tactics are designed to create urgency and trick victims into engaging with the scammer.  Malware may contain a fake phone number urging you to call to fix issues you are having with your device.

Pop-ups may happen when visiting infected websites.  Or, they can occur if your computer is infected by malware. To guard against these issues, install anti-malware software to both prevent and remove malware.

Even if you are certain that you may be dealing with a legitimate company who has called about your account, express your concern and state that you wish to call them back directly using a phone number posted on their companies official website.

Never give our personal information to anyone that calls you.  Legitimate companies will not call you and ask you for personal information.  Remember, that with much of our personal information being available on the dark web due to data breach, scammers can easily sound like they are legitimate when they state facts about your personal info.

Conclusion

Most scams come to us when we have our guard down. They prey on our emotions by using fear filled headlines or threats of potential loss of accounts or hard-earned dollars. It’s not uncommon to receive an email, phone call, or text that is related to something we have already done.

You may be expecting a package that you ordered a few days earlier. You may have booked a flight.  Maybe you happen to be needing of a product or service. That fact that relevant messages come to us are simply a coincidence. When you receive a text or email out of the blue, always ask the question; “Is this real? Or is it a scam?”

Some scams also encourage users to download malicious apps in order to receive a reward or discount. This does not prey on our fear, but entices a natural human desire for personal gain. Be cautious of all app downloads in every situation.

In one second you could infect your devices with malware to give away personal login information. However, it only takes a few seconds more to carefully review the message to verify it’s legit. When in doubt, go to Google and search for the company. Visit their website directly. Or, login to trusted websites directly at the source from a personal bookmark, not though an email link.

If an email or text message lines up with a legitimate notice about a login verification or purchase you just made, it’s still a good idea to only click the link after you’ve double checked that it’s not going you to a different site.  This can be done by hovering over the link to see the destination.

Continue to educate yourself on how to spot scams, while being mindful that exercising caution is your first best step to protecting yourself.   Be prepared by thinking twice before you click or react to any message or phone call. Take a breath and take the time to do a bit of research. I will save you a world of trouble.

Continue your education, read about Common Scams – Part 2.

Read our Glossary of Online Scams and Cyber Threats

Raising children in a digital age comes with a unique set of challenges. Just as enterprises protect sensitive data, parents must safeguard their children’s online and offline safety. Interestingly, many best practices in enterprise security can be adapted for family life, helping parents create safer environments for their children.

By viewing the home as a small-scale network and children as its most precious users, parents can apply a defensive mindset to everyday digital interactions.

Implement Strong Access Controls

In the business world, controlling who has access to sensitive data is a top priority. Enterprises use role-based access controls to ensure that only the right employees can access certain information. Similarly, parents can implement access controls at home. This might mean setting screen time limits, establishing parental controls on devices, or defining rules about which apps and websites children can use. By limiting exposure to potential risks, parents can reduce the chance of problems before they occur.

Educate About Risks

No matter how strong a company’s technical protections are, human error is often the weakest link in security. Enterprises invest heavily in training employees to recognize phishing attacks, malware, and unsafe practices. Parents can take the same approach by educating children about online safety, the importance of privacy, and the potential consequences of sharing personal information. Regular conversations about these topics help children understand why rules exist and encourage responsible behavior.

Monitor Activity Responsibly

Businesses rely on monitoring systems to detect unusual activity or security breaches early. Parents, too, can benefit from monitoring, but it’s important to strike a balance between oversight and trust. Using family-friendly monitoring tools or reviewing browser history occasionally can help parents stay informed without invading privacy. The key is to provide guidance and support rather than simply policing every action.

Prepare for Incidents

Even the most secure companies prepare for the possibility of breaches through incident response plans. Parents should adopt a similar mindset for emergencies, whether it’s dealing with cyberbullying, accidental exposure to inappropriate content, or conflicts at school. Discussing potential scenarios with children and creating clear steps for responding builds resilience and ensures that the family can act quickly and effectively if problems arise.

Use the Right Tools

Enterprises often rely on advanced security solutions to manage threats efficiently. Parents can also benefit from technology designed to protect children and simplify management. Tools that filter content, manage screen time, and provide alerts for suspicious activity can be invaluable. For families who want a comprehensive solution to digital safety, a unified cybersecurity platform can offer a streamlined approach, combining protection, monitoring, and education in one accessible system.

Review and Adapt Regularly

Cyber threats evolve constantly, and enterprises adjust their strategies accordingly. The same principle applies to parenting in a digital world. Children’s interests and online habits change over time, so rules and protective measures should be reviewed periodically. By staying informed and adapting policies as needed, parents can ensure that their safety practices remain effective and relevant.

Rounding It All Up

Applying enterprise-level security principles at home doesn’t mean treating children like employees, but it does provide a valuable framework for protecting them. By setting clear rules, educating children, monitoring responsibly, and staying adaptable, parents can create a safer, more resilient family environment. Just like a well-protected company, a family that prioritizes security fosters trust, responsibility, and peace of mind for everyone involved.

Children spend more time online than ever before. School projects, educational videos, games, and even friendships now depend on digital spaces. Yet the internet can become risky the moment a child lands on the wrong page or taps something unexpected.

Parents often focus on blocking harmful content, but forget that an unstable internet is one of the biggest triggers for unsafe clicking. A frozen screen makes kids impatient. A page that keeps reloading pushes them to open new tabs. Even safety filters stop working for a moment during connection drops.

Internet stability quietly shapes how safe a child feels online. Throughout this content, you’ll learn why stability matters and how families can create a safer digital space at home.

How Do Families Strengthen Internet Stability at Home?

A stable network is one of the strongest foundations of online safety. Here are simple steps families can take.

1.      Choose a Reliable Network for Safe Browsing

A strong connection supports every safety feature in your home. When your network is unstable, filters fail, apps freeze, and pages redirect. That is why many families prefer choosing a fiber internet provider, because it offers steady speed and dependable coverage.

Providers like Frontier offer fast uploads, low lag, and a connection that stays strong even when multiple devices are active. This stability helps safety filters stay on, prevents sudden drop-offs and keeps kids on approved platforms without unexpected jumps to unrelated or unsafe content.

Good internet acts like a quiet guardian in the background, keeping online spaces calm and predictable for children.

2.      Place the Router in a Central, Open Spot

The position of your router plays a major role in how stable your connection feels throughout the home. A router hidden behind furniture, placed near thick walls, or pushed into a corner creates weak spots and slower speeds.

A central, open spot helps the signal travel evenly, reducing sudden disconnections. When children browse or study online, consistent coverage keeps their apps running smoothly and prevents unnecessary frustration or risky clicking.

3.      Use Separate Profiles for Kids

Dedicated child profiles help create safer boundaries for young users. These profiles allow parents to set age filters, limit screen time, and restrict access to certain websites or apps. A stable network ensures these controls load properly without freezing or resetting.

When the profile works smoothly, kids stay within approved spaces and avoid random pages. A consistent browsing environment gives them freedom to explore without stepping into risky digital areas unintentionally.

These simple adjustments strengthen digital safety and help guide kids toward healthier habits every time they go online.

How Internet Stability Shapes Online Behaviour

Smooth internet doesn’t just improve performance. It changes the way children behave online. Below are a few ways:

●       Reduces Impulsive Clicking

Children click quickly when a screen freezes or a video stalls. That panic leads them to tap random buttons or open unfamiliar links. A stable connection removes those stressful moments. When pages load smoothly, kids click with intention instead of frustration. Fewer rushed taps reduce the chances of landing on unsafe websites, unwanted ads, or harmful content.

●       Keeps Educational Platforms Running Properly

Online learning tools need a steady internet connection to work correctly. When the connection drops, children often drift to unrelated apps or distracting videos while waiting. Stable platforms hold their focus and keep them inside safe, school-approved environments. This consistency helps them stay productive and reduces unintended exposure to risky or unverified online spaces.

●       Creates a Calm Digital Routine

A predictable routine helps children feel grounded online. Setting moments for homework, supervised browsing, and breaks guides them toward healthier habits. A stable internet connection supports this rhythm by preventing interruptions that push kids toward random websites or time-wasting apps. A calm routine leads to calmer decisions, which strengthens overall online safety.

Stable internet shapes a child’s digital behaviour more than most parents realise. It reduces rushed actions, keeps learning tools secure, and supports routines that encourage safer habits. When the connection stays smooth, children explore with focus instead of frustration, making the online world a more predictable and protected space.

Ways Parents Can Boost Online Safety at Home

Parents can strengthen their child’s digital safety with a few simple habits that create structure and reduce online risks. These steps support safer browsing and help children develop responsible behavior. Consider adding:

• Turning on parental controls for guided access
• Teaching basic rules for safe clicking
• Keeping devices updated for stronger security
• Creating a calm digital routine with clear screen-time boundaries

These small habits make the online space more predictable, protected, and easier for children to navigate every day.

Conclusion

Internet safety involves more than blocking harmful content. Stability plays a powerful role in shaping how children explore the digital world. A smooth connection reduces risky clicks, keeps learning tools steady and allows parental controls to work the way they should. With reliable internet, simple habits and open conversations, families can create an online space where children feel confident, focused and protected. When the connection stays steady, digital safety becomes easier for everyone.

As technology advances at a rapid pace, the threats we face online grow right alongside it. Every new tool, platform, or connected service brings convenience. Yet, it also brings new opportunities for cyber attackers.

From large corporations to small businesses, from home networks to mobile devices, no one stays completely safe if they ignore the basics of cyber defence. In this guide, you’ll find practical, actionable steps you can apply whether you run an organization, manage a home network, or simply use devices for everyday tasks.

You’ll learn how to protect core systems, how to reduce risk at your personal level, and how to develop habits and policies that keep attackers away. Let’s dive in and secure your digital world.

Understanding the Threat Landscape

The digital world is full of threats that didn’t exist just a decade ago. Hackers have moved beyond simple viruses to more complex attacks designed to steal data, money, and identities. Ransomware, for example, can lock an entire organization’s data until a payment is made. Identity-based attacks are also on the rise, where cybercriminals exploit weak login systems to gain access to valuable accounts.

What makes today’s cyberattacks especially dangerous is how automated and targeted they’ve become. Attackers now use artificial intelligence to identify vulnerabilities faster than humans can fix them. Recognizing this evolving landscape is the first step toward defense. Once you understand the types of attacks that exist, you can begin building the right protections around your digital life.

Securing Entra ID: A Priority for Organizations

For many organizations, identity management systems like Microsoft Entra ID act as the digital backbone. They control who can access sensitive company data, cloud apps, and internal systems. When Entra ID isn’t properly secured, attackers can exploit misconfigurations to move through networks, steal data, or even take control of entire environments.

This is why Entra ID protection is a top priority. One of the best ways to test and strengthen this system is through EntraGoat, an open-source simulation environment developed by Semperis. EntraGoat allows security teams to safely explore how attackers might exploit real-world vulnerabilities in Entra ID. By simulating potential attack paths, organizations can identify weak configurations, fix them before they’re exploited, and improve overall defense strategies.

The need for tools like EntraGoat has never been greater. As businesses adopt more cloud services and remote access tools, identity-based attacks continue to rise. Securing Entra ID isn’t just about preventing unauthorized logins—it’s about protecting the core of your organization’s digital identity.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere

Passwords alone can no longer keep accounts secure. Attackers use stolen credentials from data breaches, guess weak passwords, or use phishing emails to trick users into revealing them. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of security by requiring more than one verification step, such as entering a code sent to your phone or confirming your identity through an authentication app.

MFA is one of the simplest and most effective ways to block unauthorized access. Even if a hacker gets your password, they still can’t log in without the second verification factor. Both individuals and organizations should enable MFA across all important accounts, including email, cloud storage, and financial platforms. While text message verification offers some protection, using an authentication app or physical security key provides even stronger defense.

Keep Software and Systems Up to Date

Outdated software is one of the most common ways hackers gain access to systems. Developers constantly release updates to patch security flaws, but many users ignore them or delay installation. These gaps give attackers the perfect opportunity to exploit known vulnerabilities.

Keeping software updated is one of the simplest ways to stay protected. This includes your operating system, browsers, antivirus tools, and even router firmware. Enable automatic updates whenever possible so you don’t miss critical patches. Businesses should also create a regular update schedule and ensure all employees follow it. Ignoring updates might seem harmless, but in cybersecurity, even one outdated program can compromise an entire network.

Secure Devices and Endpoints

Every device connected to the internet is a potential target. Laptops, smartphones, tablets, and even smart home gadgets like cameras or thermostats can be exploited if not properly protected. Setting strong, unique passwords for each device and enabling encryption can enhance security.

Businesses should implement clear endpoint security policies, limiting who can install software or access administrative settings. At home, you can protect your devices by installing reputable security software, avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks, and keeping your home router password-protected. With more people working remotely, device security has become as important as protecting company servers.

Network Segmentation and Safe Home Network Practices

Your network is the gateway to everything online, and securing it should be one of your top priorities. In businesses, network segmentation is a key practice that limits how far attackers can move if they manage to breach a system. By dividing networks into smaller, isolated sections, companies can contain damage and prevent hackers from reaching critical assets. For example, an attacker who gains access to a guest network shouldn’t be able to reach servers that hold customer data.

At home, similar principles apply. Many people connect all their devices—phones, laptops, smart TVs, and security cameras—to the same Wi-Fi network. That’s convenient, but it also creates a single point of failure. Setting up a separate guest network for smart home devices and visitors keeps your personal data more secure.

Educate Users and Build a Security-Minded Culture

People remain the weakest link in cybersecurity, which is why education matters as much as technology. Many attacks rely on human error—clicking a malicious link, downloading a fake attachment, or sharing credentials through a convincing phishing email. Regular training helps employees and families recognize these traps before they fall for them.

Organizations should make cybersecurity awareness a continuous process, not just a yearly exercise. Teaching people how to spot suspicious behavior, use strong passwords, and verify information helps build a culture of responsibility. At home, parents can educate children about online privacy and the importance of not sharing personal details. When everyone understands their role in security, the whole system becomes stronger.

Digital safety depends on consistency, not perfection. You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to build strong defenses—you just need to stay aware, stay curious, and keep improving. Every password you strengthen, every update you install, and every training session you take part in adds another layer between you and potential attackers.

Technology will continue to evolve, and so will the tactics of those trying to exploit it. But that doesn’t mean you should live in fear. Instead, let it motivate you to stay proactive. In the end, it’s not just about protecting data—it’s about preserving trust, independence, and peace of mind in a world that’s always connected.

Technology will continue to evolve, and so will the tactics of those trying to exploit it. But that doesn’t mean you should live in fear. Instead, let it motivate you to stay proactive. In the end, it’s not just about protecting data—it’s about preserving trust, independence, and peace of mind in a world that’s always connected.

In our interconnected world, the desire to protect our children is stronger than ever. From playdates at the park to walks to school and after-school activities, parents face the challenge of ensuring their children’s safety and well-being, even when they can’t be physically present.

This is where kids trackers come in – technology designed to provide parents with a sense of security and peace of mind by allowing them to monitor their children’s whereabouts and activities.

This comprehensive guide explores the world of kids trackers, covering various types, features, and considerations for choosing the right device or app for your family. We’ll delve into the benefits, potential drawbacks, and ethical considerations of using kids trackers, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision. We’ll also review popular GPS trackers, apps, and devices, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

Why Consider a Kids Tracker? The Benefits Unveiled

The primary benefit of a kids tracker is, undoubtedly, enhanced safety. Knowing your child’s location at any given moment can be incredibly reassuring, especially in situations where they are unsupervised or traveling alone. This is particularly valuable for:

• Younger Children: Knowing where your kindergartener is during playtime at the park or ensuring they arrived safely at a friend’s house provides invaluable peace of mind.

• Older Children: As children gain independence, they may travel further distances, making it harder to keep track of their whereabouts. A tracker can help ensure they’re staying within designated areas and arriving at their destinations as expected.

• Children with Special Needs: For children with conditions like autism or ADHD, who may be prone to wandering, a tracker can be a crucial safety tool.

• Emergency Situations: In the event of an emergency, knowing your child’s location allows you to quickly respond and provide assistance.

• Lost Items: Many trackers, particularly those attached to belongings, can help you locate lost backpacks, bikes, or other valuables.

Beyond safety, kids trackers offer several other benefits:

• Increased Communication: Some trackers offer two-way communication features, allowing you to easily contact your child and vice versa. This can be particularly helpful for children who don’t yet have a smartphone.

• Boundary Setting: Geofencing capabilities allow you to set virtual boundaries and receive alerts when your child enters or leaves designated areas, such as school, home, or a friend’s house.

• Activity Monitoring: Some trackers monitor activity levels, providing insights into your child’s daily movement and exercise habits.

• Reduced Anxiety: For both parents and children, the reassurance of knowing each other’s location can significantly reduce anxiety and promote a sense of security.

Types of Kids Trackers: Finding the Right Fit for Your Family

The market offers a diverse range of kids trackers, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Understanding the different types is crucial for choosing the right one for your family’s needs.

• GPS Trackers: These devices use satellite technology to pinpoint your child’s location accurately. They are often designed as wearable devices, such as watches or pendants, or as small, discreet trackers that can be attached to clothing or backpacks.

• • Pros: High accuracy, real-time tracking, geofencing capabilities, SOS button for emergencies.

• • Cons: Can be more expensive than app-based solutions, require a data plan, battery life can vary.

• Smartwatches with GPS: These watches offer a combination of GPS tracking, communication features (calling, messaging), and activity monitoring. They are often designed with child-friendly interfaces and parental controls.

• • Pros: Combines tracking with communication, activity monitoring, and entertainment features, durable and water-resistant designs.

• • Cons: Can be more expensive than dedicated GPS trackers, require a data plan, potential for distraction with non-essential features.

• Mobile Apps with Location Sharing: These apps allow family members to share their location with each other. They typically offer features like real-time tracking, geofencing, and check-in options.

• • Pros: Cost-effective (often free or low-cost), easy to use, readily available on smartphones, can be used by the whole family.

• • Cons: Requires each family member to have a smartphone and agree to share their location, accuracy can be affected by GPS signal strength, battery drain on smartphones.

• Bluetooth Trackers: These small, lightweight devices use Bluetooth technology to track belongings within a limited range. They are ideal for finding lost keys, wallets, or backpacks.

• • Pros: Affordable, easy to attach to belongings, long battery life.

• • Cons: Limited range (typically within a few hundred feet), requires proximity to the tracked item, relies on a network of users to locate items outside of Bluetooth range.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Kids Tracker

Once you’ve decided on the type of tracker that best suits your needs, consider the following features:

• Accuracy: Accuracy is paramount. Look for trackers that offer precise location information and reliable tracking.
• Battery Life: Consider the battery life of the tracker and choose one that meets your needs. A longer battery life means less frequent charging.
• Geofencing: This feature allows you to set virtual boundaries and receive alerts when your child enters or leaves designated areas.
• Communication Features: Does the tracker offer two-way communication, SOS alerts, or check-in options?
• Durability: Choose a tracker that is durable and can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Look for water-resistant or waterproof options.
• Ease of Use: The tracker should be easy for both you and your child to use. Consider the interface and functionality of the app or device.
• Subscription Costs: Many trackers require a subscription plan for data usage and access to certain features. Compare the costs of different plans before making a decision.
• Privacy and Security: Ensure the tracker has robust security measures in place to protect your child’s privacy and location data. Research the company’s privacy policy and data encryption practices.
• Alerts and Notifications: Customize the alerts and notifications to receive the information that’s most important to you.

Popular Kids Trackers: A Comparative Overview

Here’s a brief overview of some popular kids trackers, highlighting their key features and potential drawbacks:

• Gabb Watch 3: A smartwatch designed specifically for kids, offering GPS tracking, calling, safe contact list, and no social media or internet access. Focuses on communication and safety without distractions.

• • Pros: Safe and secure, promotes communication, durable design.

• • Cons: Limited features beyond communication and tracking, subscription required.

• AngelSense GPS Tracker: A specialized tracker designed for children with autism and special needs. Offers detailed location monitoring, safe ride monitoring, and customizable alerts.

• • Pros: Comprehensive tracking features, designed for children with special needs, SOS button with two-way communication.

• • Cons: Higher cost, subscription required.

• Apple AirTag (with caveats): While not specifically designed for kids, AirTags can be attached to belongings like backpacks. They leverage Apple’s “Find My” network to provide location updates.

• • Pros: Affordable, leverages a vast network for finding lost items, long battery life.

• • Cons: Not designed for tracking children directly, relies on nearby Apple devices for location updates, potential for misuse, doesn’t offer real-time tracking or geofencing, requires an iPhone. AirTags should only be used for tracking belongings, not children without their knowledge or consent.

• Life360: A popular family safety app that offers location sharing, geofencing, crash detection, and emergency assistance features.

• • Pros: Comprehensive features, family-friendly, free version available with basic features.

• • Cons: Requires all family members to have a smartphone and agree to share their location, battery drain on smartphones, privacy concerns regarding data collection.

The Ethical Considerations of Using Kids Trackers

While kids trackers offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider the ethical implications of using them.

• Privacy: Children have a right to privacy, and it’s important to respect their boundaries. Discuss the use of a tracker with your child and explain why you believe it’s necessary.

• Trust: Over-reliance on a tracker can erode trust between parents and children. Use it as a tool to enhance safety, not to micromanage their lives.

• Independence: Allow children to develop independence and learn to navigate their surroundings without constant monitoring.

• Transparency: Be open and honest with your child about how the tracker works and what information you are collecting.

• Age Appropriateness: The appropriate age to start using a tracker will vary depending on the child’s maturity level and independence.

Best Practices for Using Kids Trackers Responsibly

• Have a conversation with your child: Explain why you want to use a tracker and how it will work. Address any concerns they may have.
• Set clear boundaries: Define the areas where you will be tracking them and the reasons for doing so.
• Respect their privacy: Avoid using the tracker to snoop on their conversations or monitor their activities unnecessarily.
• Use the tracker as a tool, not a crutch: Encourage your child to develop independence and learn to navigate their surroundings safely.
• Review your approach regularly: As your child grows and matures, re-evaluate the need for a tracker and adjust your approach accordingly.

Kids trackers can be valuable tools for enhancing children’s safety and providing parents with peace of mind. By understanding the different types of trackers available, considering the key features, and addressing the ethical considerations, you can choose a device or app that meets your family’s needs and promotes a healthy balance between safety and independence.

Remember to have open communication with your child, respect their privacy, and use the tracker responsibly. Ultimately, the goal is to empower you as a parent to make informed decisions and create a safer environment for your children to explore and grow. This technology, when used thoughtfully, can be a powerful asset in the journey of parenthood.