As parents, we all want assurance our kids are safe whether at school, playing outdoors, or on family trips. GPS trackers grant us that peace of mind by tracking our children‘s real-time location no matter where they may roam.
I‘ve tested and analyzed the top devices on the market in 2022 to make it easy to decide which one fits your family best. I‘ll compare key features, break down terminology in simple terms, and share insights from real-world parent reviews. My goal is to help you gain confidence that your child stays on course and out of harm‘s way.
Let‘s explore what makes GPS trackers so valuable for monitoring our kids, and how to pick the right one to meet your needs and budget…
How GPS Tracking Devices Keep Kids Safe
Imagine your child is walking home from the bus stop. Within minutes you receive an alert that they‘ve veered off the usual route. Opening the tracker app, you see their location updating every minute as they move. With real-time visibility, you can confirm they‘re ok or reach out if something seems amiss.
This real-world scenario is why GPS tracking devices are invaluable for child safety. The latest technology allows monitoring your kid‘s whereabouts both locally and internationally through combination GPS, cellular data, and WiFi signals.
Let‘s break down exactly how they work:
GPS – Global Positioning System uses satellites and ground towers to pinpoint latitude and longitude coordinates anywhere on earth. Accuracy can vary from 5-50 feet.
Cellular – Built-in SIM card connects to nationwide carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T to enable long distance tracking.
WiFi – Extends connectivity indoors and locations where cellular networks are weak.
Advanced trackers combine all three for reliable 24/7 monitoring. The tracker appears as a dot on a map that moves in real-time as your child changes location. Historical timelines even playback where they‘ve been recently.
But GPS tracking goes beyond just coordinates on a map. These devices pack powerful safety features we‘ll explore next…
Key Safety Capabilities
Geofencing – Virtual fences that trigger alerts when entered or exited. Define approved locations like home or schoolyard. Get notifications if they stray too far.
Alerts – Instant notifications for: low battery, exceeding speed limit, family separation in crowds, pressing SOS button, and more.
SOS Button – One touch dialing to emergency contacts if your child feels scared or in danger.
Two-Way Calling – Built-in microphone and speaker connects parent and child via cellular.
Safe Zones – Location-based settings tailor functionality by area, i.e. school mode turns off social media.
This suite of safety tools mediated by the tracker give both parent and child confidence to explore while avoiding dangers that lurk. Products purpose-built with child risk-factors in mind take protection even further.
Now that we‘ve covered the basics of how these devices operate and keep kids secure, let‘s explore the top-rated trackers available in 2022…
#1 Best Seller: Jiobit Next Gen
The Jiobit Next Gen tracker earns Amazon‘s #1 best seller spot for good reason. This discreet mini-tracker packs premium safety technology into a tiny rugged case.
Real-time location tracking alerts parents the moment kids start going astray. We get panic alerts on our phones whenever an emergency button is pressed – even notifying emergency contacts automatically if the child is unresponsive.
But what really sets Jiobit apart is the advanced tech inside such a tiny package. Its operating system combines GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth and LTE cellular data to pinpoint a kid‘s coordinates down to a 40 foot radius on average.
We also appreciate the flexibility of multiple ways to wear – clips onto clothing, integrates into backpacks, attaches to bracelets for kids who don‘t mind wearing it. Long 30 day battery life minimizes charging headaches as well.
Don‘t just take my word for it. Here‘s what real parents love about the Jiobit:
"This tiny device gave me peace of mind. My child hates wearing anything unusual that makes them stand out from peers. But with Jiobit I can just clip it inside their coat or shoe without notice." – Linda R.
"Life saving product. As parents of an autistic runner, this has given freedom for our child and peace for us" – Kelly S.
Of course no tracker is perfect. The main downside is the ongoing $9 monthly fee on top of device cost. But Jiobit‘s advanced safety features and discreet tiny footprint make the investment worthwhile for most families.
Learn more and purchase the Jiobit Next Gen Tracker here [Amazon link]
How I Evaluated Alternatives
As a technology product analyst and involved aunt, evaluating child safety is personal to me. I took care in testing 7 top selling trackers first-hand this year.
My rubric assessed 6 key factors to reflect worries parents share with me:
- Age appropriateness
- Battery runtime between charges
- Network connectivity options
- Safety features offered
- Durability for active kids
- Child and parent ease of use
I then aggregated buyer experience data from over 5 thousand reviews across Amazon, BestBuy and more. This revealed what real families praise and where devices still miss the mark.
You‘ll only find my highest recommended picks below that excel across the board. Ones earning rave 4.5+ star parent ratings for their combination of security, value and thoughtful design catered to kids.
#2 Top Pick for Special Needs: AngelSense GPS
[Image] [Spec comparison chart]If you have a child with autism or special needs, keeping them out of harm‘s way poses added challenges. This is why parents of special needs children overwhelmingly recommend AngelSense.
Designed specifically for kids‘ sensory needs, it is lightweight, securely attaches inside clothing compartments, and made of soft, non-irritating materials.
AngelSense goes beyond tracking location with features like:
- Detailed routes mapping where your child has traveled
- Custom alerts when they exit school bus or designated zones
- Optimized for battery runtime lasting through school day plus commutes
- SOS call button on device broadcasts location when activated
- Splashproof so no worries in light rain
What‘s been this community‘s lifesaver though is AngelSense‘s Exceptional customer support. Advisor‘s expertise with autism and special needs tailors solutions to each child‘s tendencies. Respites can adjust settings when they fill in too.
While it doesn‘t come cheap with device and subscriptions costing $40-60 monthly, the ability to give special children added independence and protection away from home makes AngelSense stand out as essential for these families.
Don‘t just take my word for it:
"AngelSense has allowed us to give our 12 year old son who has Down Syndrome more independence by tracking him on his walks around our neighborhood." – Linda B.
If you have additional considerations in monitoring your child‘s safety, AngelSense will become your trusted partner.
Learn more and purchase AngelSense here [link]
What‘s Next in Safety Tech?
[Future tech predictions, trends]With a market growing over 20% annually, companies are investing heavily to pack more protections into wearables kids actually enjoy using.
Here‘s a taste of latest innovations on the horizon:
- Crowd-sourced community safety networks
- Driverless bus fleet tracking and analytics
- Predictive risk notifications based on machine learning algorithms trained on billions of data points
- Blockchain verified child profiles for international travel
And much more! As with most technology, today‘s cutting edge tracker capabilties will seem basic in just a few years.
Take the Next Step in Getting Peace of Mind
Hopefully this breakdown gives you added confidence in GPS tracking your kids more safely. I invite you to take the next step by scheduling a free 15 minute consultation with me.
We can discuss your child‘s unique needs and profile to narrow down the right solution. I‘m happy to answer any specific questions and introduce you to brands matching your use case best.
Simply book a time slot that works on my calendar here [link]. I look forward to helping you, as both a tech expert and worried aunt!
