As parents increasingly turn to tech solutions to help keep their children safe, the Apple AirTag has become a popular choice for tracking everyday items—and, for some, a potential option for tracking children. But can you, or should you, send your child to school with an AirTag? Here’s an in-depth look at the pros, cons, privacy considerations, and alternative devices available to help you make an informed decision.
How Does the AirTag Work?
The Apple AirTag is a small Bluetooth-enabled tracking device that pairs with Apple’s Find My network, which uses nearby Apple devices to update its location. When attached to personal items like keys or bags, the AirTag provides an easy way to find lost belongings.
However, AirTags are designed to track inanimate objects—not people. They don’t offer real-time GPS tracking, but rather an approximate location updated whenever the AirTag connects with an iPhone in range. This design choice limits its effectiveness for tracking individuals, especially in low-traffic areas where fewer devices are nearby to relay location updates.
Table: Key Features of Apple AirTag vs. Child Tracking Devices
| Feature | Apple AirTag | Child-Specific GPS Trackers |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking Method | Bluetooth, Find My Network | GPS, Cellular, Wi-Fi |
| Real-Time Tracking | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Tamper-Resistant | ❌ No | ✅ Often secured with non-removable bands |
| Geofencing Alerts | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 1 year (replaceable) | Varies by device; typically 1-7 days |
| Cost | $29 | $100-$200 plus subscription |
| Privacy Concerns | ✅ Notifies nearby iPhones | 🔄 Depends on device policies |
Pros and Cons of Using an AirTag for Child Tracking
While using an AirTag can seem like a simple, cost-effective solution, it has unique advantages and disadvantages to consider.
- Pros:
- ✅ Affordability: At $29, an AirTag is much cheaper than most GPS tracking devices.
- ✅ Ease of Use: It’s straightforward to set up with Apple’s Find My app.
- ✅ Battery Life: Lasts up to one year, with a replaceable battery.
- Cons:
- ❌ Limited Tracking Accuracy: Relies on nearby Apple devices for updates, which may be unreliable in remote areas or indoors.
- ❌ Privacy Alerts: AirTags alert nearby iPhones if an unregistered AirTag is detected, potentially revealing its presence.
- ❌ Not Tamper-Proof: An AirTag can be easily removed by children, unlike purpose-built child tracking devices.
- ❌ School Policy Concerns: Some schools may have policies against tracking devices due to privacy issues.
For a detailed breakdown of AirTag capabilities, visit the Apple official website.
Privacy and Security Considerations
1. Anti-Stalking Features
AirTags include anti-stalking features designed to alert nearby iPhone users when an unregistered AirTag has been following them. While this is helpful for privacy, it can alert nearby individuals, including strangers, that your child has an AirTag, which can pose a safety risk.
2. Lack of Two-Way Communication
Unlike child-specific GPS devices that offer two-way calling, AirTags lack communication features, meaning parents can’t directly contact their child via the AirTag if needed.
3. School Policies
Many schools restrict the use of tracking or electronic devices on campus to protect student privacy and avoid potential distractions. It’s a good idea to check with your child’s school to confirm whether such a device is permitted.
Alternatives to AirTags for Tracking Children
While an AirTag might be useful for quickly tracking lost items, there are child-specific tracking devices that provide greater security, reliability, and functionality for monitoring children.
| Device Name | Key Features | Price Range | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jiobit Smart Tag | GPS, cellular, tamper-resistant, real-time updates | $129 – $200 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| AngelSense | GPS, two-way calling, geofencing alerts | $299+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| GizmoWatch 2 | GPS, 4G LTE, parental control app | $99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| TickTalk 4 | GPS, video calling, real-time tracking | $199 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Is an AirTag Right for You?
If you’re considering sending your child to school with an AirTag, here are a few things to think about:
- Safety in Familiar Environments: An AirTag might provide some peace of mind if your child frequently forgets their backpack or other items, as it’s an easy, inexpensive way to locate belongings within school grounds.
- Outdoor Tracking Limitations: For tracking in larger outdoor environments or unfamiliar areas, a dedicated GPS tracker with continuous location updates, like the Jiobit or AngelSense, may be more appropriate.
- Cost vs. Functionality: AirTags are inexpensive but lack the advanced features of child trackers. If you need real-time updates or communication features, investing in a dedicated child tracking device is likely worth it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while sending your child to school with an AirTag might seem like an easy tracking solution, it’s not designed for reliable, continuous child tracking. AirTags work best for tracking objects and are limited in their ability to provide real-time location data in low-traffic areas or within buildings. Additionally, privacy concerns and potential restrictions from schools should be considered.
For parents looking for peace of mind and reliable tracking, devices like the Jiobit, AngelSense, or GizmoWatch offer more robust safety features specifically tailored for children. However, if you’re mainly concerned with tracking a backpack or lunchbox, an AirTag could be an economical solution.
