Quantifying the dangers of the world can be a very difficult task, particularly since culture changes so rapidly over time. Some might argue that life has never been more dangerous for our kids, but perhaps it is just different than prior generations. Regardless of the danger quotient, parents still want their kids to be safe and protected. Therefore, some have turned to Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to aid their oversight. Here are a few thoughts on whether this is prudent protection or paranoid stalking.
Trust me
As mentioned, there are good reasons to keep tabs on our children. After all, each new generation gets a little bit freer with their mobility and lifestyle. In addition, some kids are always pretty savvy when it comes to covering their tracks. Some parents may be naive, but others aren't stupid. They know that their children can't always handle the responsibilities. Therefore, trust must be earned as kids get older and they demonstrate increasingly mature behavior.
Just another methodology?
For some, it isn't hard to argue that the use of GPS is just another method of oversight. After all, parents have rules their children starting at a very young age. As they get older, they still restrict how late they can be out, who they can be with, and how often they should communicate their whereabouts. When the child ventures out on their first few outings, the parents may ask them to call home to let the parents know that they got there. For most parents, this is part of the process of gaining independence. The process does not happen all at once.
Helicopter parents
Of course, there is the situation where parents are oppressively intertwined with their child's lives. Writers call them "helicopter" parents because they hover over their children and there seems to be an increasing trend of these hovering types with the current Y Generation. Again, is checking on kids a bad thing? Most would say it isn't. However, sitting at the computer and watching the dot move throughout the entire evening may represent a bit of paranoia.
Situational monitoring
There are certainly times when increased monitoring is necessary, due to irresponsible behavior. Some parents may turn to GPS as a way to hold their child accountable for past actions. If the child has not demonstrated trustworthy behavior in the past, the GPS may be a way for the parent to keep them on a "short leash" without restricting them to the house. Again, trust must be earned and tools like these can be used as part of the process.
Overall, GPS seems very much like "big brother" but in some cases it may be warranted. There are actual dangers in the world and parents do not want their children to put themselves in situations where they will be at risk. Even if children are well behaved, they may still be naive to the "ways of the world." Therefore, a little extra oversight may be appropriate in a busy and tempting world.