by Mona Gallagher

Created on: January 27, 2009

Scientific technology an ever-advancing industry allowing us to keep in touch with people around the world with the touch of a keypad. Cell phones are standard today where two decades ago they were just making inroads. The advancement of sophisticated tracking devices such as GPS has moved us to a new level of tracking our children, but does it do the job?

Using a GPS (global positioning system) parents are able to access their children's location online or by cell phones. They receive an alert if and when the child moves outside the parameters and an emergency 911 call can also be made if the device is removed on some systems. Cell phones can also employ GPS.

For every parent who has ever had a child go missing, the GPS is viewed as a blessing and a painless way for tracking children. While parents have received the GPS trackers with much enthusiasm, the larger question of privacy comes to mind.

GPS can be used for other tracking purposes that citizens may not view as friendly, and in the wrong hands it can be used as a stalking device. Parents are concerned for the safety of their children and it seems preposterous to think that parents would use the device for stalking. It's easier to believe our elected officials would misuse the system.

To view the basics of GPS systems see web site: http://www.gpsdog.com/gps-tracking.htm

Tracking Children:

Parents are buying affordable GPS tracking devices to keep tabs on their children with the purpose of keeping them safe. The justification is that if a child goes missing, GPS will show the exact position and in the case of abduction will help save lives. However, it's not foolproof as devices can be removed from the person. RFID another sophisticated system is an embedded device.

GPS devices come in a variety of equipment. Cell phones, bracelets, fitness watches, and sneakers. The device must be activated, and subscribers pay for the service in addition to the price of the equipment. Cell phone subscribers pay extra for the service. Parents feel assured knowing they can track their kids any time of the day but kids lose cell phones all the time.

Isaac Daniel, the developer of the sneaker GPS system was prompted to develop the sneaker with GPS technology when he received a phone call informing him that his son was missing. It turned out to be a false alarm, but the scare motivated him to find a better way of tracking his son. Daniel says it gives him peace of mind.

"We call it a second eye watching over you," Daniel said.

It's

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