Tracking Your Kids Through Mobile Phones

it's real :)

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Equipping your children with mobile phones may sound extravagant. After all, does a child in elementary or middle school really need to return important calls on the go? Probably not, but that child may need quick access to you. That’s why many parents choose to give their children cell phones.

While your Android tablet may offer many conveniences and be an essential part of your routine, your child doesn’t need a device with that much functionality. A simple cell phone can make life easier and safer for your kids.

Sometimes after-school activities get canceled or moved to a different location. Kids with cell phones don’t have to wait around for their parents to come back a couple of hours later or find a ride, both of which can be dangerous.

When your family attends a large-scale public event, it’s easy to get separated. In those cases, you can track down your children by simply dialing their cell phone numbers. This can eliminate a lot of anxiety, especially in situations where you can’t visually locate your children right away.

Cell phones are also great tools when the family visits a museum, county fair, or theme park. When kids get stuck in line at a ride and choose not to meet their parents at the designated time and place, they can simply call their parents to let them know where they are.

One of the most important things to remember when using cell phones to communicate with your kids is that they only work when they’re turned on.  If you’re in a noisy place, be sure to check the screen of your phone often for missed calls from your kids. This technology is just another way parents can keep tabs on their kids.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , ,

Online Protection for Your Children

Kids using the computers.

Image by San Jose Library via Flickr

Today, there are many dangers to our children that are on the Internet. It is imperative that, as parents, you protect your children while they are online. Here is a look at several ways you can implement this safety plan.

Internet filtering and monitoring software should be considered an option. These packages can range from simple to complex and can also include specially design children’s browsers.

Browsers, in general, have several levels of protection that include being able to set certain levels of protection. However, consider using a children’s browser. These browsers are available free and will only allow access to sites that you have selected. These browsers can also filter out pornographic and other dangerous sites. It is also advisable that you keep the computer in a supervised area of your home.

Filtering software can be purchased, usually on a subscription basis, and provides customization features. These features allow parents to provide the proper level of filter that is age-appropriate. Sites can be disallowed or allowed. In addition, this type of software can be remotely accessed.

There are also programs available that will allow you to track the sites that your child visits. Some packages also are able to track actually keystrokes to add a greater level of monitoring.

While these tools are valuable, one of the most important things you can do is to discuss the dangers that are present on the Internet with your children. Help them understand that not everyone on the Internet is a friend or has good intentions. Also, make sure that they never give out any personal information.

Filed Under: Expert Advice, Software Tagged With: , ,

Technology Out Wits Sneaky Kids, or Does It?

GPS navigation solution running on a smartphon... 

Image via Wikipedia

These days there is plenty of technology to track kids. It would seem that it would be very easy to keep track of sneaky kids who might be looking to get into some mischief. The question is whether this technology works or not.  On many leves it definitely works, but in more ways than one, it may not be such a good idea. As a parent, you have to figure all of that out.

The Pros of Technology Tracking Kids

The pros are as old as parenthood. Parents want to know where their kids are and that they’re safe. Therefore, GPS tracking on cell phones works good when the phone is on and the device has a clear shot at the sky. If a kid is supposed to keep the phone on, and it gets turned off, it’s going to be tough to explain that to Mom.

As for software that tracks computer use, the many incidents involving molesters and bullying are the best reason to do this. The Internet is a dangerous place. Parents can even tell the kids they’re tracking computer usage.

The Cons of Tracking Kids with Technology

The biggest hurdle to jump is “trust.” You have to find the balance between spying and caring. Your kid won’t grow up responsibly if he isn’t give the chance to try. Again, make sure he knows it’s for his safety.

Where GPS tracking is concerned, there are still some problems with accuracy. That could scare a parent and get a kid in unfair trouble. The old fashioned phone call to check in is still the best tracking tool for kids.

Filed Under: Parenting, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Monitoring Your Teen’s Cell Phone Use

Angel with mobile phone 

Image by Meneer De Braker (Akbar2) via Flickr

When your teen gets on the phone, who knows what they’re saying? While you can’t tap their phones to find out if they’re planning anything nefarious, you can check out who they’re calling and how long they’re spending on the phone. If they have minutes to be tended to, you can check out all of those things on your bill. Overall, monitoring your teen’s cell phone use is a fairly easy thing to do.

While your teen is downloading unlimited music, they can be talking to their friends about anything. While this can lead to a lot of possible problems, the real problems happen when they go over their minutes. In cases like that, an unlimited plan can be useful. However, you might want to actually limit the number of texts your teen can send and make them pay for any they send or look at over and above that number. While it might seem cruel, it is a good way to get your teen to think about the future and how to use resources.

Of course, making your teen actually pay can become a serious issue. After all, if he or she refuses to pay, you have to cancel their cell phone plan as a punishment, which can be a serious hindrance to a person in this day and age. “I’ll call you” has replaced almost any sort of real planning, as people tend to think only about right now and keeping in nearly constant contact through technology. But having consequences for inappropriate cell phone usage teaches powerful lessons that every teen needs to know.

Filed Under: Software, Technology Tagged With: , ,

The Necessity of Protection

toddler 

Image by fionnaigh via Flickr

Boundaries are meant to be challenged. This is the philosophy of the modern parent, the certainty gained from endless experts and their opinions (offered with loud frequency). Children are meant to shove at limitations. They’re meant to push at the rules until they discover any weaknesses. Independence is the intention — and many mothers now find themselves offering freedom in all elements of life, allowing their family to explore the days without restrictions.

You, however, are not so sure of this.

And you would be correct.

It can’t be denied that children must be offered the chance to define themselves. It can also not be denied, however, that such definitions require care. Youths are impulsive. They will do what they please without acknowledging the potential dangers, the obvious consequences. Behavior adults deem reckless will instead be considered easy. It’s imperative therefore that all parents — including you — recognize the need for protective measures: such as technological tracking.

Too often is this a source of controversy. Mothers think that it represents a lack of trust, are certain it will only spark discontent among their families. The truth, however, is that tracking devices (found in smartphones, computers and more) offer security. They enable parents to note all movements, to register any problems. This is vital. In an age where statistics favor tragedy children must be protected — and this is the way to do that.

It must be understood that youths will battle this idea. They’ll assume it to be an invasion of privacy. What parents must stress, however, is that privacy is a privilege but safety is a requirement.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: , ,

Keeping A Track Of Your Kid’s Phone

Cell phones have become a basic necessity these days. Kids demand cell phones because of peer pressure. Flaunting latest cell phones is considered to be a style statement and a hip thing. However as a parent one needs to be ultra aware about the way your kid is using his or her cell phone. It is important to check that your kid is not receiving or sending any lewd messages.

Companies understand this innate need of tracking your teenager’s activities without their knowledge. Hence technology has developed various devices and softwares that can be installed in your kids’ phone without their knowledge. There are softwares that help you to track your teen’s calls and messages. You can also screen their calls and messages. There are certain other features that you can activate via the spy softwares. Some advanced softwares send you a copy of the message that your teen receives and sends. It also gives a report about frequently dialed numbers and the conversation timings. These all features help you to be vigilant about your kid’s behavior without letting them know. These devices are a boon to parents. Existence of these devices has taken off the worry from the parents head about their kid’s messaging and call taking trends.

It is good idea to handle the issue of inappropriate messages and calls with your teen very tactfully. You do not want to be loggerheads with your teen and spoil your relationship at the same time; you may not want to ignore such behavior. It is important to nip such behavior in the bud, so that it does not snowball into something big. It is important to be vigilant all the times.

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: , ,

Self Defense Techniques- Key To Protection

It is important that one is capable of protecting themselves in case of danger. In today’s world the crime rates are on all time high, people are being mugged in streets and there are street fights for minor reasons. Knowing self defense techniques is the best way of handling such situations. Self defense techniques are the best method of protecting our self and our family in times of distress.

Self defense techniques are basically martial arts. There are various institutions that teach you how to defend yourself when you are attacked. Kung-fu, Karate, Kick boxing, Tai-chi etc are various types of self defense arts. Self defense arts give you the confidence about yourself. It allows you to be flexible and healthy. Research has shown that self defense techniques are also an excellent form of exercise. Practicing self defense techniques regularly, keeps a person’s body fit. That’s not all it also increases one’s self confidence because they know that they are in control of the situation and they will not panic. People who practice defense fighting are more calm and are capable of taking calculated risks.

Learning self defense is a resolve. It allows you to improve your basic fighting instincts. There are several institutions’ that offer short term courses, inter-mediate courses and long term courses in self defense techniques. Each advanced stage in the self defense art is marked by color of the participant’s belt. The beginners wear a white belt and move on to yellow and then red, brown, blue and finally the black belt. Black belt has various degrees that can be earned by passing self defense examinations. It is important that we learn self defense arts.

Filed Under: Parenting, Security Tagged With: , ,

Hints Of Being In Crowd And Tips To Safeguard Yourself

Traveling is an inevitable part of our daily life. We need to commute in buses and tubes everyday to our offices, schools or any other places. It is very natural for mother’s to be super protective about their kids especially when they traveling in crowded buses or trains. It is important that you pick up the hints of being in a crowded place and react accordingly.

If you are traveling with a kid who is below 4 years of age, the best bet is to pick it up in your arms while traveling. This will ensure that your kid does not feel suffocated and gets fresh air. If you leave your kid on the ground, there are chances of it being pushed around or being bruised. If you are traveling with kids between the age group of 5-9 years, it is best to hold their hands or have a monitored leash around them. This will prevent them from being carried away in the crowd. This is also a preventive measure to avoid your child being lost in the crowd.

Do not let your child wander alone in crowded places. Ensure that you a leave your complete address and emergency contact numbers in a chit that is placed in your kid’s pocket. This helps in retrieving your kid easily.  If you are traveling with a kid who falls in the age group of 10-12 years then make then stand ahead of you in crowd so that they are protected and you can have a close watch on them. It is good idea to pin them up against the wall and shield them so that they are not lost.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: , ,

Tracking Your Kid’s Social Life

World has become a smaller place. The internet boom has caused people to come together. It has allowed people of various backgrounds to interact with each other just by clicking a button. As Parent’s it is important that you know what are your kid’s texting habits, who are his friends in the physical world and the virtual world? How is he interacting with various people? It might sound like an intrusion of personal space but it is very important to look out for all these habits of your kid or your teenager. There are numerous instances in the past, where the kids and teenagers have been lured into scandals and have been exploited by complete strangers.

It is important that you protect your kids and teenagers from such people. However you need to so it tactfully, most importantly because your kids are going through a very fragile transition phase in their life and last thing that you want is a cold war between you and your teenager. Many parents add their kids on social networking profiles, so that they are aware about their kid’s friends and his interactions. If they find anything objectionable, they talk to their kid and sort it out or ask the kid to take off the particular person off their friends’ network. Similarly, many parents keep a tab on the browsing history of their kid by using a spyware. Some parents prefer their children using a desktop instead of a laptop. Many parents insist on computer being placed in the living room so that the kid does not indulge in anything that is objectionable. It is always a good idea to know your kid’s friends personally.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: , ,

Importance Of Keeping A Track Of Your Child

News papers and news channels carry reports of abduction, rape, murder etc on everyday basis. The growing crime rate has made it very important for parents to keep a track of their child. No one wants their child to be abducted by some stranger for money. Parents train their children in order to avoid such mishaps. Children are taught not to accept any eatables from strangers or not to give any information to strangers. Many parents instruct their kids to steer clear of strangers totally.

These are some preventive measures for the older kids, however how would one track their kid in a mall when they are busy shopping? Companies have come up with different solutions for this. The simplest solution to keep a track of your toddlers from running away is the leash. A leash has a small opening that needs to be worn around the mother’s wrist and the other end is tied around the kid’s waist. Your toddler can roam around freely up to a specific distance that is set on the leash, after that it just feels tugged if it tries to cross the specified boundary.

Another solution offered by the manufacturers is the tracking bad. This band needs to be worn by the kid around his wrist. This band works on the GPS navigation technology. Parents can track the real-time location of their kid. This is especially important for youngsters because they tend to evade the restrictions and venture out to forbidden places. This is an ideal way of checking if the information relayed by your kid is correct or not. However many kids would take off the bands or switch off the system and make it impossible to track them, now this GPS navigation facility is available in cell phones. You can track your kid’s whereabouts through the hidden application in their cell phone.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: , ,
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