Locating your child: the complete guide to protecting without spying

Understanding the Benefits, Limitations, and Best Practices of Responsible Geolocation

First solo outings, the journey to school, starting middle school, commuting by public transport, activities with friends…

Growing up means gradually learning to get around, make decisions, and gain independence.

For children, these stages represent a great adventure. For parents, they also represent a learning curve: that of allowing more freedom while continuing to provide support.

It is in this context that many families are asking themselves a question today:

Should I geolocate my child?

The answer is not as simple as a yes or no.

Because geolocation is neither an obligation nor a universal solution.

It is a tool.

And like any tool, its usefulness primarily depends on how each family chooses to use it.

At The Phone, we believe there isn't just one right choice.

Some families will choose never to use geolocation.

Others may find it useful support during certain stages of their child's autonomy.

The key is that this decision is well-considered, explained, and adapted to everyone's needs.

What is child geolocation?

Geolocation makes it possible to know the position of a device using various location technologies.

In the case of a phone intended for children, it can allow parents to find the location of the phone associated with their child.

Depending on the available solutions, different functionalities may be offered:

• one-time location;

• defined zones;

• notifications;

• temporary location sharing;

• information related to travel.

But behind the technology, a crucial question remains:

What role do we want to give this tool in the relationship between parents and children?

Because a useful technology is not just one that works.

It is a technology that integrates harmoniously into the daily lives of families.

Why do some parents choose to geolocate their child?

Each family has its own history, environment, and needs.

There isn't just one reason to choose geolocation.

Supporting the first steps towards independence

Autonomy is not built in a day.

It develops gradually through experiences adapted to the child's age.

Making their first solo journey, going to an activity, using public transport: each step represents a learning experience.

For some families, geolocation can be temporary support during these transition periods.

It provides a reassuring framework while allowing more freedom.

Facilitating certain daily moments

Family life is often punctuated by many trips:

• school;

• sports activities;

• outings;

• appointments.

In some situations, being able to locate a phone can simplify organization and prevent unnecessary worries.

Supporting certain specific situations

Each family knows its own realities.

A dense urban environment.

Longer journeys.

A new school stage.

A period of change.

Geolocation can then become a tool adapted to a specific need.

Geolocation: protection or surveillance?

This is probably the central question.

The answer depends less on the technology than on how it is used.

There is an important difference between:

"I want to be able to support my child in certain situations."

and

"I want to know their every movement constantly."

The first approach can support autonomy.

The second can limit the space needed for learning.

Geolocation should never replace:

• discussions;

• safety rules;

• learning responsibility;

• trust built daily.

A GPS location does not replace a conversation.

Technology does not replace the relationship.

What experts say: finding the balance between safety and autonomy

The issue of child geolocation goes far beyond technology.

It touches on fundamental aspects of child development:

• learning to decide;

• experimenting;

• gaining confidence;

• building independence.

Research on child development shows that autonomy is built progressively, in an environment that is both safe and empowering.

The importance of autonomy in child development

Deci and Ryan's work on self-determination theory shows that autonomy is one of the fundamental psychological needs of human beings.

This does not mean that a child must be completely independent immediately.

On the contrary.

Autonomy develops through a balance between:

• a secure framework;

• adapted rules;

• progressive responsibilities;

• the possibility to experiment.

The role of the parent evolves over time:

At first, they protect.

Then they accompany.

Finally, they gradually allow more freedom.

Technology can contribute to this transition when it remains in its rightful place.

What research shows about parental control tools

Although studies specifically dedicated to child geolocation are still limited, several research studies on family digital tools provide useful insights.

A study conducted by Wang, Zhao, Van Kleek, and Shadbolt in 2021 (Protection or punishment? Relating the design space of parental control apps and perceptions about them to support parenting for online safety) shows that digital tools are better accepted when they promote:

• transparency;

• explanation;

• dialogue;

• the establishment of shared rules.

Conversely, use based solely on constant control can be perceived as a constraint and weaken the relationship of trust.

The conclusion is important:

A family digital tool is more beneficial when it supports the parent-child relationship rather than replaces it.

Best practices for healthy geolocation

1. Talk to your child

Transparency is essential.

A child must understand:

• why the feature exists;

• in what situations it can be used;

• how it contributes to their autonomy.

Geolocation should not be experienced as an imposed constraint, but as an explained tool.

2. Define a family framework

Each family can establish its own rules.

For example:

• location only during school commutes;

• use during unusual trips;

• consultation only when necessary.

There is no universal rule.

The right framework is the one that suits your family.

3. Do not consult automatically

Being able to access information does not mean that it should be constantly consulted.

A good question to ask yourself:

"Does this information truly help me in this situation?"

The goal is to remain in a logic of support, not control.

4. Adapt usage to the child's age

An 8-year-old child, an 11-year-old pre-teen, and a 15-year-old teenager do not have the same needs.

Technology must evolve with the child.

Rules can change.

So can trust.

5. Gradually evolve usage

The ultimate goal always remains the same:

To enable the child to gain independence.

Geolocation can be a support during certain stages.

It should never become an obstacle to their development.

What does the CNIL say about child geolocation?

The CNIL reminds that location data is particularly sensitive personal data.

In its analysis of the issues related to child geolocation, it emphasizes that these tools can provide benefits, particularly by reassuring parents and supporting certain situations.

But it also recalls several essential principles:

Transparency

Families must understand:

• what data is used;

• why it is used;

• who can access it;

• how it is protected.

Proportionality

A responsible solution must meet a specific need.

It should not collect more information than necessary.

Data security

Information related to a child's movements must benefit from appropriate protection.

Choosing a trusted solution is therefore essential.

Why choose a responsible geolocation solution?

Not all solutions offer the same approach.

Before choosing a tool, parents can ask themselves several questions:

• Where is the data stored?

• What information is actually collected?

• How is it protected?

• Is the operation transparent?

At The Phone, we have chosen a responsible approach by collaborating with Umay, a committed French player.

Our conviction:

Technology intended for children must meet an even higher level of requirement in terms of trust and data protection.

GPS phone for children, GPS watch, or classic smartphone: how to choose?

Several solutions exist today.

The child GPS watch

It primarily addresses a need for location.

It can be suitable for some families, but its uses often remain focused on tracking.

The classic smartphone

It offers many possibilities, but can quickly expose children to:

• the internet;

• social networks;

• multiple applications;

• uses that are difficult to supervise.

The phone adapted for children

An intermediate solution allows for the gradual introduction of digital communication.

The objective:

• develop autonomy;

• maintain an adapted framework;

• support first uses.
  
  

FAQ – Parents' Frequently Asked Questions

Should I geolocate my child?

There is no universal answer. The right choice depends on each family, the child, and the situation. Geolocation can be useful when used as a support tool.

Does geolocation prevent autonomy?

No, if used in an appropriate context. It can support certain stages of freedom. However, excessive use can limit opportunities for the child to learn to manage situations independently.

Should you inform your child?

Yes. Transparency is essential for building a relationship of trust.

Is geolocation a form of surveillance?

It can become one if used to control all movements. Used with dialogue and moderation, it can remain a useful tool for some families.

Are location data dangerous?

Location data is sensitive. It is therefore essential to choose a solution that places a high priority on its protection.

What is the right age for a child's GPS phone?

There is no single age. The choice depends on the child's maturity, their environment, and the family's needs.

What is the difference between a GPS watch and a child's GPS phone?

A GPS watch is primarily designed around location. A child-friendly phone also gradually supports learning digital communication.

Conclusion: Guide without controlling

The question is ultimately not:

"Should you geolocate your child?"

The essential question is:

"How can technology be used to support your child while respecting their need for autonomy?"

At The Phone, we believe that protecting and fostering growth can go hand in hand.

Technology can reassure, support, and facilitate certain stages.

But it must always remain what it is:

a tool in service of family trust.

Sources and references

• CNIL – Geolocation of children: what are the stakes for their private life?

• Deci & Ryan – Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness

• Wang, Zhao, Van Kleek & Shadbolt (2021) – Protection or punishment? Relating the design space of parental control apps and perceptions about them to support parenting for online safety