While many parents work hard to keep their kids from the dangers of electronics and being online, they are also realizing that there are ways of utilizing these same devices to keep their children safe. From GPS tracking to Internet monitoring apps, today’s technology gives parents the tools they need to protect their children.
Keeping Teens Safe Behind the Wheel
Having your teen get his or her driver’s license is nerve-racking enough, but couple that with the chance that he or she can and may be using their smartphone to text is even worse. However, there are several apps on the market that will prevent your young driver from texting and driving at the same time.
text-STAR: Relieve the worries of distracted driving by actually preventing your teen from texting while behind the wheel. The text-STAR app allows parents to be connected to their children without being an added distraction. It detects motion over 10 mph and will automatically reply to incoming texts and phone calls with a preselected message. Parents can also receive a report on their child’s driving habits which in turn can help him or her become a safer driver.
DriveSafe.ly: This is another app to stop distracted drivers. Created by iSpeech, drivers can have their text messages and emails read aloud to them in real time and then automatically responds without having a driver touch his or her mobile phone. This will not only help eliminate texting while driving, but also will help your teen stay connected while reducing distractions.
Monitoring Your Children When They’re Away
While it’s impossible to be with your child 24/7, there are some great tools to help you keep track of them.
T-Mobile FamilyWhere: This Android app helps you locate your family’s phones on a map. Parents can locate their kids on demand or through an automated scheduled check. Children can also use the free check-in feature to share their whereabouts with you. Parents don’t have to spend $600 on a fancy iPhone for their teenagers either. T-Mobile offers a large variety of affordable cell phones, even preowned devices, that make for perfect tools.
Amber Alert GPS: Parents can track their children online or from a mobile app with Amber Alert GPS. This gadget also provides two-way calling with the touch of a button.
Monitoring Cell Phone and Internet Usage
Being proactive in monitoring your child’s smartphone and Internet usage is good parenting. However, it doesn’t hurt to get a little help. There are a variety of apps available to aid parents in keeping track of children while they are online.
MyMobile Watchdog: This app includes 20 parental controls that will monitor, block, filter and track what your kid is doing on his or her phone.
Textguard: Install this on your child’s cell phone and you can monitor all incoming and outgoing calls, texts, emails and browsing history. Parents can block any type of suspicious activity as well.
Apps don’t have to be a distraction for children. Instead, embrace the advantages that they offer and use them as tools to keep your children safe.
– By Jennifer Thayer
Jennifer Thayer is a technology writer who is passionate about exploring new ways technology can be used to make day-to-day tasks easier. Follow her on Twitter.
