A wearable tracker can locate your kids wherever they are, combining GPS, cell tower location, and Wi-Fi triangulation to provide the most accurate location information indoors and out.
“Parents want to keep in touch,” says Filip Technologies, which claims its FiLIP is the first location and communication device of its size in the world, “all contained safely within one small wristwatch.”
Why not a phone? The company cites a 2014 Family Communications Survey conducted online by Harris Poll in August among over 2,000 U.S. adults which found more than 20 million parents (85 percent of parents with children ages 6-12 in their household) do not believe it is appropriate to buy their child a smartphone until they are at least 11 years old. This is an increase of 21 percent in two years (64% in 2012). Also, “half of these parents find it at least somewhat challenging to stay connected with their kids during a typical weekday if needed while they are at school, participating in after school activities, etc.”
The first version of the wearable locator debuted in 2013; the upcoming FiLIP 2 has improved durability and a redesigned, sizable and closeable wristband, the company says. And the new app “makes it easier for families to stay connected and for parents to know where their children are.”
It’s available at an introductory discount of $100 here.
Susan Moss is an owner/partner in BabyNames.com and is a freelance bookkeeper in Chicago, Illinois.