Mya'Shield
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How to choose a child safety device: 8 questions to ask before you buy
There are more child safety devices than ever: tags, watches, clip-on trackers. They all promise peace of mind. These eight questions help you see past the marketing.
We're building one ourselves, so we ask ourselves the same questions.
1. Does it work without a phone nearby?
Bluetooth tags find their location using other people's phones nearby. That's great for keys, but Apple itself says AirTag was designed to help people find their belongings, not to track people. We go into this in Bluetooth tags vs GPS trackers.
Devices with their own cellular connection work on their own, but usually cost more to run. Check which countries they work in, whether roaming costs extra, and how they find a position indoors, where GPS struggles.
2. Will it tell you, or do you have to keep checking?
A live map is only useful if you're looking at it. Ask what the device alerts you about, and how quickly. If it has an SOS button, find out who gets the alert and what it shows them.
3. How long does the battery really last?
Ask for real-world battery life, not the best case. How will you know it's running low, and who will charge it every day?
4. What does it cost over two or three years?
Add the device price to every monthly or yearly fee, plus any activation or cancellation fee. Then ask what happens if you stop paying, and whether the device still works if the company closes.
5. Who can see your child's data?
In the US, services aimed at children under 13 must get a parent's permission before collecting their personal information. Since 2013, that has included location, photos and videos.
Wherever you live, read the privacy policy. Is the data sold or shared? Where is it stored? Can you delete it?
6. Can it listen or record?
Some devices include a microphone or listen-in feature. Decide what you're comfortable with, and check your school's rules before you buy.
7. Will your child actually keep it on?
The best device does nothing in a drawer. Is it comfortable? Can your child take it off easily, or lose it? Will it be noticed and removed by someone else? Kids are also much happier wearing something they like the look of.
8. Is it properly certified and supported?
Look for the regulatory marks for your country, such as the UKCA mark in Great Britain, the CE mark in Europe, or an FCC ID in the US. Ask about warranty and software updates.
A device is a backup, not a plan
No device replaces supervision or a child who knows what to do. Start with a lost-child plan, a family code word and your phone number, then choose a device that fits your family.
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Tracker checklist
Compare two trackers side by side: fees, coverage, battery, privacy and the rest.
We're building Mya'Shield, an early alert device designed to tell parents when something seems off, including if it stops moving, isn't being worn or gets too hot. It has safe zones and no-go zones, its own cellular connection with coverage in over 100 countries included, no subscription required and no activation fee.