It’s the concern I hear most often from parents. And it’s understandable. We all want our children safe.
But tracking kids is new. We grew up walking to school and visiting friends without GPS in our pockets.
Now, children are more anxious, distracted and exposed than ever. A smartphone may feel like safety, but in reality it brings far greater dangers.
- The internet in their pocket means the whole world can access them.
- Expensive devices make them targets for theft.
- A recent study showed nearly half of pupils stare at their smartphone while crossing the road.
And the fear of abduction? Statistically, a child would need to be left alone for 26,000 hours to face a 1-in-1,000 chance.
So when parents ask: “What’s the safest option?” my answer is simple:
Give them a basic phone for calls and texts for as long as possible.
Let them build confidence, independence and awareness. In doing so, you’re not just protecting them, you’re giving them freedom, and the gift of a longer, fuller childhood.
