Child and Pet Tracking
Parents and pet owners can now find peace of mind regarding the location of their children and pets. Technology continues to advance each year and this includes tracking devices. The tracking systems are becoming smaller, more efficient, and cost effective.
Dangers surrounding children exist. It is possible for a child to be kidnapped, get lost, or have an accident. It is hard to prevent everything possible from happening to your children. You take precautions in stores, at parks, and on a daily basis. You even teach your children not to approach strangers. However, the PACT or Parents and Children Together Association states an average of 100,000 children go missing in the United Kingdom every year. Basically, about one child every five minutes disappears. Another report from the Missing People Charity says the number of missing children is actually closer to 150,000 each year. Whether you go with the lower statistic or the Missing People Charity the numbers are still high and child’s safety is imperative.
The reports do state that of the children who disappear, the majority are found. The reason these children are found is related to the tracking technology. Shared international databases are used within law enforcement agencies. For example web sites like the Madeleine McCann site appeal to the public and inform them about missing children. The sites also offer ways you can keep track of your child and locate them if something occurs. There are two main methods.
First is the mobile phone. Many children, even young children have mobile phones. It gives the child a way to contact the parent when they need to. For example if school is closed or let out early or they need to stay late a parent can be called. In the mobile phones are GPS devices that the parent can have activated. The costs for this tracking will vary based on the mobile phone company. The downside to the mobile phone is that it can be turned off and thus the tracking will not work. Mobile phones are also a target of theft.
The second option is the radio frequency tags. When a child is abducted speed is imperative. The tags are built into a variety of items like name tags, shoe decorations, etc. These tags are harder to locate and switch off, making it easier for tracking. There is also a panic button or SOS button a child can hit.
Pet Tracking is slightly different than tracking children, but very important. A lost pet is almost like a lost family member. There are micro chips that can be implanted under the pet’s skin. The device has a number associated with it so the pet can be located. The other device for pets is a chip in the collar or the pet tag. They are light weight and easy to use. The pet cannot be harmed by them. Radio frequency or GPS tags are used for pets depending on how much you want to spend.
