Guard a Kid

Any parent with children under the age of ten knows how easy they like to wander off, taken by their own curiosity.  When we were kids, it used to be funny to hear stories about how Dad lost us in the hardware store, or how Mom had to search under all the racks at the clothing store to find us.  However, times have changes, and unfortunately we can’t afford to let our kids accidently wander off.  Too many stories of strangers luring young ones makes us take child safety much more seriously.

The good news is technology has created advancements that allows parents to purchase simple devices that help keep better track of their children.  From a simple locator key chain to actual GPS tracking, parents can take child safety to a new level and keep it affordable.

Small keychain transmitters are available that send a signal to a small receiver attached to a child’s shoe or coat.  Within a 150 feet radius, the parent can push a button that activates a high decibel alert signal within the receiver, drawing attention to the child.  This device is great for public areas that can be more crowded such a mall, airport, or any other large public gathering.  The receiver is disguised within a small plastic teddy bear, making it appear to be part of what the child is wearing, and is easily attached.

A child is reported missing every 40 seconds in the United States according to statistics by the FBI.  Sometimes a parent can’t be too careful, but yet they can’t be with their child every waking minute.  Another great device to keep track of a child that is on the go is a small GPS tracker that slips easily into a pocket.  Zones can be set up that the child will be within, and an alert can be emailed or texted to the parent every time the child leaves or enters the area.  No external connections or antennas are necessary, and the device is typically accurate within 15 feet.  Using a GPS tracker will give the parent the necessary confidence that their child is where they should be.

Child safety is a number one priority for any parent, especially when there is the threat of the unknown.  Taking simple measures and using devices like the ones mentioned will give peace of mind to any anxious parent.

“He was right here a minute ago.”  “I only turned my back for one minute.”  “She never wanders away.”  These excuses and many more often accompany a panicked parent when they discover their child is not at their side.  Children are reported missing every day, making it more important that we keep our eyes on them at all times.

Before the unfortunate happens and you cannot find your child, look to a portable child locator device that acts as a GPS system.  These small but mighty electronics are programmed to your computer within a particular perimeter, allowing the parent to check in on their location at a moment’s notice. This child locator device can also be programmed to send updated texts to your cell phone in order for the child to report in their location easier.

Some devices are waterproof, others are shock resistant.  They are very accurate, with some models able to pinpoint the location within 15 feet.  A panic button is included that allows a child to silently press a button and alert you to their location within seconds. A distress signal is sent to your phone or email, as well as a location beacon on a map.

Child locator devices are readily available, and are another way to provide more accurate security.  Rechargeable batteries make the child locator device always ready, and the small size makes them perfect to take on field trips, family vacations, or any time your child may be away from your home.

As a parent, we all like to think we have eyes in the back of our heads, or at least make our children believe we do.  Our busy lives make it hard to keep a watchful eye on our child every second, and the harsh reality is that a child is reported missing every 40 seconds.  With the assistance of child safety devices, the job of a parent can become a little easier when we can’t be with our child every minute.

There are different child safety devices available that store crucial information about your child.  ID bracelets or devices that attach to key rings house USB keys that provide up to date information.  Current photos, physical descriptions, emergency contact information for parents and daycare providers, medical information such as certain conditions, health insurance information, and more are stored on these small keys that can be instantly inserted into any computer.

Parents can easily obtain kits that assist them in creating these simple child safety devices.  Some allow them to make and store a set of fingerprints.  If a child has serious conditions such as diabetes, allergies, or other serious problems, documentation can be stored that medical personnel can instantly access.  These devices are inexpensive and simple to use, as the kits will simply guide the parent through each step in obtaining information.

Imagine your child gets separated from a school group, or friends at an amusement park.  The information stored on one of these devices will assist law enforcement in helping that child find their parent quickly.  The devices can be worn like a bracelet, or even attached to a ring like a key chain.  They are small an unobtrusive, yet the key making your child safer.  Any parent should consider a child safety device to assist with medical issues, as well as another set of eyes to watch over what means the most to them.