Let’s start with the ‘why’
Why should you use a tracking app? Agreed, there are benefits as well as doubts about the use of such apps. Some of the answers that we got after going through websites such as Cellphonetracker.net, quora.com, etc., ranged from: ‘Why not? It allows people to keep an eye on everybody.’, over: ‘Not sure – isn’t it kind of invasive.’, to: ‘It makes sense because people might forget to call or text their whereabouts.’, or: ‘Peace of mind – the best way in which everybody knows about everybody else, including their own location too.’ So that may have been a rather huge melting pot of answers. Perhaps the best way to then address this question is to get into specifics and check out the Family Tracker iPhone app and the information surrounding such mobile apps.
Permission
One of the biggest points of debate as far as tracking apps are concerned is the invasiveness of it all. This is true especially for mobile apps that are installed in secret – when the user of the cell phone is not aware that their phone is being tracked by someone else. Sure it is possible to install such apps without being detected, and the guide above explains it, but to play safe, it’s always best to ask for consent. With the Family Tracker app, you remove this concern right away. Every member in your group knows that their phone is being tracked. As a parent, you may need to explain the reasons for this to your children. But once the right information has been given in the right manner, you can certainly get everybody involved in the eco-system of safety.
Remote access
The simplest way in which you can track the location or status of an individual is to call them. But what if they do not pick up the phone? Or the phone is set on silent? What if text messages go unanswered? And what if, genuinely, the person does not want to be disturbed at that time? Your concern does not go away because you have no idea of why an individual is unreachable. Here is where the app can help out. You can check the location on a map. You can even activate an alarm on the phone from a remote location. You can also maintain data on the routes taken by an individual in the recent past – called GPS breadcrumbs. These are all immensely useful.
Tracking
Family Tracker has been used in several cases. Worried parents have been able to find children who have gone missing. In fact, tracking apps have allowed people to keep track of each other even during natural disasters when everything is asunder. It all starts with you giving permission for the app to be installed on your phone. So how does it work? How can you use it? As long as a phone is running the app, it can be tracked. Now here is the important thing to remember – the app can help only as long as it is running on the phone. Unfortunately, when someone gets abducted, probably the very first thing that happens is the kidnapper takes away their phone, dismantles the battery and throws it all away. Or simply destroys the phone. But the Family Tracker app can help pinpoint the last known location of the phone. This can prove to be a serious game-changer in such an unfortunate scenario. Being able to get quickly to the last known location is one of the most effective ways in which to start a hunt for a missing child, isn’t it?
Geofencing
The app allows you to be notified via email or text. You can also use this app to set up limits or boundaries. Simply put – you can set a geographical area for each device and get notified if the device is entering or leaving this area. These notifications are real-time and can be a big advantage indeed. All you have to do is use your web browser and check out all the information you need for the location of a loved one. Finally, it is important to educate young children and teenagers about the necessity for such an app. If there is one ‘demographic’ that will have the most objection to this app, it is the teenager who really does not want to be tracked. Involve them in the setting of the app and tell them exactly why it is good for their safety and you will have a smoother run. Featured photo credit: Barnimages via barnimages.com
