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Wandering Kids' Parents Get High-Tech Help

GPS, alarms, other safety measures can't top common sense

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 22, 2009 9:47 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Some 90% of families lose their kids briefly in public places, and more and more are turning to new methods of preventing major mishaps, the Baltimore Sun reports. Some parents track kids with GPS; others use watches that give off loud alarms. Lower-tech temporary tattoos that show parents’ phone numbers have also taken off. Still, “nothing takes the place of supervising kids,” says a safety expert.

The inventor of clip-on tags bearing phone numbers said some users got lazy about supervision. “I found parents who would stick the tag on their kids and say, 'Everything's cool,'” she said. “I say this: You might install LoJack on your car, but you don't then leave it in an unsafe place with the doors open.” Says the expert: “The most important thing is keeping an eye on them at all times.”

500,000 SafetyTats have been sold.
500,000 SafetyTats have been sold.   (SafetyTat.com)
Supervision comes first, experts say.
Supervision comes first, experts say.   (Shutterstock)
Many families experience a brief separation from kids in public places.
Many families experience a brief separation from kids in public places.   (AP Photo/Cedar Point)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Observer
Jun 22, 2009 4:19 AM CDT
How about GPS for wandering spouses?

Dads diving into parenting
Arizona Republic (Phoenix)

Technology • Health • US

 
parenting • children • tattoos • GPS • child safety • parental supervision

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