opinion 15
80% 65%
Yes
20%
62% 35%
38%
Life 360
no Find My
no
Yes
Do BVW Students use a location-tracking app?
Which Location-tracking app do BVW Students use?
Do BVW Students think location-tracking apps are beneficial?
Out of 65 votes. Poll taken on Jillian Dunlay’s Instagram on January 26th, 2020.
Out of 53 votes. Poll taken on Jillian Dunlay’s Instagram on January 23rd, 2020.
Out of 68 votes. Poll taken on Jillian Dunlay’s Instagram on January 23rd, 2020.
Life360 is too much and that parents may lack trust in children,” Garlett said. “For me, [Life360] seems annoying. Some features seem like too much.” Senior Tess Ryan also admits that while parents may view location-tracking apps as a helpful tool, their kids can view it as a way of inhibiting their autonomy. “I think because I’m looking at the app from a different perspective than my parents, I see more negative effects than positive effects. For example, my parents see it as a way to make sure I am where I say I am, [but] I see it as a way to limit my independence,” Ryan said. “I really don’t like people knowing where I am at all times. I get that my parents are worried about me and they want to make sure I’m not doing things I shouldn’t, but I like having the independence to keep track of my own schedule without my parents looking over my shoulder constantly.” Ryan understands that while location-tracking apps can be helpful for parents and children alike, there should still be a shared understanding of respect and privacy between
parent and child to preserve trust.
“I think it’s okay for parents to check in on their kids every so often, but there needs to be mutual trust between family members.”
ryan said
“Families shouldn’t let [location-tracking apps] control their whole day. I think it’s okay for parents to check in on their kids every so often, but there needs to be mutual trust between family members,” Ryan said. “There’s less of a Big Brother type of energy to the
app when you know your parents won’t call you when you’re out with friends because they trust you’re making the right decision. I think the trust can come from seeing that your kid’s telling the truth with time.” Maintaining a good relationship between family members should remain the most important priority when dealing with location-tracking apps like Life360 or Find My. If parents feel the need to install these apps, it’s necessary that they sit down with their children and create guidelines that both the parent and child are comfortable with following. Location-tracking apps can be valuable for parents, especially when dealing with high school students who often have busy schedules. However, it is still essential for parents to understand that their children deserve privacy. After all, allowing a teen to be responsible and make their own decisions without the input of their parents is how they will truly learn to thrive in adulthood.
