Location Tracking Apps

80%

65%

62%

Yes 20%

no Life 360 35%

Find My

Do BVW Students use a location-tracking app?

Out of 65 votes. Poll taken on Jillian Dunlay’s Instagram on January 26th, 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

Which Location-tracking app do BVW Students use?

Out of 53 votes. Poll taken on Jillian Dunlay’s Instagram on January 23rd, 2020.

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

38%

Yes no

Do BVW Students think location-tracking apps are beneficial? Out of 68 votes. Poll taken on Jillian Dunlay’s Instagram on January 23rd, 2020.

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.

best and Worst The best and worst possible Valentine’s Day gifts to avoid or look for this February

Natalie Fiorella managing editor

Abouquet of flowers is a staple Valentine’s Day gift for a good reason. They are relatively inexpensive so they are perfect if you’re on a budget, or if the flowers are one of several gifts. Flowers just say “romance.” (Make sure they are not already wilting before giving them by putting them in a vase of water.) Be sure to find out if the person receiving them is not allergic as well, or else you could be putting your relationship in jeopardy. If you’re feeling like taking a risk, try switching things up and get an Edible Arrangement-they still look just like flowers. If you go with this fruit bouquet, try your best to keep it refrigerated for as long as possible before gifting it.

If flowers seem too impersonal, a super sweet boyfriend or girlfriend would choose a present that lasts longer than a few weeks, like a photo collage. Print out pictures of you and your significant other and put them in a picture frame or on a poster (or whatever arrangement is the easiest to make in only one trip to the nearest Hobby Lobby or Michaels). With a little more planning, beat the procrastination bug by arranging the collage to tell the story of your relationship. Gather photos or memorabilia from every couple of months of your relationship to make a timeline. Cupid couldn’t do a Valentine’s Day gift any better than this personalized one!

Jewelry is a more serious gift, but if you are willing to spend a little more money and take that risk, it’s worth it. To play it safe and avoid wasting money on a gift your sweetheart would never wear, shop for smaller items. For necklaces, look for something with a small charm or pendant. Be cautious when looking for earrings and choose ones that are meant for daily wear, such as studs and small hoops. While rings are a hard gift to go wrong by as long as it’s simple, they require knowing the person’s ring size or an in-person fitting. Rings also tend to signify a long term commitment and might scare people away if they interpret it as a promise ring. Regardless of the type of jewelry though, sterling silver is the easiest and most inexpensive material that also won’t tarnish quickly. While jewelry does take more of an effort, it’s definitely worth it.

The most thoughtful and personal gift is definitely an experience. This does not have to be a mini-vacation or anything expensive, but rather a planned day of each other’s favorite activities and destinations. These places could include each other’s favorite restaurants, the location of your first date or somewhere your sweetheart has always wanted to go to. Believe it or not, there are plenty of places in “the bubble” that could allow for a great trip together, Prairie Fire (for the first time since middle school), Heritage Park, Deanna Rose Farm, the Arboretum, or even a playground. Try also going north of 435 and checking out some of the popular places Kansas City is known for, such as the Nelson Atkins Museum, the Plaza, Downtown Overland Park, Union Station or the Kansas City Zoo.