Parents Urged to Stop Using Tracking Devices on Children During School Trips

Ellen Taylor, head of Whitstable and Seasalter Endowed C of E Primary School in Kent, issued a letter to parents after discovering some had secretly placed digital trackers on students.

She explained that while parents may have good intentions, tracking devices could inadvertently reveal the location of certain children to prohibited individuals, potentially violating court orders or social services protection plans.

School’s Safeguarding Concerns

In her letter, Taylor emphasized that this issue had never arisen in previous years but now required immediate attention.

"This is not permitted or appropriate and poses a safeguarding risk for the whole group. The use of digital tracking is a breach of privacy for other children in the party."

She reassured parents that the school follows strict safeguarding procedures, ensuring that:

• The recommended number of supervising adults is always present;

• All staff members are DBS-checked and trained in child protection;

• Children remain under constant supervision during trip: and

• Any delays in return times are communicated directly to parents.

‘Hinders a Child’s Freedom’

Taylor also expressed concern that constant tracking could limit children’s independence, stating:

"Monitoring every movement hinders a child’s freedom and spirit of adventure."

She acknowledged the popularity of trackers, such as Apple AirTags, which many parents use to monitor their child's whereabouts. A 2019 survey found that 40% of UK parents/guardians used real-time GPS tracking daily, with 15% checking their child’s location constantly.

Despite this, Taylor insisted that tracking devices must not be used on school trips, urging parents to trust the school’s supervision and policies.

Council Supports Ban on Trackers

A Kent County Council spokesperson backed the school’s stance, stating:

"We would not expect trackers to be used for directly supervised visits, such as those carried out by primary schools. Teachers will have carried out risk assessments and have direct control of pupils during school trips."

Small digital trackers, frequently advertised on social media platforms like TikTok, are often marketed as GPS-based but many function via Bluetooth, making them easily accessible to parents.

While Taylor sympathized with parental concerns, she concluded:

"I fully understand that the use of tracking devices is a well-meaning attempt to ensure your child’s safety. However, I hope you can appreciate why we must insist that this does not happen again."

A headteacher has urged parents to stop attaching tracking devices to their children during school outings, warning that it poses a privacy breach and a potential safeguarding risk for other pupils.

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