According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an average of 2000 children are reported missing each day. This statistic is alarming and makes me seriously consider the various technology available to track our children. Some parents may find this appalling but, the fact is, our children could be at risk. Why wouldn't we take advantage of technology that could ensure their safety?
According to Reuters, Mexican security firm, Xega, is now implanting GPS tracking devices into individuals fearful of kidnapping, which has become rampant in several parts of the country. The chip, the size and shape of a rice grain, is injected with a syringe into the arm between the skin and muscle so it cannot be seen. If the person is kidnapped they press a panic button on an external device to alert Xega, the police are notified and the person can be pinpointed via satellite. The company reports 2000 clients have paid the $4,000 upfront fee plus an annual fee of $2,200 to ensure the safety of their family.
For parents looking for security but not interested in Xega's extreme and costly solution, there are other less expensive technologies that can help. For instance, you might be familiar with BrickHouse security through their new advertising campaign in partnership with Duracell.
The device featured in this commercial is the BrickHouse Child Locator which is a Homing Tag which can be attached to a child to alert you when they leave the safety zone and then lead you to their location. This device is $190.
BrickHouse also offers the The Livewire FastTrac, a GPS tracking device with nationwide coverage and a Web-based tracking system so you can watch the movement of the device and even zoom in on the map for an exact location. The Livewire is $400.
If your child already has a cell phone on which they can access GoogleMaps, there is a new solution which is no cost to you. Last week Google announced the launch of Latitude to its mobile maps service. The application enables individuals to share their location with friends and family.
While this application is stirring up some privacy controversy, it could be ideal for parents of young children that can be convinced to "opt-in" to the program. However, once they hit the teen years and want their privacy, it could become a source of tension.
As a new parent living in a huge city, I would like some sense of security but I think the implant is taking it a bit too far. For the $200 investment, I will likely start with the BrickHouse Child Locator to ensure that whether in the park or in the apartment building, I can find my child in a moment's notice.
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