Game On: Child Safety and Location Tracking in Gaming

Children's safety is a very important thing nowadays. One in seven children who use the internet regularly receives sexual solicitations or approaches. About 37% of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have been bullied online. This bullying can occur in gaming environments, where anonymity can embolden negative behavior.

Parents' worries about their children's safety while gaming are connected with a lot of issues: exposure, inappropriate content, physical and mental health implications. Here free phone number tracker apps can help.

a teenage boy playing a computer game in a cozy room. The background shows his mother standing at the door, smiling and watching him with a caring expression.

Location Tracking Technology: An Overview

  1. GPS (Global Positioning System):

  • Mechanism: GPS relies on a network of satellites orbiting the Earth. A GPS receiver in a device calculates its location by triangulating signals from at least four of these satellites.

  • Accuracy: GPS provides high accuracy in open outdoor environments within a few meters.

  • Usage: navigation apps, outdoor gaming, fitness tracking.

  1. Wi-Fi Positioning:

  • Mechanism: Wi-Fi positioning works by identifying and measuring the signal strengths of nearby Wi-Fi networks. This data is then compared to a database of known Wi-Fi networks to determine the device’s location.

  • Accuracy: Wi-Fi positioning is useful indoors where GPS signals are weak or unavailable. Its accuracy is within several meters.

  • Usage: indoor navigation apps and augmented reality games that require indoor positioning.

  1. Bluetooth Tracking:

  • Mechanism: Bluetooth tracking utilizes Bluetooth beacons, which emit signals detected by a device’s Bluetooth receiver. The device’s location is determined based on proximity to these beacons.

  • Accuracy: Bluetooth tracking has high accuracy within a short range (a few centimeters to a few meters).

  • Usage: proximity-based games, indoor navigation, location-based marketing.

How Location Tracking is Integrated into Mobile and Console Games

Augmented Reality (AR) Games:

Example: Pokémon GO

Integration: These games use GPS to place virtual objects in real-world locations. Players must physically move to these locations to interact with the virtual objects.

Geocaching and Treasure Hunt Games:

Example: Geocaching, Munzee

Integration: These games rely on GPS to hide and find virtual or physical items at specific coordinates. Players use the app to reach these coordinates and participate in treasure hunts or scavenger hunts.

Fitness and Adventure Games:

Example: Zombies, Run!, The Walk

Integration: These apps use GPS and sometimes Wi-Fi to track players’ real-world movement. The game narratives unfold based on the distance and routes taken.

Safety and Monitoring Features:

Example: Number Tracker, FamiSafe

Integration: These apps use GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to track a child's location in real-time. Their features of geofencing, location history and emergency alerts make it possible for parents to monitor their children's safety.

Console Games with Companion Apps:

Example: PlayStation’s Second Screen, Xbox SmartGlass

Integration: Some console games use companion mobile apps that integrate location tracking. These apps can enhance gameplay by providing additional context, maps, and real-world activities linked to in-game events.

More about Safety Features 

Real-Time Location Alerts

The game or app continuously tracks the child’s location using GPS, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. This data is updated in real-time and sent to the parent's device.

Parents receive instant notifications on their smartphones if the child moves to a different location. These alerts can be customized to include specific areas of interest, e.g., home, school or playgrounds.

Benefits:

  • Immediate Awareness: Parents are constantly aware of their child's whereabouts.

  • Quick Response: In case of any unexpected movements, parents can quickly respond and contact their child or take necessary actions.

Geofencing

Parents define safe zones within the app, e.g., the child's school, home or a friend's house. The app uses GPS to monitor the child's location relative to these zones. The app sends notifications to the parents when the child enters or leaves a geofenced area.

Benefits:

  • Enhanced Safety: Ensures that children stay within designated safe areas.

  • Peace of Mind: Parents are reassured knowing they will be alerted if their child strays from safe zones.

  • Customizable Boundaries: Geofences can be easily adjusted to adapt to changing routines or locations.

SOS Features

The child can trigger an SOS alert through the app by pressing a specific button or performing a predefined action. An immediate alert is sent to the parents and, optionally, to other emergency contacts. The alert includes the child's current location and any other relevant information.

Benefits:

  • Quick Assistance: Ensures that children can quickly signal for help if they feel threatened or find themselves in an emergency.

  • Increased Security: Provides more security.

  • Direct Communication: Some apps allow for instant communication through the SOS feature.

Activity Monitoring

The app records the child's location data over time. Parents can review this log to see where their child has been, how much time they spent in different locations, and any unusual patterns.

Benefits:

  • Behavior: It helps parents to detect any deviations or potential issues.

  • Preventive Measures: Parents can take preventive measures if they notice their child spending time in unsafe or unexpected areas.

smiling father hugging his young daughter in a cozy living room. The father is dressed casually, and the daughter has a joyful expression.

Advice for Parents

  1. Always select location tracking apps from reputable developers with positive reviews and a proven track record of data security.

  2. Thoroughly read the app’s privacy policy to understand how your child's data will be collected, used and stored. Make sure that the app adheres to strict data protection standards.

  3. Use apps that offer encryption for data transmission and storage. Encryption ensures that your child's location data is protected from unauthorized access.

  4. Keep the app and your device’s operating system updated to protect against security vulnerabilities. Developers frequently release updates to enhance security features.

  5. Utilize parental controls provided by the app to manage who can access your child's location data. Restrict access to trusted people only.

  6. Discuss the use of location tracking with your child. Explain the reasons for using the app and how it can keep them safe. 

  7. Establish clear boundaries regarding when and where location tracking will be used. Respect your child's privacy and independence within safe limits.

  8. Implement geofencing features to create safe zones but avoid excessive monitoring. Set alerts for key locations rather than tracking every movement.

  9. Trust your child to make safe decisions and only intervene when necessary.

Safe Gaming

Tracking services make our lives easier in many ways, including ensuring the protection of people, especially children. Parents can now be with them even without being physically close. However, everything has its downsides. So, it is important not to neglect the wishes of your children, listen to them and talk to them. Explain to them that even during games they should remember their safety and let them feel protected thanks to you.