What is an AirTag?
An AirTag is a tracking device developed by Apple to act as a personal object finder. They are about the size of a quarter and are able to track any item you may be concerned you’d lose such as keys, luggage, and more! AirTags launched on April 30th, 2021, and were marketed as, “an accessory that works with iPhone and other Apple devices to track and find important belongings,” however almost instantaneously they caught the eye of an unintended consumer – parents.
Is It Okay To Track Kids With AirTags?
AirTags were never intended and Apple does not advise families to use the personal item tracker to track children or pets or any other person. However, more increasingly stories are reported of AirTags being used to keep watch over little ones on highly trafficked outings where it’s easy to get separated or attach the device to school-aged children’s backpacks.
While the phenomenon of overly cautious parents is not new, having such limitless technology as easily accessible as it is in the day and age of 2022 begs the question, is it ok to track my child? From a concerned parent’s point of view, there is no limit to the amount of precautions one can take to ensure the safety of your child. When pausing to assess the full scope of the benefits and drawbacks, some parents and guardians may reconsider utilizing the new technology as a safety measure. While it is incredibly convenient to have a device that lets you know your child’s bus is a block away, AirTags were not designed to track fast-moving devices and as a result, are not able to provide accurate data and there are often delays.
Tracking Childcare Items With AirTags
With this uptick in usage, we have also seen an ongoing conversation from childcare providers who are finding AirTags on common daily childcare items such as strollers and diaper bags. While everyone understands a parent’s desire to be cautious, we think it’s good to remember that attached to these items you are tracking, are people. It can be quite a shock to find a tracking device on something you have been toting around.
The two biggest reasons being that some may naturally interpret this as a lack of trust in the care they are providing, and second, without prior knowledge that this device is there, a vigilant nanny may find this and assume the worst- that it was placed by a stranger with bad intentions. We recommend that if you are using something like an AirTag to track your stroller or diaper bag, please discuss it with your nanny so everyone is on the same page and there is no unnecessary misunderstanding. Please also make sure you are informed about the safety of tracking tiny humans in this way.
Nannies, AirTags and Clear Communication
Nannies, we see you. We know this topic is coming up a lot. The best way to avoid misunderstandings with Mom Boss and Dad Boss is to open a line of communication. Every successful relationship requires strong communication from all parties! (Psst… parents, that means you too!).
Below are some resources for parents, guardians, and caregivers to read up on using AirTags as part of your childcare routine:
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/02/an-update-on-airtag-and-unwanted-tracking/
https://www.makeuseof.com/should-you-use-airtags-on-children/
https://lifehacker.com/should-you-use-apple-airtags-to-keep-track-of-your-kids-1847752273
At the Nanny Authority, we are committed to staying up to date on everything that matters to our nannies and our families. We love being a resource for you and helping you build those long-lasting, trusting relationships! Looking for more resources on relationship building at work? Check out this oldie but goodie from yours truly here!