Half of Parents Across the Country Are Tracking Their Adult Children’s Location
Researchers said more than two-thirds of parents who track keep the feature always on, often to reassure themselves about safety.
- A new poll published Monday by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health found that more than half of parents track the location of their young adult children, ages 18 to 25.
- While 68% of parents track to ease worries, about 25% report the monitoring fuels anxiety rather than reassurance, according to Mott Poll Co-Director Sarah Clark, who noted 64% track in case of emergencies.
- More than two-thirds of parents who track keep the feature 'always on,' experts warn, and constant monitoring can lead to micromanagement. "Tracking your young adult's location and then using it as a way to micromanage their life" signals difficulty transitioning to parenting an adult, Clark said.
- Temple University professor Laurence Steinberg noted that young adulthood is a critical period for autonomy, while CNN contributor Kara Alaimo urged parents to treat adult children as adults, warning that constant surveillance can facilitate unhealthy relationships.
- Instead of surveillance, experts suggest families negotiate occasional check-ins rather than relying on constant monitoring. "Parents can reflect on how it feels to have their own location visible to someone else," Clark said, noting open communication strengthens trust as young adults gain independence.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Most Parents Tracking Young Adults: Poll
A majority of parents are tracking the location of their young adult children, according to a poll released on June 15. Fifty-two percent of parents told the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health that they are tracking the location of their children aged 18 to 25. The tracking was being carried out with a phone or any device described as similar to a phone. Tracking was more common among parents of adults aged 18 to 20…
Half of parents across the country are tracking their adult children’s location
Parents keeping tabs on their kids isnt new but according to a new study, a growing number are doing so even after their children turn 18.The study from C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital surveyed more than 1,500 families and found that over half of parents digitally track the location of their children ages 18 to 25.Most parents said location sharing gives them peace of mind or helps in case of emergencies. The survey also found that nearly all paren…
Most parents track their 18- to 25-year-old kids on their smartphones. Is it healthy?
A new survey from the University of Michigan asks parents about their use of technology to track their adult children, ages 18-25, including using "always on" location tracking on their smartphones.
Constant digital tracking of young adults backfires, fueling parental anxiety
Built-in smartphone apps and location sharing features allow parents to see where their children are at any moment: Did they arrive safely? Are they where they said they'd be? How far away are they if there's an emergency?
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
