{"id":47596,"date":"2026-08-25T03:11:53","date_gmt":"2026-08-25T03:11:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/?p=47596"},"modified":"2026-08-25T03:18:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-25T03:18:42","slug":"why-uae-mothers-are-turning-to-airtags-for-added-peace-of-mind-while-their-children-are-at-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/25\/why-uae-mothers-are-turning-to-airtags-for-added-peace-of-mind-while-their-children-are-at-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Why UAE Mothers Are Turning to AirTags for Added Peace of Mind While Their Children Are at School."},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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AirTags are offering parents an additional way to monitor their children\u2019s movements throughout the school day, providing reassurance and peace of mind. However, a Dubai-based specialist cautions that depending heavily on location tracking may also create anxiety and affect a child\u2019s sense of independence.<\/h3>

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AirTags become a source of reassurance for some UAE parents<\/h3>

For some mothers across the UAE, Apple’s AirTags have become an increasingly popular way to stay informed about their children’s whereabouts during school-related travel. Small enough to fit inside a backpack or attach to a wristband, the tracking devices are being used by some families during bus journeys, school trips and other situations where children are away from their parents for several hours.<\/p>

For these parents, the main attraction is often reassurance rather than an intention to keep track of every movement a child makes throughout the day. Sending a young child to school independently can be an emotional experience, particularly during the first year of education. The anxiety can become stronger when a child is travelling on a school bus without a parent accompanying them.<\/p>

Some mothers say having an AirTag with their child’s belongings gives them a way to check whether the child has left school or is approaching home. For parents who are still adjusting to their children becoming more independent, that information can provide a sense of comfort.<\/p>

The use of such devices has also become part of a wider conversation among parents about how technology can be used to balance children’s safety with their growing independence.<\/p>

The first school year can be the hardest<\/h3>

For many parents, concerns about tracking appear to be strongest when a child first begins school.<\/p>

The transition from being under constant parental supervision to spending much of the day at school can be challenging. Children may need to travel by bus, participate in activities away from the classroom and become familiar with routines that their parents cannot directly observe.<\/p>

One mother, Mariam, said she decided to put an AirTag in her daughter’s school bag when the child was in KG1.<\/p>

Her primary concern was the school bus journey. Having a way to check the device’s location helped reduce some of the worry she experienced when her daughter was travelling without her.<\/p>

Rather than wanting to know what her daughter was doing at every point during the school day, Mariam said the device gave her reassurance that the child had left school and was making her way home.<\/p>

This distinction is important for many parents who use tracking technology. The intention may be less about surveillance and more about managing the uncertainty that comes with allowing a young child to travel independently.<\/p>

Parents describe a gradual change in anxiety<\/h3>

Some mothers say the need for constant reassurance tends to be strongest with their first child.<\/p>

Fatima, another parent who shared her experience, said she believed the concern was often greater when families were going through the experience for the first time.<\/p>

As parents become more familiar with school routines, bus services and their children’s ability to manage daily activities, some of the initial anxiety may naturally decrease.<\/p>

The first school year can involve numerous unknowns. Parents may be unfamiliar with the bus route, the timing of pickup and drop-off, and how their child will respond to travelling without them.<\/p>

With experience, those uncertainties can become easier to manage.<\/p>

For some families, an AirTag is therefore seen as a temporary support during the adjustment period rather than something that necessarily needs to remain part of a child’s routine indefinitely.<\/p>

Some parents attach AirTags to clothing or wristbands<\/h3>

Parents are using different approaches when deciding where to keep the device.<\/p>

Some place AirTags inside school backpacks, where they remain with the child’s belongings throughout the day. Others attach them to wristbands or similar accessories so the device stays physically closer to the child.<\/p>

Noor, for example, said she placed an AirTag on her son’s wrist when he was in his first year of school and intends to use one again during the current academic year.<\/p>

For parents who are concerned about a child accidentally leaving a backpack behind, keeping the device closer to the child may appear to offer an additional layer of reassurance.<\/p>

The choice of placement can also depend on how a child travels to school and what activities they participate in. A child who regularly uses a school bus or attends field trips may spend significant periods away from direct parental supervision.<\/p>

School buses are a major concern<\/h3>

Transportation appears to be one of the main reasons some parents choose to use tracking devices.<\/p>

School buses can involve long journeys, multiple stops and periods when parents have no direct contact with their children. For younger students, travelling without a parent can be a major step towards independence.<\/p>

An AirTag cannot replace the supervision provided by school staff, bus attendants or drivers. However, some parents see the technology as an additional way to confirm that their child’s belongings, and potentially the child travelling with them, are following the expected journey.<\/p>

Aisha, another mother, said she found the device useful because her child regularly travels by school bus and also participates in school trips.<\/p>

For such families, the appeal is connected to the child’s routine rather than an attempt to monitor every activity. Knowing that the child is travelling with the expected group or has reached a destination can provide emotional reassurance.<\/p>

Field trips create another concern<\/h3>

School excursions can also encourage parents to consider location-tracking technology.<\/p>

Field trips often take children away from their familiar school environment. Students may travel to museums, activity centres, parks or other destinations as part of their education.<\/p>

Although schools generally have procedures for supervising students during excursions, some parents still experience anxiety when their children are away from home and school for an extended period.<\/p>

For parents who already use an AirTag, leaving the device with a child during a trip can provide an additional source of reassurance.<\/p>

However, it is important for parents to understand what the technology can and cannot do. An AirTag is designed primarily to help people locate personal belongings, rather than function as a dedicated child-monitoring system.<\/p>

AirTags were designed for belongings<\/h3>

Apple markets AirTags as devices for finding personal items such as keys, bags and other belongings. They are not presented as dedicated child-safety or personal-tracking products.<\/p>

That distinction matters when parents decide whether to use the devices with children.<\/p>

An AirTag can be useful in certain circumstances, but it should not be treated as a replacement for proper supervision, communication or established school safety procedures.<\/p>

Parents considering an AirTag for school travel may therefore view it as an additional tool rather than the main method of keeping a child safe.<\/p>

The technology can potentially provide information about the location of an item, but it does not remove the need for schools and transport providers to maintain appropriate safeguarding measures.<\/p>

Technology and parental peace of mind<\/h3>

The popularity of tracking devices among some parents reflects a broader trend in which technology is being used to reduce uncertainty in everyday family life.<\/p>

Parents can now use smartphones and connected devices to stay informed about a variety of activities, from school transportation to family travel.<\/p>

For some families, this connectivity can be comforting. For others, it may raise questions about whether constant access to location information encourages excessive monitoring.<\/p>

The difference may depend on how the technology is used.<\/p>

Checking occasionally to confirm that a child has reached school or is on the expected journey home is different from repeatedly checking their location throughout the day.<\/p>

The former may provide reassurance during a period of adjustment, while the latter could potentially increase parental anxiety by encouraging constant checking.<\/p>

Finding the balance between safety and independence<\/h3>

As children grow older, developing independence becomes an important part of their education and personal development.<\/p>

Parents naturally want to protect their children, but children also need opportunities to learn how to navigate situations independently, make decisions and develop confidence.<\/p>

Location tracking can create a tension between these two priorities.<\/p>

A parent may feel more comfortable knowing where a child is, while the child may eventually feel that being tracked limits their privacy or independence.<\/p>

This is particularly relevant as children become older and more capable of travelling independently.<\/p>

The way parents introduce tracking technology can therefore influence how children understand its purpose. Explaining that the device is being used for reassurance and safety rather than constant surveillance may help establish clearer expectations.<\/p>

An emotional safety net for parents<\/h3>

For some mothers, the value of an AirTag is largely psychological.<\/p>

The device may not be needed in an emergency, but simply knowing that it is there can make the transition to school life feel less stressful.<\/p>

This can be particularly meaningful during the early weeks of a new academic year, when parents and children are adapting to new schedules, classrooms, teachers and transportation arrangements.<\/p>

A small tracking device can become something of an emotional safety net for parents who are struggling with the uncertainty of letting their children travel without them.<\/p>

The technology may provide a quick way to check whether a child is moving along an expected route, which can help some parents resist the urge to call or message the child repeatedly.<\/p>

But reassurance can have another side<\/h3>

While location tracking can reduce anxiety in the short term, relying on it too heavily may have the opposite effect for some parents.<\/p>

Having constant access to location information can create an incentive to check repeatedly. Instead of reducing worry, frequent checking may make parents more sensitive to small delays or unexpected changes in a child’s journey.<\/p>

A bus that stops for several minutes longer than expected, for example, could lead a parent to become concerned even when there is no actual problem.<\/p>

This is one reason specialists often emphasise the importance of considering how tracking technology is used rather than simply whether it is used.<\/p>

The goal should be to support safety and reassurance without allowing technology to become a source of additional stress.<\/p>

A changing approach as children grow<\/h3>

The reasons for using a tracking device can change as a child gets older.<\/p>

A device may feel appropriate to some parents when a child is very young and travelling independently for the first time. As the child becomes more confident, parents may decide that they no longer need to check their location regularly.<\/p>

The transition can be gradual.<\/p>

Parents might initially use the device during school bus journeys and later reduce how often they check it. Eventually, they may decide that their child’s increasing independence makes continuous tracking unnecessary.<\/p>

This approach can allow families to use technology as a temporary support rather than making it a permanent part of the child’s daily life.<\/p>

Parents are weighing convenience against privacy<\/h3>

The growing use of AirTags in school settings also raises broader questions about privacy.<\/p>

Children have their own developing sense of personal space and independence. While young children may not fully understand location tracking, older students may have stronger opinions about whether their movements should be monitored.<\/p>

Parents therefore face a balance between their responsibility to protect their children and their responsibility to encourage healthy independence.<\/p>

Open conversations can help families establish reasonable boundaries.<\/p>

Parents can explain why a device is being used, when they may check its location and what circumstances would justify contacting the child.<\/p>

Such discussions can help ensure that the technology remains focused on safety rather than becoming a tool for constant supervision.<\/p>

Tracking should not replace communication<\/h3>

An important consideration for families is that technology cannot replace direct communication.<\/p>

Children still need to know how to contact their parents, teachers or other trusted adults if something goes wrong.<\/p>

Parents can also establish simple routines for school travel, such as agreeing on when a child should call after arriving home or what to do if a bus is delayed.<\/p>

These measures can provide reassurance without requiring parents to continuously monitor a device.<\/p>

For younger children, learning basic safety procedures and knowing who to approach for help can be just as important as having access to location technology.<\/p>

The role of schools and transport providers<\/h3>

Responsibility for student safety does not rest solely with parents.<\/p>

Schools and transportation providers have their own procedures for supervising children, managing school buses and responding to emergencies.<\/p>

Parents who use tracking devices should therefore continue to rely on official school communication and established safety systems.<\/p>

An AirTag can be considered an additional tool, but it does not provide the same safeguards as trained staff, authorised transportation services and school policies.<\/p>

The most effective approach is likely to involve several layers of protection, with technology supplementing rather than replacing existing safety arrangements.<\/p>

A growing conversation among UAE families<\/h3>

The experiences shared by UAE mothers illustrate how parents are adapting consumer technology to address everyday concerns.<\/p>

For some, an AirTag provides comfort during a child’s first school year. For others, it is useful because their children regularly travel by bus or participate in excursions.<\/p>

The motivations may differ from one family to another, but the underlying concern is similar: parents want reassurance when their children are away from them.<\/p>

At the same time, the growing use of location devices highlights the need to think carefully about the psychological impact of constant connectivity.<\/p>

Technology can make parents feel more informed, but more information does not always mean less anxiety.<\/p>

Using technology thoughtfully<\/h3>

For families considering an AirTag, the key question may not simply be whether the device can track a child’s location, but how that information will be used.<\/p>

Occasional checks may provide reassurance during a new stage of independence. Constant monitoring, however, could potentially make it harder for both parents and children to develop confidence in independent travel.<\/p>

Parents may therefore benefit from establishing clear boundaries around the use of tracking technology.<\/p>

As children grow more comfortable with school routines, those boundaries can be adjusted to give them greater independence.<\/p>

A tool, not a substitute for safety<\/h3>

AirTags can provide some parents with peace of mind, particularly when children are travelling independently for the first time. Their small size and ability to remain with a child’s belongings make them convenient for families who want an additional layer of reassurance.<\/p>

However, they were designed as item-finding devices rather than specialist child-safety products.<\/p>

For that reason, parents should view them as one possible tool within a much broader safety framework.<\/p>

School supervision, responsible transportation services, communication between parents and children, and age-appropriate independence all remain important.<\/p>

For many UAE mothers, the appeal of an AirTag appears to lie in the reassurance it provides during moments when letting go can feel difficult. As children become more confident and families become more familiar with school routines, that reassurance may become less necessary.<\/p>

Ultimately, the challenge for parents is to find a healthy balance: using technology when it genuinely supports safety and peace of mind, while also allowing children the freedom to build confidence and independence as they grow.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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When tracking creates a false sense of security<\/h3>

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While location-tracking devices can provide reassurance to parents, some specialists believe their growing use can also reveal a deeper concern about parental anxiety and the desire to maintain constant oversight of children.<\/p>

Dr Alexandre Machado, Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist and advanced neuromodulation specialist at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, has raised concerns about the increasing tendency to use tracking technology as part of everyday parenting.<\/p>

According to Dr Machado, parents need to distinguish between genuine safety measures and technology that primarily serves to reduce their own discomfort when their children are out of sight.<\/p>

He argues that children should not be treated as objects whose movements need to be monitored continuously. His concern is that excessive tracking could interfere with one of the most important parts of childhood development: learning to become increasingly independent.<\/p>

The difference between protection and control<\/h3>

Parents naturally want to protect their children. Knowing where a child is can feel comforting, especially when the child is young or travelling without a parent for the first time.<\/p>

However, Dr Machado believes there is an important difference between reasonable protection and constant surveillance.<\/p>

Parents may begin using a tracking device because they want to make sure their child reaches school safely. Over time, however, the technology can make it tempting to check the child’s location repeatedly.<\/p>

A parent may start by checking once during a school bus journey and eventually find themselves looking at the location several times throughout the day.<\/p>

According to the specialist, this behaviour can become part of a cycle in which technology temporarily reduces anxiety but ultimately encourages more monitoring.<\/p>

The parent feels reassured after checking the location, but when another moment of uncertainty appears, they may feel the need to check again.<\/p>

In this way, the technology may provide immediate comfort without addressing the underlying worry.<\/p>

Children need room to develop confidence<\/h3>

One of Dr Machado’s central concerns is the impact that excessive supervision can have on a child’s development.<\/p>

Growing up involves gradually learning how to manage situations without constant assistance from parents.<\/p>

Children need opportunities to make small decisions, encounter manageable difficulties and discover that they are capable of dealing with unexpected situations.<\/p>

This does not mean that children should be placed in genuinely dangerous circumstances. Appropriate supervision remains essential, particularly for younger children.<\/p>

The concern arises when monitoring continues at a level that is unnecessary for the child’s age and environment.<\/p>

If parents are constantly checking where a child is, the child may have fewer opportunities to experience ordinary independence.<\/p>

Over time, this could affect how confidently they approach unfamiliar situations.<\/p>

Learning through small mistakes<\/h3>

Making minor mistakes is a normal part of childhood.<\/p>

A child may forget something at school, take slightly longer to reach a meeting point or need to work out how to solve a small problem without immediately receiving help.<\/p>

These experiences can teach children valuable skills.<\/p>

They learn how to assess situations, make decisions, ask for assistance when necessary and recover from setbacks.<\/p>

Dr Machado’s concern is that excessive parental monitoring can reduce opportunities for such experiences.<\/p>

If a parent is always able to see where a child is and intervene at the first sign of something unexpected, the child may have fewer chances to develop their own problem-solving abilities.<\/p>

The objective of parenting, he suggests, should not be to eliminate every moment of uncertainty from a child’s life.<\/p>

Instead, parents should gradually help children develop the skills needed to manage uncertainty themselves.<\/p>

The message children may receive<\/h3>

Another concern raised by Dr Machado relates to the message that constant tracking can communicate to a child.<\/p>

Even when parents do not intend to undermine their child’s confidence, continuous monitoring could potentially suggest that the child is not capable of managing independently.<\/p>

A child may begin to believe that they require constant oversight because their parent does not fully trust their ability to cope.<\/p>

Similarly, repeated tracking can unintentionally reinforce the idea that the world outside the home is always dangerous.<\/p>

For children who are developing their understanding of risk, such messages can influence how they view unfamiliar environments.<\/p>

If ordinary activities are consistently treated as potential emergencies, children may become more cautious or anxious about situations that they could otherwise learn to handle comfortably.<\/p>

The anxiety cycle<\/h3>

Parents often turn to tracking technology because they are worried about something happening to their child.<\/p>

That concern is understandable. News reports, social media discussions and stories shared within parent communities can sometimes make dangers feel more immediate and widespread.<\/p>

Technology then appears to offer a solution because it provides access to information.<\/p>

However, having more information does not necessarily eliminate anxiety.<\/p>

In some cases, it can create new reasons to worry.<\/p>

A parent who can see a child’s location may notice that the vehicle has stopped unexpectedly, that a journey is taking longer than expected or that the device appears to be somewhere different from the usual route.<\/p>

Without additional context, these details can cause unnecessary concern.<\/p>

A situation that would previously have gone unnoticed may suddenly become a reason to check, call or intervene.<\/p>

This can make the parent increasingly dependent on the technology for reassurance.<\/p>

Safety versus emotional reassurance<\/h3>

Dr Machado’s argument is not that parents should ignore legitimate safety concerns.<\/p>

Instead, he encourages families to consider the reason behind their decision to use a tracker.<\/p>

If there is a specific and credible threat, parents may reasonably take additional precautions.<\/p>

The situation can also be different for children living in environments where there are serious and unusual safety risks.<\/p>

In those circumstances, tracking may form part of a broader safety strategy.<\/p>

The concern is greatest when tracking becomes routine despite there being no particular threat.<\/p>

In a generally safe environment, Dr Machado believes parents should ask themselves whether the device is primarily protecting the child or helping the parent manage their own anxiety.<\/p>

That distinction can be difficult to recognise.<\/p>

A parent may sincerely believe that tracking is entirely about safety while also experiencing significant emotional relief whenever they check the device.<\/p>

The UAE context<\/h3>

The discussion is particularly relevant in the UAE, where many families live in environments that are generally considered secure and where schools and transport providers have established systems for supervising children.<\/p>

Parents may still worry about school buses, traffic, field trips and other situations in which they cannot physically see their children.<\/p>

However, Dr Machado argues that the existence of uncertainty does not automatically mean that constant monitoring is necessary.<\/p>

Parents can rely on established school procedures, transportation systems and communication channels while gradually allowing children to develop confidence.<\/p>

For younger children, appropriate adult supervision remains essential. As children become older and demonstrate greater responsibility, however, the level of direct oversight can be adjusted.<\/p>

Building independence gradually<\/h3>

Independence does not happen overnight.<\/p>

A child who has always relied heavily on parental monitoring may need time to become comfortable travelling, making decisions and managing small challenges independently.<\/p>

Parents can support this process by giving children responsibilities that are appropriate for their age.<\/p>

For example, a child might gradually be encouraged to remember personal belongings, communicate when they arrive at a destination or solve simple problems without immediate parental intervention.<\/p>

These experiences can help children understand that they are capable of handling everyday situations.<\/p>

Tracking technology does not necessarily prevent independence, but the way parents use it can influence how much freedom a child experiences.<\/p>

A device that is rarely checked may simply provide a backup layer of reassurance. A device that is monitored continuously could become part of a much more restrictive parenting pattern.<\/p>

Parents may need to manage their own discomfort<\/h3>

Allowing children greater freedom can be emotionally difficult for parents.<\/p>

A parent may know rationally that a child is ready to take a small step towards independence while still feeling nervous about allowing it.<\/p>

That discomfort is not necessarily a sign that something is wrong.<\/p>

In many cases, anxiety is a natural part of parenting.<\/p>

The challenge is deciding whether the anxiety should determine how much freedom the child receives.<\/p>

Dr Machado’s perspective suggests that parents may sometimes need to tolerate a degree of uncertainty rather than immediately using technology to eliminate it.<\/p>

The uncomfortable feeling of not knowing exactly where a child is every minute can be part of the process of allowing that child to grow.<\/p>

A changing relationship with technology<\/h3>

Modern technology has made it easier than ever to monitor family members.<\/p>

Smartphones, location-sharing services and wearable devices can provide information almost instantly.<\/p>

These tools can be useful in appropriate circumstances, but their availability can also change expectations.<\/p>

Parents may begin to feel that they should always know where their children are because the technology makes that possible.<\/p>

Previous generations had fewer ways to monitor children’s movements, and families often relied on agreed schedules, phone calls and trust.<\/p>

The existence of new technology does not necessarily mean that every available feature needs to be used continuously.<\/p>

Parents can decide where technology genuinely adds value and where it may simply increase their own dependence on reassurance.<\/p>

Developing trust<\/h3>

Trust is another important part of childhood development.<\/p>

Children need to understand that their parents believe they are capable of learning and making responsible decisions.<\/p>

That trust develops gradually through experience.<\/p>

When children are given reasonable responsibilities and demonstrate that they can handle them, parents can increase their freedom.<\/p>

Constant monitoring may complicate this process if the child feels that their movements are always being checked.<\/p>

For some families, reducing monitoring gradually may therefore be an important step towards building mutual trust.<\/p>

This does not mean abandoning safety rules. Instead, it means allowing children to demonstrate what they can do while maintaining appropriate boundaries.<\/p>

Not every risk can be removed<\/h3>

One of the realities of parenting is that it is impossible to eliminate every potential risk.<\/p>

Children will eventually encounter unfamiliar situations, make mistakes and experience disappointments.<\/p>

Trying to remove every possibility of difficulty may prevent them from developing the resilience required to deal with those experiences.<\/p>

Dr Machado’s concern is that constant tracking can contribute to an unrealistic expectation that parents should always know what is happening and intervene before a problem develops.<\/p>

A healthier approach may involve teaching children how to respond when something does go wrong.<\/p>

Knowing whom to contact, how to ask for help and how to remain calm can be more valuable in the long term than simply knowing that a parent can see their location.<\/p>

A balanced approach<\/h3>

The discussion does not have to be reduced to a simple choice between tracking and not tracking.<\/p>

Families have different circumstances, and what works for one child may not be appropriate for another.<\/p>

Age, maturity, travel arrangements and the local environment can all influence decisions about supervision.<\/p>

Parents can therefore consider using tracking technology selectively.<\/p>

A device might be used during a long school excursion or an unfamiliar journey while being unnecessary during ordinary daily routines.<\/p>

Families can also establish boundaries around when location information will be checked.<\/p>

Such an approach may allow parents to benefit from technology without allowing it to become a constant source of reassurance.<\/p>

The importance of age and maturity<\/h3>

A five-year-old travelling on a school bus is in a very different position from a teenager travelling independently across the city.<\/p>

The level of supervision should reflect that difference.<\/p>

Younger children require closer adult supervision because they have limited experience and may not understand potential risks.<\/p>

As children mature, they can gradually take on more responsibility.<\/p>

Tracking decisions can evolve alongside that development.<\/p>

What may feel reasonable during the first year of school may not be appropriate several years later.<\/p>

Parents can periodically reassess whether a tracking device remains necessary or whether the child’s growing maturity makes a different approach more suitable.<\/p>

Reassurance should not become dependence<\/h3>

For parents, the greatest benefit of an AirTag or similar device may be the feeling of reassurance it provides.<\/p>

But if a parent becomes unable to feel comfortable unless they can see a child’s location, the technology may have moved beyond being a practical safety tool.<\/p>

That dependence can make ordinary periods of separation more difficult.<\/p>

Parents may become increasingly uncomfortable when a device is unavailable, loses connection or shows an unexpected location.<\/p>

Instead of reducing anxiety, the technology can then become part of the anxiety itself.<\/p>

Recognising this possibility can help families use tracking devices more thoughtfully.<\/p>

Supporting emotionally resilient children<\/h3>

The ultimate goal of parenting is not simply to keep children physically safe throughout childhood.<\/p>

It is also to help them become confident, capable adults who can manage challenges independently.<\/p>

That requires a gradual transfer of responsibility from parent to child.<\/p>

Children need to experience situations in which they can make decisions, solve problems and recover from minor setbacks.<\/p>

They also need to know that their parents are available when genuine support is required.<\/p>

This combination of freedom and guidance can help build emotional resilience.<\/p>

Dr Machado’s concerns about excessive tracking are therefore connected to a broader question about how parents prepare children for adulthood.<\/p>

Technology should support parenting, not replace it<\/h3>

Location-tracking devices can be useful tools, but they should not become substitutes for communication, supervision or trust.<\/p>

Parents can use technology when it provides genuine practical value while also recognising when it may be reinforcing unnecessary anxiety.<\/p>

For families in the UAE, where school transportation and educational institutions already provide structured systems for student safety, tracking may be most useful when considered as an optional additional measure rather than an essential requirement.<\/p>

The appropriate balance will differ between families.<\/p>

Giving children room to grow<\/h3>

The transition from close parental supervision to greater independence is one of the most important stages of childhood.<\/p>

It can be uncomfortable for parents because uncertainty is unavoidable.<\/p>

However, allowing children to experience reasonable freedom can help them develop confidence and resilience.<\/p>

Dr Machado’s warning encourages parents to consider whether their tracking habits are genuinely addressing a safety concern or simply helping them avoid the discomfort of not knowing.<\/p>

Where there is a genuine threat, additional precautions may be justified. Where the environment is broadly safe, however, parents may benefit from gradually reducing unnecessary monitoring.<\/p>

Ultimately, the question is not whether technology can tell parents where their children are. It can.<\/p>

The more important question is whether parents need to know at every moment.<\/p>

For some families, an AirTag may provide a useful layer of reassurance during a child’s early school years. But as children become older and more capable, giving them opportunities to move, make decisions and solve minor problems without constant observation may be equally important for their long-term development.<\/p>

A balanced approach can allow parents to take reasonable safety precautions while ensuring that technology does not prevent children from developing the independence, confidence and emotional resilience they will need as they grow.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

More mothers across the UAE are increasingly relying on Apple AirTags as a way to keep track of their children during school hours, seeking greater reassurance about their whereabouts and an added sense of security while they are away from home.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35721,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[84,9],"tags":[],"post_template":[],"top_category":[],"class_list":["post-47596","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education","category-uae","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47596","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47596"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47596\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47601,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47596\/revisions\/47601"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35721"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47596"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47596"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47596"},{"taxonomy":"post_template","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_template?post=47596"},{"taxonomy":"top_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insider18.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/top_category?post=47596"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}