Should Your Family Use AirTags? What Parents Need to Know About These Tracking Devices

Apple AirTags are small tracking devices that help you locate lost items like keys, backpacks, or luggage. They are currently on sale for the Fourth of July weekend.

While these devices can be helpful for families, it is important to understand both their benefits and potential privacy concerns before purchasing them. AirTags can be useful for families with children who frequently lose school bags, jackets, or other belongings. They work by connecting to your iPhone and showing you the location of the tagged item on a map. However, there have been cases of these devices being misused for unwanted tracking of people. Apple has built in safety features that alert you if an unknown AirTag is traveling with you, but it is important to know how these work. If you decide to purchase AirTags for your family, take these steps to use them safely:

1. Only attach AirTags to objects, never secretly place them on another person.
2. Teach your children that if they receive an alert about an unknown AirTag near them, they should tell a parent immediately.
3. Register each AirTag to your Apple ID so lost items can be returned to you.
4. Keep your iPhone updated to ensure you have the latest safety features that detect unknown AirTags. For long-term safety, have a conversation with your family about privacy and tracking technology. Make sure everyone understands that these devices are tools for finding lost objects, not for tracking people without their knowledge. If you have teenagers, discuss appropriate and inappropriate uses of location technology. Setting these expectations early helps your family use helpful technology responsibly while staying aware of potential misuse.