A school raised concerns that planting GPS trackers on kids is a ‘breach of privacy’ (Image: Getty)
In a letter sent home, Ellen Taylor from Whitstable and Seasalter Endowed CofE Primary School in Kent highlighted that such actions are a “breach of privacy” for other students and could pose a significant “safeguarding” threat by potentially revealing locations to “prohibited” individuals.
The letter outlined: “We have become aware of a situation that has never happened in previous years that we need to address with our families.
“Unfortunately, some parents have been attaching a digital tracker to their child for school trips.
“This is not permitted or appropriate and poses a safeguarding risk for the whole group.
“The use of digital tracking is a breach of privacy for the other children in the party.
“You may be unwittingly sharing information that may go against court orders or social services protection plans that you would most likely not be aware of.
“You may also be alerting prohibited persons to the specific live location of another child in the group which could potentially put the whole group at risk.”
Ms Taylor acknowledged parents’ desire to ensure their children’s safety but urged them to place their trust in the school’s staff and its outstanding reputation.
The letter elaborates: “We always take the recommended number of supervising adults and obviously our own school staff are all DBS checked and trained in keeping children safe and are known and trusted by them.
“They do not leave our supervision at any point, therefore minimising any risk of children going missing.
“In addition to this, any delay in return times is communicated with the school as well as directly with parents, if necessary.”
Ms Taylor opined that such trackers are “inappropriate” and “unnecessary,” insisting they inhibit a child’s inherent desire for freedom and adventure.
She stressed: “Whilst I fully understand that the use of tracking devices by parents has most likely been a well-meaning result of wanting to ensure your child’s safety, and is tempting in today’s technology-driven society, I hope you can understand the reasons we have given for why we must insist that this does not happen again.”
Advertisements for small digital trackers are prevalent on social media platforms like , with some incorrectly marketed as GPS when they operate through Bluetooth.
A spokesperson from Kent County Council commented: “We would not expect trackers to be used for directly supervised visits, such as those carried out by primary schools.
“Teachers will have carried out risk assessments, and they are in direct control and have sight of their pupils during school trips.”
Ms Taylor chose not to provide additional comments.