Airtag or something else for tracking child?

[SpinningTops]

DS can wander off, he hasn't yet got lost as we watch him but with the summer holidays coming up and more day trips on my own with 2 kids I want an emergency back up.
He's on the waiting list for an autism assessment. Doesn't seem to get into dangerous situations but will just go to something that interests him without caring that he might get lost.

So I wonder if AirTags can accurate locate or if they take too long to update? Do they track ok in rural locations as long as there are a few nearby people. Are there better cheapish trackers out there?

Thanks and please no negative opinions on considering this - it's for his own safety.

Anyone?

I haven't needed this but as a backup it seems reasonable.
However it shouldn't be first line of defence imo. A wrist loop or second adult or similar is surely needed too?

You could also try the SN Chat board.

OP very clearly said its an emergency back so why would you use the phrase 'first line of defence'. Have some understanding of what she is trying ask

OP, yes we use things like this at work for some children, and as you say they can be a useful back up

They are sometimes accurate and sometimes not.

Air tags work by triangulating with nearby iphones, so they wouldn't work in a field with no other people (for example). They are pretty accurate in a busy place though. DS has one in his computer case and it can tell him which classroom he has left it in, down to a couple of meters.

I think you can get actual GPS devices that are wearable, but I don't know how good they are.

I would also consider a sticker on the back of his top. I think if you're in an area with good phone signal an air tag should be ok. Try attaching it to his shoe (less likely to take off and leave it)

I have also seen people sharpie write their number on children's arms but I'm not sure about that I think I would look at an ID bracelet

www.safewise.com/resources/wearable-gps-tracking-devices-for-kids-guide/

As PP said an Airtag needs iPhones around it in order for it to signal its location. Also, one Airtag can only be picked up by one iPhone. I had to buy 4 for separate Airtags for our runaway puppy so that me, DH and 2 DC could all walk him separately.

I bought one for my ds and haven’t been impressed with it. I think a GPS device would be much better for this. There have been times when I was sure there must have been other iPhones nearby but it still didn’t show his location

That's definitely useful to know!!

Thanks for the advice. The GPS trackers usually have monthly subscriptions so would rather not have the ongoing cost.

I might get one to try. If we don't use it on him I'm sure we can find something else to attach it to (perhaps I'll find out where the cat goes?)

I'll also get an ID wristband to put my number on.

I've just got a pack 4, partly for using with Ds8. We're going somewhere very busy on holiday and he does tend to run off. It's mainly for my peace of mind.
I tested it yesterday; unlike the find my devise, with an item you can track it much closer using the 'find nearby' function, which takes you to them, although does require a good signal.
Clearly we will be keeping a close eye on him too and drumming into him about staying close but this is a back up.

Mine has an option to share the AirTag. I've not as dh doesn't have an iPhone so not sure how it works.