GPS tracker for ASD kid

[Twixtmasjigsaw]

DS has autism and ADHD, is not very savvy but is reaching a developmental stage where he wants to start going out around our local area on his own more - the shops, the park etc. And we need to help him try and build up a little bit of independence.

He has a dumb phone (we keep him away from social media etc as he's highly anxious and lacks social understanding.) But it doesn't have gps so we are considering putting a discreet gps tracker in his bag or coat so we know where he is. I want it to be totally silent as his anxiety goes sky high with things that randomly beep. So Apple AirTag etc is no good.

Anyone got any recommendations for a silent, discreet tracker for kids/teens?

Please, no snarky comments from people with neurotypical kids about 'why don't I trust him/why am I invading his privacy etc.' Parenting a SEND kid can be hard enough as it is....

We use the Life360 app. It’s brilliant but my teen doesn’t mind as all of her friends use it too.

@SpringBunnyHopHop I'm not sure that would work on DS's dumb phone. (We've deliberately given him a very basic phone as he's very addicted to tech and I don't want him distracted by tech when he's out and needs to be aware of what's happening around him.) I need a physical tracker that I can pop in his pocket and will link to my phone.

You could try a dog tracker - the Tractive brand is quite good, the cat size ones might be smaller. The expense comes from the plan you have to buy, monthly or annual as it's got a phone sim in it. You can get the actual tracker very cheaply second hand on Ebay.

We use Life360 too. It was recommended by DS's doctor. My DC are older, both teens and both have smartphones. It's a very useful app but obviously wouldn't work if you didn't have a smartphone.