My parents are obsessed with tracking me | Ask Sam
So today I went on a bike ride, My phone pinged saying a tracking device was on me. I check my backpack and bring the tracker closer and it pings. It was coming from inside my backpack.
Weeks ago I saw in a drawer in my dads office, a packet of airtags, there was one missing. I checked his phone for what it was linked up to, it says ‘dad’s backpack’
so I stop worrying about it. fast forward to today. I find a tracker in my backpack. It’s sewn into the fabric and essentially undetectable, but my phone sensed it. I’ve removed it now and I’m wondering if it‘s legal for my parents to place a tracking device on my personal property without any form of consent. I’m 15 years old.
Sam
Hi there,
It’s natural to feel concerned or uncomfortable when you find out you’re being tracked. When someone makes you feel this way, it’s good to talk about it.
When someone is under 16, their parents or carers are responsible for keeping them safe. For some, they will use GPS trackers like air tags to feel more comfortable. Parents are usually allowed to track their children, even without your knowledge.
If your parents have chosen to track you without telling you, it’s okay to want to talk to them about it. Having an open conversation about how you feel as well as their concerns can help you all feel more comfortable. Before you talk, it might help to think about what you would feel comfortable with, and the reasons you don’t like it. This can help you feel more confident about what to say.
It can help to remember that if you’re being tracked and it makes you feel unsafe, then you should get support. There are lots of reasons you might feel unsafe, for example if you’re not sure who is actually tracking you. It can help to speak to someone you trust about what’s happening, you can also get support from Childline any time.
Take care,
Sam
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