Teen Issues with Stalking: Protecting Against Tracking with AirTags
There’s plenty for parents to worry about these days. It seems with every passing year, there are more risks to teen safety. If you haven’t yet heard about Apple AirTags, brace yourself. Teen security just got a lot more complicated.
What is an AirTag?
Apple released the AirTag, a tiny tracking device, in April of 2021. While the company meant for AirTags to track and prevent the loss of personal items, people can also use them to monitor someone’s location. All it takes is sticking the device in a pocket, purse, or car. The devices are 1.26 inches wide and practically weightless, making it difficult to realize one is present.
Stalking is already one of the most frightening teen issues without companies releasing devices that make it easier. Apple has received criticism for creating the AirTag, but regardless, the devices are now out in the world. Data from several police departments showed 50 reports of AirTag stalking over a period of eight months. Many of the people who filed these reports were women who feared a man was using the devices to follow them.
Protecting Against Stalkers Using AirTags: What Can You Do?
Watch for the Presence of Unfamiliar AirTags
To protect against AirTag abuse, you’ll need to consider what brand of phone you and your teens are using. Apple phones come with a feature that detects and alerts the user of the presence of an unknown AirTag. However, not everyone uses Apple phones. What about teens who use Android?
Thankfully, Android phones do have an app that can scan for the presence of these devices. It’s called Tracker Detect. It doesn’t automatically run, so your teen will need to manually use the scanner on a regular basis. If you want to be extra vigilant, remind your teen to run the app daily.
Do Physical Checks for the Devices
Another way to check is to have a look at your teen’s things. Have them clean out their purses, backpacks, and pockets. This is a good excuse to check for other problematic items at the same time.
Stay Vigilant to Promote Teen Security
While the AirTag issue is frightening, it’s unlikely someone will use one to stalk your teen. Nonetheless, remind your teen to stay alert in situations where unfamiliar people are nearby, such as shopping malls.
For more help with teen issues involving AirTags and other electronic devices, please contact me today.
