Parents worry about their children’s safety, no matter what. If modern technology can ease the anxiety even a little bit, it is worth checking out. The Num8 GPS device from Loc8u is a wrist watch that is connected to GSM mobile phone network. As a child wearing the watch is running around the neighborhood, the built-in GPS receiver knows exactly where he or she is. Since the Num8 also has built-in GSM network connectivity, the watch can send the location information to the Loc8u Internet service. Parents can logon to their personal account for viewing a map that displays the child’s whereabouts. Safety areas can be defined for alerting parents if the child strays outside the predefined virtual borders. If the watch is removed from the wrist, the device can send an alert as well.

Currently, the Num8 GPS tracker watch is available in the UK. In addition to the device, a monthly service subscription is required.

There are similar products that don’t require a monthly service subscription. Typically, these products send a text message with numeric coordinates to a mobile number, or it is possible to dial to the GPS device and ask where it is. A PC or mobile phone application is a handy tool for requesting the coordinates and displaying the position on a map. The Holux GPS Tracker 005 GPS watch, the Haicom HI-602DT, and the Tramigo T22 are examples of products that are available without service subscription. A pre-paid GSM SIM card is needed for mobile network connection.