...helping to prevent bullying and child abuse 1985 - 2008
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Kidscape's view on safety microchip for children
Kidscape understands parents' growing concerns for their children's safety, especially in light of the recent tragic events in Soham.
As a child protection charity, Kidscape is concerned that the use of this microchip might be sending out the wrong message about child safety and could potentially do more harm than good.
It's important to remember that the device itself will not prevent a child from being abducted or harmed. It merely tells location but not activity. It might be hours before a parent realises that a child is missing and then it could unfortunately be too late.
Kidscape recommends teaching children safety strategies that will help keep them safe for life rather than relying on a device which might encourage complacency and feeling invincible. We feel that there are so many implications with this technology.
We all need to consider:
- Children's rights for privacy and the potential for misuse and abuse by parents or other agencies
- The fear factor for children by making them think that they are at a great risk of being abducted
- Limitations of this device (e.g. could it give a false sense of security especially given that technology could fail)
If parents feel that inserting a tracking device into their child's arm will help keep their child safe whilst giving them peace of mind, that is a decision they have to make for themselves.
For more information on child safety, go to the Download section of Kidscape's website for a child protection pack, which includes safety tips for parents, children, and those who work with them.
