Digital safety risks rise for children via GPS tracking and online exploitation

Experts and international organizations are raising alarms regarding the digital safety and psychological well-being of children in an increasingly connected world.

In Austria, the use of GPS-enabled smartwatches for tracking children is growing. While parents use these tools for security, Vorarlberg Child and Youth Ombudsman Christian Netzer warns of potential downsides. These include the risk of “helicopter parenting,” where constant monitoring limits a child's sense of freedom and can create a perception of a world filled with constant danger. Additionally, there are concerns regarding data privacy, as some device servers may be located outside the European Union, and the fact that smartwatches often bypass school regulations regarding mobile phone use.

On a global scale, a UNICEF report titled “Through Children’s Eyes: How Digital Technologies Enable Child Sexual Abuse” highlights the severity of online risks. The study found that in 21 countries, approximately 20 million children aged 12-17—roughly one in five internet users—experienced at least one form of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse within a single year. The report emphasizes the profound emotional impact on victims, including feelings of fear, shame, and isolation, while questioning whether children can effectively protect themselves from sophisticated commercial algorithms and predatory actors.