Brodie Hendrick, Tenth-grader, Tucson, AZ
Brodie: Does the very idea of your parents monitoring your every move on their phone or smartwatch make you feel claustrophobic? I get that. But think about it this way: Tracking apps can give you freedom without having to sacrifice your safety.
Tracking apps are like training wheels. They keep you safe while you’re finding your balance. Being a teen is a time of finding the balance between independence and reliance on your parents. Each time your parents see that you are where you said you were going to be, their trust in you will grow. At the same time, if you do get into a jam, they’ll be able to help. Once your parents are comfortable with your ability to make good decisions, the training wheels can come off, and you’ll be ready to ride safely and confidently on your own.