When location sharing makes sense
- First trips on their own, for example to school or to practice
- Pickup after events or outings
- Arrival after longer journeys
- Uncertainty in new situations, for example after a move
Constantly checking without a reason makes less sense. It creates unease on both sides and signals mistrust.
Four agreements for trust-based location sharing
Discuss it openly
Your child knows that their location is shared and why.
Agree on occasions
For example: We'll check if you don't check in as agreed.
Zones instead of a constant eye
Notifications when arriving at school or at home replace many checks.
Adjust with age
Agree on when you will reduce or stop location tracking.
What location tracking can – and can't – do
Locations come from the child's iPhone and depend on GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular and permissions. They may be inaccurate or delayed. An iPhone that is switched off or has a dead battery provides no new location. That's why location tracking doesn't replace agreements such as “Call if you're going to be late”.
How it works in Kydly
- Current, most recently available location with its accuracy
- Zones for home, school or the sports club with a radius of 100 meters to 5 kilometers
- Notifications about arrivals and departures
- Daily route with saved points and stays (Premium)
- Location samples are cleaned up after seven days
- In their own view, your child sees what parents see; iOS shows an indicator for background location
Current location and location notifications are part of the free basic features.
Frequently asked questions
Should I track my child's location secretly?
Experts advise openness. Secret tracking can damage trust in the long term. Kydly is built for open location sharing.
Why is the location sometimes inaccurate?
Accuracy depends on GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular, Low Power Mode and permissions. Kydly also displays the accuracy.
Will I be notified immediately when my child arrives at school?
Kydly sends notifications about arrivals and departures. iOS determines the exact timing; an immediate notification is not guaranteed.
Get to know Kydly
Try Kydly first with sample data in the demo, or download the app. The basic features for one parent and the first child are free.
Sources and further information
This guide is published by the provider of the Kydly app. It does not replace individual legal, medical or educational advice. Information about Kydly describes the app as of the date stated; the Privacy Policy, the Terms of Use and the terms Apple displays before purchase are binding. Legal documents (privacy policy, terms of use, legal notice) are available in German and English.