The technology inside today's mobile phone makes it straightforward for any parent to keep an eye on the whereabouts of their children and especially teenagers on the move.
Installing a tracking account to any modern mobile phone is a simple process of opening an account with a tracking provider, who in return will send you an email message for you to confirm your wish to track the phone, then you're good to go.
There are immense benefits to keeping in touch with your kids this way.
Teenagers are constantly texting or talking to friends so, realistically, you are pretty certain to know exactly where they are at any one time.
Most providers also have real time systems so the information is up to date accurate and within meters of the stated location.
As kids are also constantly keeping in touch you are not likely to encounter a problem with the phone being dead or switched off.
Teenagers are constantly talking to each other and wouldn't be able to function with a phone that isn't charged or ready for use.
This means unless they are in a class where phones are not allowed or at the cinema, chances are you'll be able to track them.
Its most saleable feature is locating teenagers when you are on the taxi run as messages can get confused, kids wander off or pick up points are called something different my them.
These can all lead to problems when it comes to collecting your little darlings.
A tracked mobile phone will show exactly where they are, no matter what they call the location or if they have moved from the agreed spot, you will always be able to find them.
Obviously there are a number of hurdles to overcome in convincing teenagers of the value of mobile tracking and some technical problems that can cause issues.
Mobile phone tracking requires a clear and strong signal to give the best results.
If there is insufficient network coverage or a mobile is switched off you will not get a fix on your teens location.
Also there will be the inevitable arguments over privacy and trust, this however, will come down to your particular parenting style and the relationship you have with your children.
Whether or not it makes them safer or they like the idea of you knowing exactly where they are is ultimately a family issue and one aspect the technology cannot solve.