With the start of the new school term the subject of child safety continues
to cause anxiety for parents. This week, with the launch of a new British
invention, it is now possible to keep track of your children and gain peace of
mind when they leave the safety of their front door.
kidcontact is the first 'two-way' tracking security system to be launched in
the UK. Using both global positioning satellite (GPS) and mobile phone
technology, parents can feel more in control of their children's safety and keep
a watchful eye on them on their way to school, in the park or visiting friends.
By the same token, a child can alert their parents in an emergency with the
click of a button.
kidcontact is simple, lightweight and easy to use even for younger children.
A 'button' sensor is worn on the outside of a jumper or shirt, attached to the
GPS tracking device. Because the button is disguised as a patch or badge on the
child's clothing, a potential abductor would never know that the device is
present.
At any sign of trouble, the child depresses the button and an automated
signal is sent to the parent's mobile telephone with the child's location
displayed. The parent can then either contact their child to check they are ok,
or call the police. Similarly, parents could just use the device to check on
their child's whereabouts.
The inventor, John Bell from Kent, was inspired to create kidcontact as a
result of his own concern for his grandchildren and the shock of recent events
involving children. "The threat to children will never diminish but we don't
have to feel helpless." Says John. "My invention may not prevent all child
abductions but if it acts as a deterrent or helps just one child it is certainly
worth it." He says. "A potential abductor will be less confident approaching
children. After all, many children love to wear badges of one design or another.
The abductor will never know if a child is wearing a kidcontact device."
The system is patent pending and production this autumn will mean
availability by Christmas.
There are also plans to market the product for other vulnerable users such as
the elderly or infirm. The simplicity of the system means that it can be readily
used by even the most technophobic of people.
Further information and sales are available from kidcontact.com.
