Title – Mother fits gap-year son with GPS device
Source – The Daily Telegraph
Date – 28th May 2009
It is not for me to dictate what individuals decide is suitable, appropriate and effective and if this ‘solution’ offers those left behind peace of mind then it has it’s advantages.
It is not something we would recommend during our workshops, not because we think it is a bad idea, but rather just that it feels like it would be a step too far for many people; I also think it could actually lead to more anxiety for some people. Ignorance was once said to be bliss and although we don’t advocate this, there is a case for finding a balance between keeping up with general plans and knowing which street someone is on when they travel to Thailand…
After all if the son does wander off down the wrong street, what can the parent actually do about it? Call them and direct them back? How does the parent know which part of town is safe and which not; and if they have done the research to find this out, why not just tell the child?
I am all for having detailed itineraries of planned travels and a ‘communication schedule’ when people travel, especially when travelling independently for the first time. During our workshop we look at effective ways of staying in touch, because much of the stress of travel is often ‘dumped’ on those we leave behind who have no choice in the matter.
When something does go wrong, knowing someone’s exact location is obviously an advantage; it that I can see some merit in this device. However wallet and person are likely to be one of the first things parted in these circumstances. Mobile phones are soon going to be trackable in a similar way which may negate the purpose of this device. The other consideration is that when similar devices were integrated into clothing for children in the UK, it was found that the actual units were targeted by thieves as their value made them ‘bounty’.
As I said at the beginning of this piece, the measures people take to ‘protect’ themselves or their children and to provide peace of mind is always an individual choice. However preparation is the key to safe travel and many of the risks faced on gap years can be significantly reduced through the risk management strategies which we demonstrate during our workshops. Technology plays an ever greater part in our daily lives and can add a layer of ‘safety’ unavailable in the past, it can also add a layer of false security which actually makes us more vulnerable.
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Beyond The Blue (Safe Gap Year) our Gap Year and Independent Travel Safety & Awareness Workshop (GYITSA) considers issues of Travel Safety, alongside sessions on Ethical and Responsible Travel, Travel Health, Travel Equipment, Travel Insurance, Destination Advice, Transport Options, Documentation, Travel Money and Insurance and more. During our workshop we examine the importance not only of considering the effect travel has on those left behind, but also of the establishment of a communication strategy to reassure family and friends and provide the safety net of letting people know where you are and where you are going.Source – The Daily Telegraph
Date – 28th May 2009
It is not for me to dictate what individuals decide is suitable, appropriate and effective and if this ‘solution’ offers those left behind peace of mind then it has it’s advantages.
It is not something we would recommend during our workshops, not because we think it is a bad idea, but rather just that it feels like it would be a step too far for many people; I also think it could actually lead to more anxiety for some people. Ignorance was once said to be bliss and although we don’t advocate this, there is a case for finding a balance between keeping up with general plans and knowing which street someone is on when they travel to Thailand…
After all if the son does wander off down the wrong street, what can the parent actually do about it? Call them and direct them back? How does the parent know which part of town is safe and which not; and if they have done the research to find this out, why not just tell the child?
I am all for having detailed itineraries of planned travels and a ‘communication schedule’ when people travel, especially when travelling independently for the first time. During our workshop we look at effective ways of staying in touch, because much of the stress of travel is often ‘dumped’ on those we leave behind who have no choice in the matter.
When something does go wrong, knowing someone’s exact location is obviously an advantage; it that I can see some merit in this device. However wallet and person are likely to be one of the first things parted in these circumstances. Mobile phones are soon going to be trackable in a similar way which may negate the purpose of this device. The other consideration is that when similar devices were integrated into clothing for children in the UK, it was found that the actual units were targeted by thieves as their value made them ‘bounty’.
As I said at the beginning of this piece, the measures people take to ‘protect’ themselves or their children and to provide peace of mind is always an individual choice. However preparation is the key to safe travel and many of the risks faced on gap years can be significantly reduced through the risk management strategies which we demonstrate during our workshops. Technology plays an ever greater part in our daily lives and can add a layer of ‘safety’ unavailable in the past, it can also add a layer of false security which actually makes us more vulnerable.
At
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