Controversial GPS Watch Lets Parents Track Their Children

Parents can now buy a virtual chaperon for their children to keep track of their movements in real time in what some say is a step too far in the widespread movement of tracking and logging.

The £149 Num8 watch has been designed by British firm Lok8u and was launched at the Consumer Electronics Show, in Las Vegas and although it looks like a bog-standard wristwatch, it actually hides a GPS chip that tracks the movements of the wristwatch bearer.

Parents will be able to "ping" the wristwatch to get a real time and get up to date movements and coordinates. and will alert them if it leaves a pre-designated area. They can also log on Num8's website to track their child's present location.

According to the manufacturer, the GPS unit has an accuracy of 3 metres and if removed, will send an emergency text to a default mobile number complete with Google Maps picture and details of the watch's last recorded location.

The watch, which is also bust-proof (it sounds an alarm and sends a text if you try to take it off), shock and water proof. Parents will also need to pay £5 for a monthly subscription or maintenance fee.

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