Survey: What are Dutch parents’ views on GPS products and services?
The use of GPS products and services for children seems to be growing in popularity. But what do Dutch parents actually think about this, and what are their views? This prompted Spotter to commission a survey. The research agency Sherloq Market Research & Insights carried out this survey in June 2019, on behalf of Spotter, among 504 Dutch parents.
Research method
Using quantitative research based on questionnaires, the survey was conducted among 504 Dutch parents with children aged between 4 and 10 years old. The online fieldwork took place between 21 May and 30 May 2019.
Key findings of the survey
It is striking that 77 per cent of Dutch parents either already track their child via GPS or are open to the idea. The main reason for using GPS products or services is to be able to track the child whilst they are playing outside and on holiday. Dutch parents consider privacy to be secondary to their child’s whereabouts. As many as 66 per cent believe knowing their child’s location is more important than their privacy. Women are more concerned than men when it comes to their child; for instance, 70 per cent of mothers want to know where their child is whilst playing outside, compared to 54 per cent of fathers. For other groups too, such as the elderly, those in need of care and people with Alzheimer’s, the vast majority of respondents (86 per cent) see a GPS tracker as a very useful solution. You can read the full survey results below.
Research findings
These research results are the main findings of the study. Additional demographic characteristics of the target group, such as age, education and income, are not included here. These are available on request.
Do you use GPS products or services to keep track of your child’s whereabouts?
| Yes | 35% | |
| No | 65% | |
Would you be interested in using a GPS product or service to find out where your child is?
| Yes | 65% | |
| No | 35% | |
How do you use GPS?
| Via a smartphone | 27% | |
| Via a GPS tracker | 7% | |
| Via a GPS watch | 9% | |
(If using GPS) Do you discuss this with your child?
| Yes | 90% | |
| No | 10% | |
Which of the following activities would you like to know where your child is? (You may select more than one option)
| On holiday | 48% | |
| On a school trip | 32% | |
| When they’re outside on their own | 74% | |
| When they’re out with friends | 64% | |
| During sports/matches | 15% | |
| On the way to school | 44% | |
| During childcare | 10% | |
| If they are out of the house for other reasons | 3% | |
| None | 4% | |
‘If I give my child a GPS tracker, they’re allowed to go further away from home than usual.’
| I completely agree | 5% | |
| Agree | 22% | |
| Neutral | 23% | |
| Disagree | 39% | |
| Strongly disagree | 11% | |
‘I think it’s important that I know where my child is and that we can reach each other in an emergency.’
| I completely agree | 40% | |
| Agree | 45% | |
| Neutral | 12% | |
| Disagree | 2% | |
| Strongly disagree | 0% | |
‘I believe it is important that products connected to the internet are fully protected against hackers.’
| I completely agree | 55% | |
| Agree | 32% | |
| Neutral | 11% | |
| Disagree | 1% | |
| Strongly disagree | 0% | |
Suppose you have to choose between the two options. Which one do you think is most important?
| My child’s privacy. | 34% | |
| Knowing where my child is. | 66% | |
If you had to choose one of these descriptions, which one best describes you as a parent?
| “I want to protect my child and, ideally, keep an eye on them at all times.” | 25% | |
| “I give my child freedom, but I am willing to use modern technology to stay in touch with my child.” | 65% | |
| “Children should be able to go out on their own as independently as possible without you, as a parent, having to check up on them.” | 10% | |
‘A GPS tracker is a good solution for the elderly, people in need of care, and those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.’
| I completely agree | 42% | |
| Agree | 43% | |
| Neutral | 13% | |
| Disagree | 1% | |
| Strongly disagree | 1% | |
