A practice that questions
This brand of sneakers wants to allow parents to trace their child
Skechers has integrated a small “hidden” pocket in their children’s sneakers, designed to allow parents to insert an Airtag.
Sneakers have a “hidden” compartment for Airtag.
Skechers/YouTube – screenshot
“Now you can know where your child’s shoes are at every moment”: it is with a large smile that a young woman addresses the camera, brandishing a pair of small skechers sneakers. The scene is taken from an advertising spot posted online at the end of July by the shoe brand.
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The latter unveils its new range for children: shoes equipped with a special pocket for Airtag, “hidden” under the sole. The promise? Unchanged comfort and peace of mind for parents.
On Youtube, advertising did not fail to react. The comments oscillate between sarcasm and recognition. “It’s weird, it’s not yet 1is April ”, quips a surfer. Another writing: “My son is autistic and is often lost, so for us, it’s very useful. Thank you, skechers. “
Legal or not?
On paper, the idea of knowing permanently where his child is located can seduce for security reasons. The fact remains that … in Switzerland, it is not (completely) legal. A lawyer explained in our pages That a child is entitled to respect for his private life, even in front of his parents. Consequently, drawing it via a GPS without its consent constitutes an attack on its personality.
Thus, tracking is only legal if the child, capable of discernment, agrees, or in the event of a preponderant private interest. This legal term makes it possible to establish an exception to the principle. One could thus imagine that it is possible to track your child in situations at proven risks.
More harm than good for children
Beyond legal questions, it is also the link of trust between parents and children that is at stake. In an article published by the «New York Times»experts warn: monitoring a child without his knowledge can weaken this relationship, even break it. A climate of mistrust harms the child’s self -esteem and risks hindering its development towards autonomy.
The dialogue remains the best approach. Creating a listening space allows children to express themselves, to understand parental concerns and to accept, perhaps, certain forms of follow-up.
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