Tech tips for Halloween

With most teens and tweens carrying smartphones, it’s easier than ever for parents to keep tabs on their little goblins on Halloween night.

Here are a few ways AT&T offers for parents to to use a mobile device to have a safe and enjoyable Halloween.

• First pre-program ICE - In Case of Emergency -- numbers into your child’s speed dial on their cell phone, such as your number, a neighbor, and the police station. Make sure your child knows how to use their device in case of an emergency.
• Make sure your child’s cell phone is fully charged before they leave the house.
• Use the alarm clock on your child’s device to give them periodic reminders to text or call home along their route or to remind them when it’s time to head home.
• Make sure the volume on the device is at its highest so it can be heard in a crowd.
• Create a wireless “Trick-or-Treat Patrol” for your neighborhood. Have various parents stationed along your community “trick-or-treat route” and have them text one another when kids have reached certain points and are heading home. The patrol is a great way to monitor Halloween activities in their neighborhood as well.
• Consider a wearable, such as the Filip, a wearable phone and locator for kids. The device allows the child to make and receive up to five pre-set numbers on their wrist, has a built-in GPS locator and let you create safety zones. A wearable is helpful for kids who may be wearing bulky costumes or don’t have pockets.

With all the safety apps available at your fingertips today, peace of mind is just a download or click away:

• Download a free Flashlight app, like the iHandy flashlight app so your child’s device can be used for easy navigation.
• Download the Red Panic Button app to your child’s device for extra peace of mind. The free version of this app allows trick-or-treaters the option to press the Red Panic Button to automatically send a text message with their exact coordinates on Google maps to family members. Panic also can be shared on Facebook or Twitter.
• Track your trick-or-treater with a location-based service like AT&T Family Map, which lets you track the location of your child’s device on an interactive map from your smartphone, desktop or tablet.
• The Sex Offender Search app will show you if any registered sex offenders are living along your child’s trick-or-treat route. Simply activate your smartphone GPS and connect to the National Sex Offender Registry to locate registered sex offenders in the area. You can search by name, address and ZIP code, and results will be displayed on an interactive map. Click on a location for more details, such as pictures, names, addresses, and a list of offenses. The app is free.