Constant digital tracking of young adults backfires, fueling parental anxiety

Maria Simulescu

Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan Jun 15 2026 Built-in smartphone apps and location sharing features allow parents to see where their children are at any moment: Did they arrive safely? Are they where they said they'd be? How far away are they if there's an emergency? While these tools can provide reassurance, some parents may be crossing a line as their children reach adulthood, according to a new national poll. Half of parents report tracking the location of their young adult child