Surfing Children: on-line services, family’s private choices and public controls. The case of geo-location tracking applications on children

Abstract

The process of datafication has now pervaded every aspect of our lives, including family dynamics. This process also affects the way one’s role and function within the family unit, whether as a parent, child or institution, is performed, understood and evaluated in and by the social community. The case of the use of geo-location tracking applications on minors represents, in this respect, an interesting opportunity to reflect on the complexity but, at the same time, the need to ensure a balance between the participatory rights of the child, the parental responsibility and the role attributed to the institutions, with a view to constantly guaranteeing and pursuing the best interest of the child. Recent legislative interventions in some countries contribute to cast a light in this analysis