Life360: Why TeensChanging the Way We Think About Location Sharing

“Americans are changing the way they think about location sharing – and Gen Z is leading the way.”

“Why are you following me?” That’s a reasonable question if someone were physically walking 20 feet behind us, right? Even if it were a close friend trailing 100 feet behind, we’d still wonder "why".

We may not feel as nervous about our safety in the digital space, but the why still lingers. Why are you following me?

Americans Are Changing the Way They Think About Location Sharing—And Gen Z Is Leading the Way

Kristin and I tried Life360 a long time ago (read: a very long time ago), but we ditched it because it drained our phone batteries too fast! One thing has become obvious—this isn’t the same app anymore.

With over 50 million active users and counting, Life360 has become the go-to name in location sharing, even surpassing Apple’s Find My app. What began as a tool for parents to track their kids has evolved into something much bigger—a cultural shift led by Gen Z.

Location sharing is no longer just about safety; it’s about connection. (Stick with me—I’ll explain.) This trend has even crossed the threshold of social norms, winning over people who were once reluctant to share their real-time location. But while many embrace this technology, conversations about its unintended consequences—especially regarding anxiety and control—are growing.

As always, these decisions should be made prayerfully and through open discussions between parents and teens. Make sure that you are on the same page before discussing this your teens and be open that this is often new territory that you are figuring out together.

The Rise of Location Sharing

According to a recent Life360 survey, 89% of Americans say location sharing benefits their lives, with Gen Z leading the way at 94%. For a generation raised in a digital world, sharing their location is second nature. In fact, 54% believe it’s necessary for parents to ask their children to share their location at all times, especially in emergencies (93%) or when traveling (90%).

But Gen Z isn’t just using location sharing for parental oversight. They’re integrating it into their social lives—70% of teens are more likely than other generations to share their location with a best friend. It’s a way of looking out for each other, ensuring friends get home safely or arrive at a destination without trouble.

Surprisingly, 74% of Gen Z respondents say the increased security is worth the reduced privacy.

When Safety Becomes Surveillance

However, the same tool that brings peace of mind can also create stress and mistrust. Some teens are experiencing the dark side of location tracking, where every movement is scrutinized, and independence is stifled.

One young woman shared:

“My mom would call me freaking out because I was on a backroad or I stopped at McDonald’s to get coffee. I would have to send her picture proof of exactly where I was. I remember so many instances of having a panic attack and hyperventilating with my friends because my mom had called me freaking out, accused me of lying, and was making me come home.” (u/VolumeTraditional419)

This level of oversight can damage parent-teen relationships, replacing trust with control. Another parent expressed concern:

“It bothers me how dependent parents are on tech to track kids. When I went out as a teen, I just told my parents generally where I would be, and they responded with a curfew. Stop infantilizing young adults.” (TimothyDextersGhost)

For some, location sharing has shifted from a safety measure to a tool for excessive monitoring. And teens are finding ways to work around it.

One admitted:

“I’d stay the night at a friend’s house, reply to my mom’s texts until about 12 a.m., say I was going to bed, then go out at 12:30 a.m. to who-knows-where without my phone.” (angstyteen)

Rather than fostering security, extreme tracking can push teens toward secrecy and rebellion.

The Anxiety of Constant Tracking Among Friends and in Relationships

Beyond parental oversight, location sharing has also changed the dynamics of friendships and romantic relationships. Knowing where your friends are at all times might seem convenient, but it can also lead to heightened social anxiety. Teens may feel pressured to always be available or experience FOMO (fear of missing out) when they see their friends hanging out without them (Bustle, 2024).

Similarly, in romantic relationships, location tracking can turn into an unhealthy form of control. Some teens feel obligated to share their location with a boyfriend or girlfriend to prove their trustworthiness, leading to codependency instead of a relationship built on mutual trust. In extreme cases, this can escalate into possessiveness and emotional manipulation (Bustle, 2024).

Unchecked, constant location sharing can shift from a tool for security to an instrument of surveillance, increasing anxiety and straining relationships. As Bustle notes:

“What is, for all intents and purposes, stalking has become a casual part of everyday familial, romantic, and platonic relationships—and turned many with formerly healthy boundaries into lurkers in the process.”

A Balanced Approach: Trust Over Tracking

So, how can families use location sharing in a way that promotes safety without creating anxiety? Here are some principles to consider:

1. Prioritize Trust and Communication – Instead of relying solely on an app, have open conversations with teens about responsibility and safety.

2. Set Clear Expectations – Parents and teens should agree on when and why location sharing is necessary. Emergencies? Yes. Everyday movements? Maybe not. “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.” (Colossians 3:21) After you set clear expectations COMMUNICATE them clearly as well. In another blogpost, we suggest having them sign a contract so that they fully understand the expectations and even consequences.

3. Give Teens Room to Grow – As children mature, they need opportunities to demonstrate responsibility. Over-monitoring can backfire, leading to frustration and a lack of autonomy. Jesus modeled trust in His disciples, allowing them to take steps of faith without micromanaging every detail.

4. Use Technology Wisely – Location sharing should be a tool, not a crutch. Features like crash detection and emergency response are valuable, but constant tracking can create an unhealthy dependency.

5. Encourage Healthy Boundaries in Relationships – Whether in friendships or romantic relationships, location sharing should never be used as a means of control. True trust is built through communication and mutual respect, not constant oversight.

Moving Forward

Gen Z is shaping the future of digital safety, but they’re also navigating the complexities of a hyper-connected world. Location sharing can be a powerful tool for peace of mind, but it must be used wisely. As parents and teens work together to set healthy boundaries, they can create a culture where safety and trust go hand in hand. At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to control—it’s to guide. And that starts with a conversation, not an app.

References

Bustle. (2024). Location Sharing and Relationship Problems.