AirTags are small, button-shaped electronic devices, made by Apple.
Users connect the device to their Apple ID (account) and place it on or in something they want to keep track of, such as their keys, a bag or a wallet. The location of that AirTag can then be tracked on any device using that ID.
Apple says the devices are not intended to be used to track people.
Devices that work in a similar way include:
- Tile
- Chipolo ONE Spot
- eufy SmartTrack Link
Other devices which track location include additional functions, such as;
- AngelSense (audio communication)
- Pebbell Mini (audio communication, fall detection)
- GPS watches and other health wearables (step counters, timers)
- Smartphones
You could add this to an existing policy, such as your acceptable use of technology policy or policies the school has around mobile phone use.
You and other leaders will need to decide:
- Whether to allow trackers at school and/or on school trips
- If so, what restrictions to put on their use
- If not, whether you allow exceptions – for example, for pupils with special educational needs (SEN) or those with long journeys to and from school, or if the school permits their use on a case-by-case basis
- If not, whether you will offer alternatives, such as a school trip leader wearing a school-provided tracker, or allowing pupil mobile phones to be switched on in certain circumstances
