What it is
Life360 shows a live map of the people in a circle. Parents use it to see that a child got to school. The danger is not the app’s idea. The danger is a circle that has grown, or a child who has put someone else on their location another way.
A live location is a map of their day. It should not be shared with a boyfriend, a girlfriend, or a stranger.
What to look out for
- Circle members you do not know.
- A second location app besides the family one.
- A child who is pressured by a partner to keep location on.
- The app being used to control them rather than to keep them safe.
Ways to stay safe
These steps are for Life360. The house rules still apply on every app.
- Keep the circle to parents and the children. Review the member list.
- Tell them that a partner does not get their live location.
- If you use it, explain what you can see, so it is not a secret tracker.
- Check for other location shares in the phone settings.
In the news
Published reports you can read yourself. A headline is the proof, not a set of instructions, and this page does not repeat graphic detail.
- Criminals are using private messaging to groom children This NSPCC release is about grooming on Snapchat and WhatsApp, not about Life360. Life360 is a live location. The circle should be the family, not a boyfriend, girlfriend, or stranger.
A way to start the conversation
You can say: "This map is for our family. Nobody else gets to watch where you are. If someone is asking you to share your location with them, that is something we deal with together."
Video
Parent briefing
A short video for this guide can be added by an editor. Until then, the written briefing above is the one to use.