Tech tips to keep trick-or-treaters safe on Halloween 

Joplin, Mo. – Halloween is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. Children pick out their favorite costume, celebrate with friends and community, and collect treats. But for parents, safety is a priority.

Smartphones now have a variety of helpful safety features, like a built-in flashlight, easy access to emergency numbers and real-time location sharing. Older children and adults can easily have these in their pocket or purse in case it’s needed.

“Parents want to make sure their kids are safe on Halloween, whether they are in their own neighborhood or further away from home,” said Mike Burwell, Director of Sales and Operations for UScellular in Missouri and Illinois. “Technology tools can help bring peace of mind to trick-or-treating and offer fun ways to enjoy the day.”

UScellular shares tech tips and communication advice to help keep trick-or-treaters safe on Halloween.

• Research a trick-or-treat plan: Families can use the Nextdoor app to find the best places to trick-or-treat and check neighborhood rules. The app’s Halloween Treat Map allows neighbors to mark their homes if they plan to pass out candy or display decorations.
• Set ground rules and expectations ahead of time: Families can use mobile navigation tools prior to trick-or-treating, such as Google Maps, to establish boundaries and create routes to follow.
• Capture the Moments: Don’t forget to take pictures of your kids in and out of their costumes. It’s a great way to preserve the moment and post to social media channels, but also a good idea to have a reference of the costume your child is wearing, and what they are wearing underneath, in case they get lost.
• Use location tracking devices: If kids don’t have phones, Apple AirTags are a great way to help with location tracking. They can give children independence when trick-or-treating while parents can feel peace of mind.