Imagine leaving your three kids behind to embark on a 135-mile trek across rugged landscapes—all for a good cause. That’s exactly what Sara Cox, the beloved BBC Radio 2 broadcaster, is doing. But here’s the part that might surprise you: while she’s away, Sara relies on a modern parenting tool her own mother never had—and it’s sparking conversations about trust, safety, and boundaries in today’s digital age.
Sara, a mother of three—Lola (21), Isaac (17), and Renee (15)—is gearing up for a charity challenge like no other. From November 10 to 14, she’ll run, jog, and walk through the hills of County Durham, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, and West Yorkshire, starting in Kielder Forest and ending in Pudsey, Leeds. Her mission? To raise funds for BBC Children in Need, supporting young people facing mental health struggles, poverty, social inequality, and family challenges. It’s a bold move, but one that highlights her commitment to making a difference—even if it means temporarily leaving her family home in London.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Sara is away, she’ll be keeping tabs on her kids using Apple’s Find My Friends feature. Yes, you read that right. In a candid conversation on Jessie Ware and Lennie’s Table Manners podcast in July 2025, Sara admitted she tracks her children’s locations when she’s not with them. ‘I just do the usual Apple one,’ she explained. ‘You can see where the kids are.’ It’s a far cry from her own childhood, when her mother, Jackie Cox, had no such technology. ‘My mum would’ve been like, ‘Why is Sara on her way to Blackpool?’’ Sara joked, recalling her rebellious teenage years sneaking off to places she wasn’t supposed to be.
This modern parenting hack isn’t just Sara’s secret—it’s a growing trend. Many parents, including HELLO!’s Deputy Features Editor Sophie Hamilton, swear by location-tracking apps for peace of mind. Sophie, whose children are 12 and 14, uses the Family Link app to monitor their whereabouts during school commutes and control their screen time. ‘It’s all in one place,’ she says, ‘and it helps keep them safe.’
But is this a step too far? While some argue it’s a necessary safety measure, others worry it undermines trust and independence. After all, should parents rely on apps to keep their kids safe, or should they focus on teaching real-world skills? And what happens when kids feel like they’re being constantly watched? These are the questions Sara’s approach forces us to consider.
Here’s a quick guide to using location-tracking apps responsibly:
1. DO: Have an open conversation with your child about why you’re using the app. Transparency builds trust.
2. DON’T: Use it as a replacement for teaching them how to stay safe on their own.
3. DO: Use it for specific situations, like ensuring they arrive safely at school or during large events.
4. DON’T: Use it to micromanage their social lives or ‘catch them out.’ That’s a surefire way to damage your relationship.
Beyond the tech, Sara’s parenting journey is relatable. In a March 2025 interview with Good Housekeeping, she admitted that while toddlers are adorable, the teenage years come with their own rewards. ‘They’re good company,’ she said. ‘They have their own thoughts and opinions.’ And let’s not forget her supportive husband, Ben Cyzer, who works from home and shares parenting duties. ‘We’re a good team,’ Sara revealed to HELLO! in June 2025. ‘He makes me laugh—he’s nearly as funny as me.’
Now, we want to hear from you: Is tracking your kids’ locations a smart safety measure or an invasion of privacy? Would you use these apps, or do you prefer old-school methods? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
