Life360 app helps parents track kids trick-or-treating

PHOENIX - Parents are turning to technology to protect their kids this Halloween.

The free smart phone App, Life360 , is gaining popularity. It's one tool families are downloading now in order to keep track of their kids trick-or-treating.

ABC15 put it to the test.

Once downloaded, family members are added. They will all have access to their exact locations on a map using the phone's GPS.

It also shows nearby safety threats, like registered sex offenders, complete with an address, photo and name.

Kids can check in and even chat with their parents while they're out.

One Valley mother especially likes the panic feature.

If her child is in danger, he can push the panic button and she will get a phone call, text message and email.

There are many apps similar to this one available to smart phone users but according to reviews, many people like this one because it's free and easy to use.

It gets four out of five stars from more than 10,000 reviewers.

You can check it out on Life360.com.