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Imagine a scenario where you need to get your child somewhere, but are physically incapable of driving them yourself. You’re probably running a million different alternatives through your mind. Do you call your parents, reach out to friends, or tell your child they can’t go?
If all else fails, you can actually just call an Uber. Utilize promo codes from Uber to help offset the cost.
For a long time, parents believed that Uber was unsafe. This is because their drivers didn’t have to go through the rigorous fingerprinting and background checks that taxi drivers did. Since then, Uber has changed their requirements for drivers and have ensured client safety by forcing drivers to go through more checks.
Because of this, believe it or not, parents are starting to embrace using Uber for their teenaged children. Many parents claim that it is up to the discretion of the parent. But using Uber is extremely convenient for parents who have a few too many responsibilities. By cutting out just a few “chauffeur” trips, like perhaps having Uber drive your son to sports practice every Monday and Wednesday, parents can significantly cut down on their own stress, too.
It is worth noting that Uber does not allow children under the age of 18 to ride alone, though many Uber drivers waive this rule for a short trip. Many parents are also embracing the app, as they feel a sense of security in being able to see the GPS of the trip and know where their child is at all times.
Using The Uber App
If you are going to use the Uber app for your child, there are a few tips that you should always keep in mind:
- UberFamily is a new Uber service which allows parents to ride with their young children. This ride will include car seats for the youngest and tablets to keep them safe and occupied throughout the trip.
- Anyone can sign up to be an Uber driver. There is a background check, but there is no regulatory agency looking into these new drivers
- Many parents who use Uber to shuttle their children from place to place recommend that children send the license plate information of the car that picked them up to their parents upon entering the vehicle. This way, should something happen, the car plates are known and documented beforehand.
- Children are best suited to go in groups. No one under the age of 13 should ever ride in an Uber alone. Teenagers should go in groups of 3 or more for safety purposes.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you want to know specifics, it’s perfectly okay to grill your Uber driver. They’d rather you feel safe than unsafe, right?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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Nicole Anderson
July 7, 2017 at 4:12 pmYou have certainly raised a lot of food for thought about using Uber for kids in this post. When it comes to our kids, it is obviously better to be safe rather than sorry so any precautions that can be taken would always be good. Great tips.
Krystle
July 12, 2017 at 3:01 pmI definitely agree! I would rather be safe than never see my kid again. So glad Uber decided to step up their game!
Mrs. Millennial
July 7, 2017 at 5:23 pmSure – obviously it’s a matter of knowing your child and their level of maturity, but I see no more harm in letting them Uber by themselves than in letting them walk somewhere by themselves.
Krystle
July 12, 2017 at 3:03 pmOh yes, the level of maturity for your child is a huge factor. You’re right, it’s no different than letting them walk alone except they will get to their destination quicker.
Javier Moss
July 7, 2017 at 9:08 pmWow, my family is big and now that my sister has a son, uberfamily will be essential.
Krystle
July 12, 2017 at 3:26 pmIt sure sounds like it will be essential! I know we find it handy!
alisonrost
July 7, 2017 at 11:07 pmSuch great food for thought when it comes not just to child safety, but adults as well. I’ve always wondered about the requirements for drivers, and how their hiring practices differ from more traditional taxi companies. It also sounds like Uber is thinking about the topic from their end as well. Especially if they have a policy that they won’t take people under the age of 18. x
Krystle
July 12, 2017 at 3:25 pmYes, this safety check they put in place is also good for them on so many levels. I know I feel better about using them now!
Mimi's Migration
July 8, 2017 at 3:29 amsuch a good post. this is a big debate and it’s nice that you have taken the time to address this
Krystle
July 12, 2017 at 3:25 pmYes! I believe it’s less controversial now that Uber has stepped up the safety checks!
Nelu
July 8, 2017 at 4:33 amIt’s funny how people from different countries worry about different things. Where I live, it’s normal for children to take taxis (the Uber equivalent except much more… unsafe if we can say that).
Krystle
July 12, 2017 at 3:13 pmYes, each country is definitely different. It’s pretty common here (the big cities at least) for children to take taxis, city buses, etc. However, many parents these days in the US, are cracking down due to all the horrible things that have been popping up in the news lately. So glad Uber added this safety check. Makes me love them even more.
margarette
July 9, 2017 at 11:42 amFor me, Uber is safe. Through it we can ask question and get infos about the driver. So I think it’s ok.
EG III
July 9, 2017 at 10:14 pmAs long as the child sends the driver and license plate info and has a mobile phone readily available I think it’s a great option for busy parents…and more affordable than a traditional taxi.
Krystle
July 12, 2017 at 3:12 pmThat’s actually a perfect tip! Brilliant thinking and I couldn’t agree more!
toastycritic
July 9, 2017 at 11:58 pmI don’t know how I would feel to allow my child to go with an Uber Driver. I know her mother would kill me if I sent our daughter in one. I suppose if she were in a group it wouldn’t be as bad.
Krystle
July 12, 2017 at 3:11 pmAs parents, we always have to follow our gut. If they’re young, I don’t know if I would let them go anywhere alone. However, as a teen, I think I would be much more comfortable with it.
NM (@nmdiariesx)
July 10, 2017 at 6:13 amHonestly, I watch too many horror and thriller movies and watch too many seriel killer documentaries that I just could not use one myself let my children if I had any! I would take them anywhere they needed to go!
http://www.nmdiaries.com
Krystle
July 12, 2017 at 3:10 pmhahaha! I used to be the same way. I have a friend who won’t even travel alone to the bigger city near her. Hey, everyone needs to follow their gut!
hal
July 10, 2017 at 7:17 amwith all the safety check in place then definitely i would recommend it too
Krystle
July 12, 2017 at 3:09 pmYeah, the safety checks make it just as safe as any other transportation or even walking, these days.
Louise x (@withlovefromlou)
July 10, 2017 at 2:21 pmI don’t drive, so I’d definitely be tempted to let my teenage daughter use an Uber if she was with friends. I don’t think we have them in our area yet though. We still live in the dark ages 😉
Louise x
Krystle
July 12, 2017 at 3:05 pmOh no!! Well, I’m sure it won’t be long before they make it to you!
Carol Cassara
July 11, 2017 at 4:17 amI think Uber is convenient and efficient. It’s a great way to get to places when you don’t have a car. I’m glad that they’re doing everything to ensure that the passengers, no matter how old will be safe!
Krystle
July 12, 2017 at 3:04 pmI agree with you, Carol! I think they only helped themselves even further when they began providing more safety measures.