When you think of things that can keep you safe, you may think of pepper spray or even a pocket knife, but what about your phone? If there’s one thing that college students love doing, it’s going out. And college kids never go anywhere without their phones. Whether it’s going to a club, a party or a restaurant, most students love to spend their free time away from campus having fun, and their phone always comes with them. But one of the biggest concerns for college students while they’re out is their safety. Here are some of the best phone apps for using your phone to stay safe on and off campus along with ratings to help you choose which is best for you.
Kitestring
If you’ve ever been worried about going out or walking home alone, Kitestring can keep you worry free. Kitestring is a personalized check-in service. The first time you use it, you’ll be asked to set a list of emergency contacts, as well as create a personalized alert message that will be sent out if you’re in danger. The next time you go out, send Kitestring a text with a time that you would like to be checked on. After that time has elapsed, Kitestring will send you a text, prompting you to respond that you are all right. If you don’t respond to the message within a few moments, Kitestring will automatically send out your personalized alert message to your emergency contacts, letting them know that something is wrong. The best thing about Kitestring is that it’s free and available for any mobile device. All you need to do to begin using Kitestring is register on the website, kitestring.io, and save the application’s number to your phone. However, one drawback of Kitestring is the lack of a password system that would prevent someone other than you to check in with the app. This app is as simple as it gets, and due to its easy use, but lack of security system, Kitestring gets 3/5 star rating.
Circle of 6
Circle of 6 is the ideal app if you’re cautious about going on a blind date. Circle of 6 allows you to designate six trusted emergency contacts, and contact all of them at once through the click of button on the apps homepage. There are three different options available for reaching your six contacts. You can launch a group chat to ask for advice, ask for a phone call distraction to interrupt an uncomfortable conversation, or ask to be picked up. When you ask friends for a ride home, the app will send them your exact GPS coordinates, so they can easily find you. This app also features a “panic” button that will call the local police or preset emergency numbers. Circle of 6 is free to download and use, and is available for both Apple and Android devices. One negative aspect of Circle of 6 is that it relies on your emergency contacts being available. If your six emergency contacts aren’t available, all the app can offer is a call to the local police. Circle of 6 gets a 3/5 star rating because although being connected with your friends is very convenient for college students, they may not always be the most reliable.
React Mobile
React Mobile is “Peace of mind, at your fingertips.” This app relies on a tracking system that your friends and family can monitor if you ever feel uncomfortable. You can post your name, location, and a description of who you’re meeting up with or what you’re doing to allow your friends to track your safety. In addition to the GPS tracking, React Mobile also allows users to post alerts to Facebook and Twitter or silently send out a text or email asking for assistance. The app also features a panic button on the home screen that, when pressed, will alert all of your emergency contacts with your exact location. 911 can also be contacted through this app in case of emergency. React Mobile is a free app and is supported by Apple and Android devices. React Mobile makes great use of social media to let a large group of people know if you need help, and the GPS features allow you to get help as soon as possible. But because React Mobile relies on some social media features, those who aren’t heavy social media users lose some of the key features of this app. Because React Mobile offers a great level of security, but can’t be used by everyone, it gets a 4/5 star rating.
SafeTrek
We’ve all been nervous about walking through dark parking lots or walking across campus at night, but SafeTrek can make sure that you get from point A to point B safely. Many people feel conflicted when deciding whether or not their situation warrants a call to 911, but with SafeTrek, you can have the peace of mind that if your situation elevates to a dangerous level, a call to 911 is only seconds away. While you’re walking, launch SafeTrek and hold down the safe button on your touch screen with your thumb. As long as your hand is in contact with the safe button, the app will recognize that you are safe. Once you are out of danger or feel more comfortable, you can release the safe button and enter a predetermined four digit pin number. However, if you’re not safe and need help, release the safety button and do not type in your four digit pin number. Police will be immediately notified with your name and location. SafeTrek is a great app because it requires a lack of action to get help. If you’re attacked or your phone is knocked away from you, you don’t need to worry about pressing a button to notify police. SafeTrek does require a $2 download fee and is available for any iOS or Android device. SafeTrek is seriously powerful app, and the only noticeable drawback is the cost, which earns SafeTrek a 5/5 star rating.
College students always have their phones, and with apps like these, your phone can become your number one tool for safety. All of these apps can help keep you safe in any situation, anywhere you go. So start downloading, it’ll make your night out that much safer.
