The Companion App: A Sigh of Relief for Parents of College Students

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Navigating life on your own can often come with a sense of unease, especially when you’re heading home alone in the dark. A new free app, designed to let users be “virtually walked home” by friends or family, is quickly gaining traction not just in the U.S. but worldwide.

Created by a group of students at the University of Michigan, the Companion app aims to support students on their nighttime walks back to safety. Here’s how it works: when a user sets off on a solo journey, they select contacts to notify—no app download is needed on their friends’ or family’s devices. Once alerted, these contacts receive a link to an interactive map that tracks the user’s route to their destination.

The Process is Straightforward:

• Users enter their destination and mode of travel.
• They can choose friends or family to “accompany” them.
• With just a tap, users can reach out to their friends or even local authorities.
• A smart trigger can be activated, prompting friends to check in.

If the user fails to confirm they are safe within 15 seconds of activating the smart trigger, the app transforms their phone into a loud alarm system, scaring off potential threats and allowing loved ones to call for help. Additionally, if the user contacts 911, the app can notify campus police if they’re on a registered university campus.

The app also keeps an eye on the user’s movements. If they stray from their path, fall, or experience a sudden change in pace, the app checks in on them. If there’s no response, it’ll automatically call for help, making it a reassuring tool for anyone who has spent time in urban areas alone.

As a mom who will one day have kids in college, I find this app to be an absolute lifesaver. It’s not just a simple tool; it actively works to enhance safety while allowing our kids to maintain their independence. After all, they need room to grow, but it’s nice to know there’s a safety net when they need it.

For more insights on parenting and related topics, check out our post on home insemination kits here, and don’t miss this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination from the CDC.

In summary, the Companion app is a thoughtful innovation that offers peace of mind for parents and freedom for students, striking a perfect balance between safety and independence.