Child GPS Tracker 'Mimori' Releases 'New School Mode' to Disable Talk Functionality While at School

Dream Area Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takehide Terashita), the company behind the major school management system 'Machicomi' and the child GPS tracking service 'Mimori,' is releasing a new feature called 'New School Mode' to accommodate the needs of schools regarding the possession of GPS devices.

This feature is scheduled to be rolled out via a program update starting April 3, 2026.

■ Background: Increasing Cases of GPS Devices Being Treated as 'Mobile Phones'

In recent years, more schools have begun allowing the possession of GPS devices to ensure safety during commutes. However, for devices with 'talk functions' that allow the sending and receiving of voice messages, an increasing number of schools are explicitly banning them, treating them the same as mobile phones due to concerns about classroom disruption and unauthorized communication.

As a result, parents face the 'double cost' of having to contract and manage two separate devices: a 'GPS-only device for school' and a 'communication device for after-school activities.' There have also been cases where parents who purchased a device with talk functionality without knowing the rules were forced to return it after the school denied permission.

■ Real-world Feedback: Caught Between Parental 'Peace of Mind' and School 'Rules'

The 'Mimori' customer center receives many urgent inquiries daily:

・ 'I bought a device with a talk function for my child's safety, but the school said it's not allowed, so I can't let them take it.'

・ 'I want a way to communicate after school, but having two devices is too much of a burden in terms of cost and management.'

To resolve this friction between 'parental wishes' and 'school management policies,' Dream Area has developed this new feature.

■ 'Talk Function Restriction': Achieving 'Physical Disabling' via Software Control

Since 2021, 'Mimori' has provided a 'School Mode' that silences the device while at school. However, School Mode alone could not prevent messages from being received or sent, nor could it prevent sounds from being triggered by accidental operation.

Therefore, we have added a 'Talk Restriction' feature to the 'School Mode.' This feature uses the system to completely disable the talk function during specified times or locations. Rather than just silencing the device, it switches to a state where the device does not accept operations, effectively preventing communication while on school grounds. Furthermore, the device disables the talk button, speaker, and incoming call indicator lights.

As a result, the device functions as a 'GPS-only terminal' while at school. This allows for safer operation that respects school rules while maintaining the location tracking functionality necessary for child safety.

■ The 3 Pillars of the 'Talk Restriction' Feature

1. Complete Disabling of Talk Functionality
By setting specific areas (schools), time slots, and days of the week, the system blocks the sending/receiving of talk messages and disables the incoming call light. The device becomes unresponsive to button presses, preventing accidental operation or unintended communication.

2. Operates as a GPS-Only Device at School
By disabling the talk function, the device specializes solely in location tracking.