Keeping Teens Safe: Uber's Latest Features Give Parents More Control

In a world where teenagers are gaining independence faster than ever, Uber's latest update brings a sigh of relief to parents everywhere. As of this week, the ride-hailing giant is rolling out a major update aimed squarely at its younger users and their concerned parents. It's a significant move that prioritizes safety and convenience, offering peace of mind in a time when it's most needed.


Last year, Uber introduced teen accounts, allowing parents and guardians to set up accounts for their 13 to 17-year-olds. Initially launched in two dozen cities, the feature quickly expanded and now covers over 250 cities across all 50 U.S. states. This expansion alone signaled Uber's commitment to catering to its younger clientele, but it didn't stop there.

Taking feedback from teen riders and their families, Uber has added several new features to make the experience even safer and more convenient. The most notable update? Parents can now book rides for their teenagers directly from their own accounts. Previously, only teens could hail rides through their own accounts, which, while empowering, left some parents feeling a bit out of the loop. Now, the same safety features—like real-time ride tracking and notifications—are available, regardless of who books the ride.

But Uber didn't stop with just one new feature. Teen customers can now schedule rides up to 90 days in advance, just like their adult counterparts. This means that a ride to a distant event or even next month's school dance can be secured well ahead of time. Plus, Uber One subscribers can now share their perks with their teens, including free Uber Eats deliveries and cashback on certain rides.

It's worth noting that Uber remains the only ride-hailing service to officially cater to teen users. While other apps like Lyft still enforce an 18+ age requirement, teens have long found workarounds, often using their parents' or friends' accounts. Uber's teen accounts aim to provide a safer, more transparent experience for both the young riders and the drivers picking them up.

So, if you're a parent worrying about how your teenager is getting around, this update might be just what you've been waiting for. Uber's new features make it easier than ever to keep tabs on your teen, ensuring they stay safe while navigating their growing independence.

Want to read this in Spanish? Spanish Version >>