KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- There is a way to know where your children are at all times, even when they're off at college, and it's all thanks to GPS technology in some cell phones.

There are several cell phone providers that offer advanced GPS tracking, but the key is to have the right type of phone and plan, so you can actually track the phone's position.

A cell phone is a form of safety for Che Mathis, especially when it comes to her two children.

Che says, "Just because having a cell phone in this day and age is very important, just not only for contact measures to keep in touch with me, but just in case of an emergency."

But, it reassures her to know that if something happened to her 11 or 16 year-old, the cell phone could actually become a tracking device.

Che says, "That's why I always tell my kids to always keep their cell phones on them, no matter what they're doing."

"When a customer dials 911, emergency personnel can actually find that cell phone, where it is located." says U.S. Cellular, Area Sales Manager, Chris Stokes

And that's just the basic GPS feature that is Federally mandated for cell phones.

Chris says, "If a phone is enabled, with GPS turned on, and even if you're not placing an emergency call that phone can still be located."

But he says you have to make sure the settings on your phone are correct, and then that phone could be tracked within a few hundred feet of its location.

Chris says, "So, in the case of a child that's maybe missing, as long as they have a cell phone with them, emergency personnel can find that phone."

Some cell phone service providers offer more advance tracking options -- that could allow you to see where your loved one is.

Che says, "And, if anything ever should happen, God forbid, that we would have a way to find them."

Check your settings on your phone, and your service manual will be able to help you get the GPS settings where you want them.

Or, if you need further help, you can go to your cell phone store, and have them change the settings. And, while you're there you can also look into the GPS tracking packages, and the extra cost, to see if that's something that would work for your family.