Here’s my take on this. You have a couple of solid routes for a Samsung device, each with its own trade-offs.
The most integrated solution is Google’s Family Link. It’s built directly into Android, is free, and allows you to see your child’s location in real-time. The advantage is that it’s a native Google service and also offers other features like screen time management. The potential downside is that it’s a full parental control suite, which might be more than you’re looking for.
Alternatively, dedicated third-party apps like Life360 are very popular. They often provide more advanced features like location history, place alerts (for arriving at/leaving school), and even driving reports. However, these apps can use more battery, and their best features are typically part of a paid subscription.
For simplicity, Family Link is a great starting point. For more features, a third-party app might be a better fit.