Your son is right to a degree.
https://www.howtogeek.com/672810/how-your-iphone%e2%80%99s-new-covid-19-exposure-notifications-work/
How Your iPhone’s New COVID-19 Exposure Notifications Work
pple has introduced the Exposure Notifications API for public health organizations. The feature is built into iOS 13.5, but it’s not enabled by default. Even after it’s enabled, you’ll need to use an app from public health authorities to utilize the data.
That is, until later in 2020. In phase two, Apple plans to integrate the contact tracing feature directly into iOS and the iPhone.
The API is designed with privacy and security in mind. Apple will approve of its usage individually, and it’s only available for public health organizations. The entire feature, from the API to the notifications, is not mandatory. You will have to opt-in and enable the feature.
As Apple is doing this securely, it works only using Bluetooth LE beacons. The company is not going to use GPS to track your location. Apple won’t be monitoring anyone’s location or transmitting personal data to public health officials.