As a technical expert and gadget reviewer for Kids and teens, I’m frequently posed with this question – I get about 3-4 emails a week from parents and teachers asking about gadget use, setup and reviews.
Regarding whether kids or teens need a smartwatch or not – In my perspective, the answer is a resounding yes, and here’s why.
Smartwatches, like the Apple Watch SE, the Fitbit Ace 3, the TickTalk 4, the Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3, and the VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2, offer a myriad of benefits to both parents and kids alike. They go beyond simply telling time, offering features that enable kids to stay safe and give parents peace of mind.
You can check my comprehensive guides apple watch for kids and smartwatch for children, where I’ve listed reasons and surveys in detail why it is okay to buy a smartwatch for your kid and what experts say about it. A 2020 Piper Sandler survey revealed that over 31 percent of teenagers in USA owns a smartwatch. Another survey from Pewresearch stated that 21 percent of adults own a smartwatch in 2021.
Also, More parents are agreeing that the will buy an smartwatch for their kids as young as five to keep them connected with the family members in real-time, so that they don’t have to worry about their whereabouts and safety.
Parents say that young kids find it difficult to use a smartphone and the best alternatives are – small gps tracking devices, Family tracker apps for teens, real-time location tracking apps, and Phone Watch with LTE connection.
Out of these four – gps tracker devices are best for young children and other three are better for teens and older children.
Also check out smartwatch comparison and their Pros and cons for kids.
Safety and security
One of the primary reasons for providing kids with a smartwatch is the safety features it offers. For instance, the Apple Watch offers real-time location tracking capabilities via GPS. This enables parents to know where their children are at all times. With features like Emergency SOS, kids can quickly call for help in case of potential dangers.
“Apple’s Family Setup feature, available in newer versions of the Apple Watch like the Series 8, allows family members to use their Apple ID to stay connected via phone calls and text messages, even if the kid doesn’t have a personal iPhone.”
Parents must follow this guide to know what features to Look for in a Smartwatch for Kids.
Functionality and convenience
Smartwatches aren’t just about safety; they also offer practical functionality. Kids can use them to answer phone calls and text messages, a feature my niece and nephew found particularly handy during their two-week trial with the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 8.
These watches also have a schooltime mode that limits distractions during learning hours.
Financial Responsibility
Introducing kids to financial responsibility is another benefit of smartwatches. By using features like Apple Pay, kids can learn about digital transactions, providing a safe and controlled environment for them to understand money management.
Do kids really need a smartwatch? If so, why?
My thoughts are that with the right balance of safety features and functionality, smartwatches can indeed be a valuable tool for kids.
As parents and caregivers, it’s our responsibility to leverage technology to not only keep our kids safe but also to prepare them for the digital future.
Smartwatches, like the Apple Watch SE, the Fitbit Ace 3, the TickTalk 4, the Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3, and the VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2, offer a myriad of benefits to both parents and kids alike. They go beyond simply telling time, offering features that enable kids to stay safe, and give parents peace of mind.
Safety and Security
One of the primary reasons for providing kids with a smartwatch is the safety features it offers. For instance, the Apple Watch offers real-time location tracking capabilities via GPS. This enables parents to know where their children are at all times. With features like Emergency SOS, kids can quickly call for help in case of potential dangers.
“Apple’s Family Setup feature, available in newer versions of the Apple Watch like the Series 8, allows family members to use their Apple ID to stay connected via phone calls and text messages, even if the kid doesn’t have a personal iPhone.”
Functionality and Convenience
Smartwatches aren’t just about safety – they also offer practical functionality. Kids can use them to answer phone calls + text messages, a feature my niece and nephew found particularly handy during their two-week trial with the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 8.
These watches also have a Schooltime mode that limits distractions during learning hours.
Financial Responsibility
Introducing kids to financial responsibility is another benefit of smartwatches. By using features like Apple Pay, kids can learn about digital transactions, providing a safe and controlled environment for them to understand money management.
| Smartwatch | Tracking Features | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Watch SE | GPS, compass, and real-time location tracking | Up to 18 hours |
| Fitbit Ace 3 | Step and sleep tracking | Up to 8 days |
| TickTalk 4 | Real-time location tracking, geo-fencing | Up to 24 hours |
| Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 | Step, sleep, and active minutes tracking | Up to 1 year |
| VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX2 | No GPS, but has fun learning games | Up to 2 weeks |
Emergency SOS for Potential Dangers
Another safety feature that impressed me is the Emergency SOS function. By pressing and holding the side button, the watch will automatically call emergency services. It also sends a message to emergency contacts, ensuring that help is on the way in case of potential dangers.
Balancing Safety and Independence
Introducing the Family Setup feature on the Apple Watch Series and Apple Watch SE gives children a sense of independence while allowing parents to keep an eye on them. The watch’s Schooltime mode can be programmed to limit distractions during class hours. In addition, there’s also an option for Apple Pay, so they can make purchases without needing to carry cash or cards.
Excellent Battery Life
A critical aspect that parents consider when opting for a smart watch for their kids is the battery life. I found that both the Apple Watch SE and the Apple Watch Series 8 provide an excellent battery life, lasting for a whole day with regular use.
In conclusion, while the need for a smartwatch can vary based on individual needs, the tracking features and safety functions that the Apple Watch offers could be invaluable for ensuring children’s safety and helping them develop independence. For my niece and nephew, the Apple Watch has proven to be a useful device that helps them stay safe while also offering an array of other useful features.
Parvinder Singh is a seasoned IT developer and network engineer with over 5 years of experience. He is also a skilled tech columnist, offering insights on the latest trends and developments in the tech industry.