A kid friendly smartwatch is the best way to stay connected with your children. It’s a great alternative if you are not planning to hand over cell phones to them right now. Parents want to communicate with their kids without worrying about the liberty a cell phone offers. This is where the best smartwatches for kids come to the scene.
A smartwatch for kids has plenty of features, making it perfect for parents. Besides, smartwatches for kids are a great way to introduce them to technology. These smartwatches have longer battery life, a GPS tracker, and an easy-to-use interface. As such, it appeals to both the parents and kids.
When you are looking to buy the best kid friendly smartwatch, it’s important to consider certain factors. Of course, you do not want to have features such as internet access and calls from strangers. So, what to look for when buying a kids smartwatch? Read on to find out more about it
Making use of a kid friendly smartwatch the right way
A smartwatch for kids is a good option for parents to introduce technology to their children. These smartwatches could be the first step toward understanding technology. A kid friendly smartwatch does not have the complexities that smartphones have.
However, your kids should be mature enough to handle technology. This is how you ensure that they use these smartwatches safely. Many parents give cell phones to their children who do not want them at the moment. Hence, make sure that your child welcomes this new gadget into their life.
You can discuss with them the importance of having a kids smartwatch. Sometimes, their small requirement could be met with a smartwatch rather than a smartphone. It is unwise to assume that your children should own a cell phone to make communication convenient.
Things to keep in mind before buying a smartwatch for kids
Finding the right kid friendly smartwatch for your child is only half the job done. You must ensure that everything falls in line when you get your child their first gadget. Below listed are some important considerations that shouldn’t skip your mind.
1. Discuss with your child
No denying, having a piece of modern-day technology for your child will introduce them to a new world. Still, it is good to discuss a few things with your child. You have to ensure that your child is ready to use technology for communication. Sometimes, there could be confusion.
Suppose, your child could call you several times when in school only to show off the new watch. Now, this could be annoying. So, you should have a discussion with your child about using the new gadget before buying it. That way, you get to know whether or not they are ready for the change.
It is good to avoid giving a kid friendly smartwatch to younger children. Certainly, they will always fall short of your expectations. Having a conversation earlier will save a lot of trouble later. If your child is ready, you are good to go.
2. Understand the health benefits it offers
Setting limitations with technology is challenging and a constant struggle. But it is necessary if you are looking to build healthy tech habits. Every person should set themselves as examples when it comes to following healthy digital habits.
For example, never use gadgets or cell phones when you are with your family. Try to communicate face-to-face whenever possible. It helps your child know the limitations of technology.
They will understand when to use technology and when not to use it. Make sure they do not depend on technology always. Building healthy habits at a tender age has its rewards afterward.
3. Acknowledge the good sides
There are potential benefits that a kid friendly smartwatch will bring to your family. Smartwatches for kids are equipped with GPS that helps you monitor your child’s location easily. The best part is that your kids can call emergency numbers if they feel threatened.
Apart from that, a kid friendly smartwatch teaches your children how to become independent while being responsible. For example, kids have to charge their smartwatches overnight and take good care of them.
Because they can communicate on their own, your kids become self-reliant. Additionally, they can view their health vitals because of the features included in the smartwatches.
4. Collecting information
As a parent, you should know that even a smartwatch for kids can collect data. Therefore, try to know what type of information the smartwatch collects. You need to know the location trackers and privacy settings that the device comes with.
Privacy is one of the biggest issues that people face. There are manufacturers who do not follow safety measures. As a result, hackers can access information on the kid friendly smartwatch.
They can know the current location of your child. Also, they can access personal data and take control of the watch. It is good to know what safety measures the watch follows.
5. Set clear rules for your child
Parents should outline rules on how to use the smartwatch for their children. Being a parent, you have to stay ahead of time. Set guidelines for your child to follow. This is how you will give them the necessary independence while retaining peace of mind.
What type of controls are available on a kid friendly smartwatch?
A smartwatch for kids comes with a set of parental controls. You can use the parent app that is synced with the smartwatch to monitor activities. These might include the following.
- Track the current location of your child using the GPS
- Create a list of contacts that your child can message or call
- View incoming/outgoing calls and messages
- Set usage limits
- Approve apps that could be installed on the watch
- Set timers that will mute notifications so that your child doesn’t get distracted when studying or doing activities
What to look for when buying the best smartwatch for kids
Below listed are important factors that you should keep in mind when buying the best kid friendly smartwatch. We have a detailed post on how to choose the best smartwatch for your needs. Check it out if you are planning to buy one recently.
1. How well does the smartwatch connect
The connectivity of the smartwatch is an important factor to consider. If you are in an area where connectivity is not an issue, things should be fine. However, if the watch cannot operate without Wi-Fi and your child is in a rural area, there could be a problem.
In that case, you need a smartwatch that can work even without Wi-Fi. Many smartwatches for kids work when connected to a parent’s phone. Hence, check the connectivity options that smartwatches have to offer.
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2. Look out for parental controls
A kid friendly smartwatch will have a variety of parental controls. Some of the helpful controls include the following.
- Privacy settings
- Location tracking
- ‘Find my device’ feature
- Call records
- Text message history
- Turn off the watch
- Only open for emergency calls
- Approved contact list
- Quiet hours
- SOS feature
3. User-friendly
interface
A user-friendly interface is another important consideration when buying a smartwatch for kids. Make sure that your child operates the smartwatch with ease. Be sure that your child knows how to use the features on the device the right way.
They should know how to call you or call emergency numbers. Additionally, they should know what to avoid. If necessary, help your child understand some extra features of the smartwatch.
4. GPS tracker
Almost every kid friendly smartwatch comes equipped with a GPS tracking feature. Still, make sure that the one you want to buy comes with it. Knowing the current location of your child is important because of the crimes that frequently happen these days.
GPS tracking on smartwatches for kids gives you peace of mind. You get to know the whereabouts of your child and take immediate action if your child gets involved in tricky situations. Moreover, you know when your children arrive at the school or attend activities.
You will find certain kids smartwatches where the GPS feature includes boundary options. It means that whenever your child leaves a specific area, the smartwatch will alert you in no time.
Image by Freepik
5. Durability
No wonder, every kid is mischievous and is involved in a lot of activities when they are awake. As a result, a smartwatch for kids will be dropped, hit, and bumped. Therefore, it is good to have a smartwatch that is made of durable materials. In short, smartwatches should be perfect for your children.
Sometimes, your child may forget to take off their watch when taking showers. In that case, the smartwatch should come with a waterproof feature. Certain kids smartwatch manufacturers know it and they design their watches to withstand water to some extent.
Whether you are buying a smartwatch for yourself or your children, they are a worthy investment. Smartwatches have lots of benefits that make our lives easier.
6. Features that your kids will love
Features in a kid friendly smartwatch such as a camera and games are fun for your children. But these features aren’t important that you should be looking for in the smartwatch. However, there is a problem.
When kids are younger, they have vivid imaginations. So, a smartwatch without attractive features might not appeal to your child. Because you are making your child use the smartwatch for safety measures, you have to give them reasons to feel happy.
Look for smartwatches that allow your child to send video messages. Also, consider how you can respond. If the smartwatch has a step-counting feature, it will make your kids excited.
7. Price
The price of a kid friendly smartwatch is another important consideration that you shouldn’t ignore. Especially, if your child has the habit of losing things. Many parents regret buying expensive smartwatches after their kids lose them.
Ensure that the smartwatch you want to buy has limitations according to your child’s age. A budget-friendly option might be the best solution at present for your kids. Your child will develop a sense of responsibility for the device as they grow up.
Wrapping Up
A kid friendly smartwatch is a great way for the kids and their parents to stay connected when outside home. These smartwatches have features such as GPS tracking, messaging, calling, and more. Children can connect with their parents from any location.
Some smartwatches come with fun-filled activities making them popular with kids. Whereas, others encourage your kids to do a bit of exercise and improve their health. You will get all kinds of smartwatches for kids. Make sure to buy one that aligns with you and your child’s needs.
Before buying a kid friendly smartwatch, be sure that they are ready for this new piece of technology. The best part is that some smartwatches do not need a smartphone to operate.
We hope that the post will help you to get the best smartwatch for your kid. Share your thoughts in the comments and help others.
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