My role as a dad is to keep my kids safe. While also help them to push their limits, be curious and explore the world. This is why I feel like a GPS smartwatch could be the ideal gift for my kids. Before I compulsively buy one of those phone watches for my kid, I did my research, and you should read the following.
GPS smartwatch is a great solution to communicate with your kid who’s too young to have a cell phone. Parents can call their kid through the smartwatch. Also, the watch provides a variety of safety features for parents and kids. With the GPS function, parents can always know where their kids are. Because those products are new and inexpensive, you must consider the following before getting a GPS smartwatch for your kid.
- How a GPS smartwatch for kids work?
- 21 useful features of a GPS smartwatch for kids
- 10 things to consider before buying a smartwatch for your kid
- The pros and cons of a kids GPS watch
- Is a GPS tracking smartwatch safe for my kid?
- The troubling results from a research of the Norwegian Consumer Council
If you want my advice on which GPS tracker is the best for your kid, check out this list I created of the top GPS tracker and smartwatches for kids.
1. How a GPS smartwatch for kids work?
It can be panicking for a parent to lose sight of their kid in a public park or on the overcrowded street. A GPS smartwatch for kids, give parents the ability to pinpoint the exact location of their child. Parents can also communicate with their child through the phone feature.
A GPS smartwatch is a security and educational device for kids. It provides security features for your kid, like emergency call and panic button. It also offers useful alerts and notifications for parents and kids.
Those watches are meant for parents and kids to feel safer. Helicopter parents can lay back a bit and let their children being the little explorer they should be.
It’s like an Apple watch but for kids, without being crazy expensive.
Before you give a cell phone to your kids, you might want to consider a phone watch with GPS.
Why kids need a smartwatch?
Let’s get real, nobody needs a smartwatch. But the technology exists so why not considering it.
Many parents are giving cellphone and smartphone to their older kids. It’s undoubtedly the best solution to communicate with your kids. But, giving an expensive smartphone to a child is troubling for many reasons.
Before opting for the smartphone solution, I’m considering the phone smartwatch designed for kids. It will provide me with the ability to communicate with my kids and know where they are (even if they don’t answer my call). If my kids can handle the responsibilities of the phone watch, it might be easier to make a smart and safe usage of the cell phone when they get older.
Why parents buy smartwatch to their kid?
Sometimes I feel like danger his everywhere, and I want to keep my children safe inside our home. I can get really anxious when I come to my children security. And I pretty sure I’m not the only one.
But you know what? In general, people feel less safe with their kids been outside, but the reality is it’s more dangerous inside the house. Criminality has shifted toward the internet, making the streets safer but the actual danger is ton the Web. This means that my child has more chance to meet a stranger with bad intentions online than on the street. Also, my kids have more chance to get bullied on social media than at the local park.
Knowing all this I still feel like danger is everywhere.
This GPS watch might help me to give more liberty to my kids. The kind of freedom I use to have when I was young. I remember, riding my bike on the street, without a helmet and until it gets dark. My parents didn’t know exactly where I was, but they knew I could be trusted. Now it not that I don’t trust my kids, I don’t trust the strangers.
Let’s go through the features of a GPS smartwatch for kids, and you will see why I find it interesting.
21 useful features of a GPS smartwatch for kids
Those types of smartwatch where made especially for children. They are different from the Apple watch or any other sports watches. They have unique security features to keep your kids safe, and they work as a smartphone too.
1. Phone and video call
Been able always to know that your kid can call you, is such a peace of mind. Depending on the models, your kid’s smartwatch can be connected to your smartphone by Bluetooth, WIFI, 2G or 3G. You and your kid can also have a video call. Some models could need a monthly subscription, like your smartphone.
2. Two-way communication
A GPS smartwatch is more than a simple GPS tracker. Sometimes all I want is to know where’s my kids, but I like the fact that we can communicate and send messages.
3. Voice and text message
If your kid is currently in school or at the cinema, you can always send him a voice or text message. This feature is also great when you are in a job meeting and need to send a message to your kid. Mom and dad can always send a text message or a voice message. Whatever is more easy for you and your kid. Such a simple solution to know if everything is OK.
4. Safe contact list
Your kid can only contact or been contacted by limited numbers of people. Depending on the model of smartwatches, the parents can set up a whitelist of up to 20 phone numbers who can reach or been reached by your kid. Making it impossible for a stranger to contact your child. Also, your kid doesn’t have to memorize and dial phone numbers. Instead, he can only select to call mom, dad, etc.
5. GPS tracker
Another significant benefit of the GPS smartwatch is the ability to track your kid, wherever he his. Your kid could be playing at the local park or been on a camping trip with the school, with the GPS feature you can always know where he his.
6. Real-time tracking
In case of an emergency, you want to know where your kid is right now. Some GPS watches offer the possibility to track your kid in real time. So you can pinpoint precisely on the map where your kid is, even if he his on the move and unable to answer your message.
7. Geofencing
The GPS technology enables you to create a virtual geographic fence and receive an alert if your kid leaves this perimeter. In my opinion, this is one of the coolest features of the watch.
I could list hundreds of situation where I told my kids they could go play in a specific area but not further than a certain point. Of course, I trust my kids, but there are special occasions where I didn’t let them go out of my sight because the danger was too high.
Even if they are in my sight, it so easy for them to slip out. Could be at the mall, the local park, the beach, wherever there are lots of people, it’s easy to lose sight of your kids.
With this feature, I can be notified immediately if one of my kids leave the park.
8. Alerts and popup notifications on your smartphone
Some smartwatches with GPS tracking can send you updates and notification at a set time. You could set the GPS watch to send you a location update every hour or five minutes.
Depending on the circumstances, it could calm your helicopter parenting anxiety. For example, this first time your kid come back from school on his bike or the first time he walks to visit his friends down the blocks.
9. GPS location history
The GPS location history of where your kid has visited is saved for you to consult later. The location comes with specific dates and time frames so you can see exactly where your kid went or didn’t go.
This could be useful to re-establish trust after your kid went somewhere prohibited. I would be careful by only relying on the watch to know where my kid went. It’s easy to leave the GPS wristwatch at a friend house and tell dad you were there all day (and not at the local arcade).
On the other hand, this is a gigantic advantage to find a lost item by your kid. With the historical route of the day, he could remember where to look. No more lost lunchbox 😉
10. Panic button
If your kid gets lost or feel scared, he can push the panic button, and you will receive an alert immediately. You can preset a phone number to reach in case of emergency, and the alert along with the exact GPS location will be sent to this number.
Before rushing into your car, you can call your kid to see what his the problem and evaluate if he needs your immediate assistance. If it’s a real emergency, you can contact 911 and give them his location.
11. Listen to your kid
This is almost a spy feature, and I would advise only to use it in case of emergency. Some smartwatch for kids allows the parent to listen to what going on around the watch. Just like a baby monitor, you can check-in if your kid is ok.
12. Emergency information
Like a medical bracelet, parents can record emergency information within their kid’s smartwatch. The kid who wears the watch can be easily identified in case of emergency. This is a life saver, for kids with strong allergies and severe health issues.
13. Tamper alert
You can set a tamper alert to get notified if your kid (or someone else) removes the watch. If so, you will receive an alert message with the last know GPS information.
14. Find my watch
Some smartwatch also has a Find my watch function that will make the watch to begin beeping. This is handy to locate your kid’s watch in a messy room 😉
15. Fitness and activity tracker
I like the activity tracker feature for two reasons.
First, it will motivate my kids to stay active and engaged in sports activities on a daily basis. I love everything that encourages kids to become active. Just like the step challenges in most adult fitness watch, your kid could set goals and achieve them. It is great for the self-esteem.
Also, the activity tracker feature makes the watch fun to wear. More chance for your kid not to get bored of the watch after 6 months.
I would only recommend making sure your kid is not getting distracted in school because of this.
16. Voice clock
With a voice clock, your kid will always know what time it is. No more excuse like: I didn’t know, I didn’t see what time it was, etc.
17. Camera
Kids love to take photos, selfies and make videos. Some smartwatch for kids has a forward-facing camera with selfies and video recording options.
18. Photo filters
After taking a photo, kids love to personalize it with a unique frame, effect or filter. Some watch will allow the child to edit the pictures and videos.
19. Media player
I’m on the fence with this feature. I want my kids to be creative and enjoy music. But on the other hand, I think they watch too much television. Depending on the smartwatch you get for your kids, some can play music and videos (tv show or movies). This is indeed a feature you need to put boundaries on.
20. Personal calendar
Just like mom and dad, kids can now have their own personal calendar with notifications and reminders. Such a great way to keep track of sports practices, homework and birthdays. Parents can also assign a task to their kids, and the watch will send reminders to the kid. This feature will help them with responsibilities and boost their self-esteem by becoming more responsible.
21. Educational games
Some smartwatch models will have built-in games, and some will have the possibility to load more games. They offer a wide range, from virtual pet to calculator. You can find a game that is fun for your kid and also educational. If it’s helping my kid to improve his vocabulary or to learn about geography, I’m all in, and I don’t feel guilty.
If you want my advice on which GPS tracker is the best for you kid, check out this list I created of the top GPS tracker and smartwatches for kids.
10 things to consider before buying a smartwatch for your kid
Before you choose the best smartwatch for your kid, you must consider the following factors. In my opinion, they make a tremendous difference between a good smartwatch and a useless piece of technology.
Read the technical specification and make your own test when you receive the watch. Make sure you keep the receipt.
1. GPS Accuracy
If the GPS watch you got for kid can’t tell accurately where your kid is currently located, well it’s no good. Just like with sports watches, the GPS feature is not 100% reliable on every kid’s smartwatch.
Check if the smartwatch can pinpoint exactly where your child is. Test it outdoor but also indoor, because the GPS device could have limitation and you want to know about them before it’s too late.
2. Signal range
Any wireless device may have a limitation when it comes down to the range covered by the signal. Mainly if the watch works on Bluetooth or WIFI. Make sure you are full-aware of those limitations before your kids leave the house with it. The range shouldn’t be a problem if the watch is connected to the 2G or 3G network. As long as their cell phone tower close.
3. Indoor use
Just like cell phone reception or baby monitor, it can be challenging to get good reception inside a building. Because of the structure, the walls, the other wireless device, etc., the signal could be lost. Make sure the watch work inside the house, the school, the mall, the indoor sports complex or wherever else your child might use the watch indoor.
4. Durability
When you mix technology and kids, you want to make sure the device can take a large amount of suffering. The wristband, the GPS tracker and the touch screen must be shock resistant.
5. Waterproof
Kis like to play with water and that why you need a watch that is water-resistant. A water-resistant watch will assure you that your kid will not take it off at the pool and forgets it. The most of models will be waterproof but check the specs because some advertise waterproof, but it’s only in 3 feet of water and up to 30 minutes. You might want to know those little details before sending your kids to the pool with his brand new and expensive smartwatch.
6. Battery life
All of the cool features of a smartwatch for kids are no good if the battery cant holds up. From what I found, the most model will last from 24 to 72 hours on a single charge. Some can operate longer when on standby mode. I would love to have a watch that could last a couple of days before needing a recharge.
This can make a massive difference between a useful watch or a left-at-home-because-the-battery-is-dead type of smartwatch.
7. Ease of use
Make sure your kid can operate the watch. The touchscreen or the button must be easy to use and understand. See how simple it is for your kid’s little fingers to answer your call or reach out for help. Also, the watch must be comfortable to wear.
8. Age range
Most smartwatches have a recommended age for use. Anything from 7 to 12 years-old.
9. Cool designs
You can personalize the colors and styles for the watch. You kids will appreciate having his own custom smartwatch. So cool!
10. Silent mode
Just like our smartphone, kids smartwatch have a silent mode. This is handy when your kid is in class or sleeping. You can pre-set times when the watch will deactivate the sound and the notification.
If you want my advice on which GPS tracker is the best for your kid, check out this list I created of the top GPS tracker and smartwatches for kids.
The pros and cons of a kids GPS watch
As I am considering getting a smartwatch for my kids, I decided to create a pros and cons list. I will share with you what I believe to be a benefit and what are the drawbacks.
Let’s start with the pros.
1. Communicate with my kids
Been able always to reach my kids is a huge benefit.
2. Locate my kids
In case of an emergency, ben able to pinpoint the location of my kids is definitely a pro.
3. The panic button
Knowing that my kids call me in case of an emergency is such a peace of mind. Since they are young, I teach them what to do in case of emergency, and I’m pretty sure they know where to ask for help. The watch is just a more efficient way to get help.
4. Less expensive than a cell phone
I get it why parents give a cell phone to their kids, and I would consider it. But before they are old enough to make good use of a cell phone, I think a phone watch is a great solution. When I look at the price of a smartwatch for kids compare to an iPhone, I fell it’s pretty affordable for something that might get lost, broken, or forget at the bottom of the closet.
5. It’s wearable
Because my kid would wear it around the wrist, I feel there is less chance to get lost or broken than a cellphone.
6. Learning and motivation
I like the fitness and calendar features along with the educational games. I feel that my kids will enjoy the watch will learning about responsibilities and get more motivation towards an active lifestyle.
Now the cons
1. Less stuff is better
Some kids might get bored after a while and stop wearing it. The watch could end up with all the others useless stuff around the house.
2. It an expensive electronic device
If I’m giving this watch to my kids while they are 6 and 7, what I’m going to give them when they are 16 and 17… a BMW? Also, some watch with 2G or 3G connection, need a monthly subscription. This will add up to all the other monthly bills we have to pay.
3. My kids will feel tracked
I don’t want my kids to feel like I’m always over there shoulders. Of course, I want them to feel safe, but not been continuously look over. I want them to learn to become independent and make their own choice. Not always the option they think I would prefer. I genuinely believe it’s by trial and error that we evolve in life. It’s hard to do so when there’s always someone looking. Also, I don’t want them to become the type of persons who modify they act in front of peoples and do something completely the opposite when no one is looking.
4. Distraction
I feel like I about to give them a portable toy that will be permanently attached to them. So every time they have 5 minutes to kill they will turn to their watch. Like I’m trying to stop doing with my smartphone. Will, they develop a smartwatch addiction?
5. Security vulnerability
Even if this is less than probable, theirs always a chance that someone with evil intention hacks the watch and knows where my kids are. Been able to locate every child in the neighborhood seems like the fantasy of a very deranged person. Also, what if the system fails? The GPS or the battery could default in the middle of an emergency.
Is a GPS tracking smartwatch safe for my kid?
Kids safety and technology is a significant concern. Because all wireless communication device could be hacked, regardless of all the security features in place by the manufacturer. Imagine a hacker been able to talk to your kids or know it’s GPS location. This is why the Norwegian Consumer Council commissioned a research on GPS smartwatches aimed at kids.
This is also a concern for the Electronic Privacy Information Center, the Consumers Federation of America, and other citizen groups who address their concerns to the Federal Trade Commission.
“You have a watch that’s being marketed as keeping children safe and a way for people to keep tabs on their children, [but] that’s actually putting children at risk,” declared Josh Golin, the executive director of the Commercial-Free Childhood Campaign.
Let’s take a look of the results of the report from the Norwegian Consumer Council research.
Can a phone watch be hacked?
There’s always a chance for any type of wireless communication device to be hacked. It all depends on the layer of security the manufacture put in place. But, because phone watches are not regulated, it’s up to the manufacturer to decide what level of protection is enough. I don’t know about you, but I don’t really trust toy manufacturers with the privacy of my children.
On the same subject, the FBI has published a notice for the consumers about toys connected to the Internet. The warning declares that those type of device, with the volume of personal information they collect, could be a risk to the privacy and safety of our kids.
The troubling results from a research of the Norwegian Consumer Council
The research reveals security problems with the watch and the app use to connect to the kid’s smartwatch. Those flaws could be used by a potential hacker to access the app, know the location of the child and contact the kid without the parent’s consent.
Also, because some smartwatches allow parents to listen to the surroundings of the watch without the kids knowing, this could also be a vulnerability easily accessible to a hacker.
3 out 4 four watches tested didn’t have the necessary security safeguards.
Some app was also transmitting personal data without being encrypted. Deleting your personal data also seem impossible. So who knows what the company is doing with data after you close your account.
No wonder Germany has bans children’s smartwatches.
False sense of security
Those types of smartwatches are supposedly providing peace of mind to the parents. But in practice, it could be a false sense of security.
First, the technology used by the watch manufacturer is not regulated and standardized. Also with all the differences between each smartwatch, they found during the research, there’s too much chance for the system to be unreliable.
Unregulated market
There are so many different types of watches been produce internationally and rebranded by local retailers. Making it difficult to retrace the origin of the device and getting a clear idea of the production chain.
Functional security
Some models have a unique identifier code labeled on the back of the watch. The code must be scan to connect to the smartwatch app. This security feature is to prevent potential hackers from connecting to your kid’s phone watch. Sound good, but in reality, anything printed and accessible on the product has a vulnerability that can be used by a hacker.
With this code, parents can add their phone number to the safe contact list of the watch. The app also has the option to block an unauthorized phone number. The researchers were surprised to see that one smartwatch model they tested was still accepting calls from unknown callers. Which means that anyone who hides his phone number could reach the kid’s smartwatch. Worst, this flaw is mentioned in the user manual for the watch, but the manufacturer didn’t feel like it was essential to correct this issue.
Other watch models ask for a four-digit pin number to add a phone number to the safe contact list. Four-digit is not a robust password that I would recommend to anyone.
Use of personal data
Any information which could be used to identify a person, including full names, IP address, GPS location, or other data gathered from internet browser cookies, has to be stored to ensure the privacy of the individual.
Those data must not be shared with third parties without the consent of the user.
The Ombudsman for Children, in Norway, has criticized the data collection. Declaring it potentially dangerous to the security of children.
Safely processing and storing data
Every company that is collecting personal data on their client must keep them on a secure server. Clients are expecting the service provider to take the necessary security measures to keep the data safe. This is even more important when it’s information on children.
Since it’s (almost) impossible to test the safety level in place to protect the data, the research only looks for what the manufacturer has declared in the user manual.
One smartwatch brand said they take reasonable security measures to protect the personal information. Others were not transparent or not encouraging at all by stating that the personal information might be transfer to outside countries?
Lack of respect for personal data
During the research, they found that only one of the smartwatch services ask for the user consent to collect personal data. Also, one of the apps clearly use the data for marketing purposes. While another one is sending unencrypted data to a Chinese server, including GPS location of children. Without a doubt, the four manufacturers didn’t respect the European data protection laws.
GPS smartwatch for kids is worth a try
In my opinion, it’s not the smartwatches who can be unsafe, but the way it’s could be used by parents. In no circumstance, a GPS watch can replace adult judgment and supervision. A GPS tracker is not a babysitter.
Parents should always ask them self if they would let their kids do the same thing without the watch. If not, maybe they should rethink their decision. It’s not because I would receive an alert when if my kid cross the street, that I will let him play beside the highway. There’s always a chance to get hit by a car.
I’m not gonna modify the way I care for my children because they wear a GPS tracker with phone ability.
For me, it’s a way to stay connected with an extra layer of security.
GPS are common in our life, and they are proven to be useful in many situations. But what if they could help to find your children if he ever gets lost? In my opinion, It’s a small price for peace of mind. Bear with me as I review the best GPS tracker you could get for your kid.