If you’re thinking about giving your child a little more independence and responsibility — but aren’t quite ready for a starter smartphone — a smartwatch is the perfect solution. There are lots of kids smartwatches on the market right now, but we’ve researched and found the top three options for families.
Our requirements for this list were kids smartwatches that have no internet access, limited texting/calling ability, and GPS tracking. These three features strike the perfect balance between functionality, safety, and most importantly, peace of mind — something all families could probably use more of these days.
Our Top Three Kids' Smartwatches
Verizon GizmoWatch 2
The GizmoWatch 2 prides itself on being designed “with kids in mind,” and it’s great for younger children. You can set up to 10 contacts who your children can call, leave voice messages for, and text pre-selected messages. With the GizmoHub app, you can set up real-time location tracking and geo-fencing alerts so you know where they are when they’re out and about. As for cost, there are financing options available for the $99 device price tag, on top of the $10/month for the service.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
This watch is designed specifically for exercise, which means it doesn’t prioritize certain features that other smartwatches do. So even if your kid won’t need all of its fitness aspects, it can still be a great fit! The watch can be set up so that a smartphone is not required for use (but a phone can be added later, which could be helpful if you decide to get your child a phone down the line). It also includes GPS tracking and — not to mention — is made to be durable so you don’t have to worry about your kid accidentally breaking it or cracking the screen. Another plus is that this Galaxy Watch offers limited apps outside of the fitness-focused ones, so screen time management won’t be as much of a concern.
Apple Watch
Refurbished Series 4 model starts at $249
We know what you’re thinking — doesn’t an Apple Watch need a paired phone to work? Yes, but not the way you may think! You can set up Apple Watches (Series 4 and newer) so that the wearer (your kid) can make phone calls, send messages, and share their location with you. And because it pairs with your phone (since your kid doesn’t have one), you’ll be able to manage some of the watch's capabilities, including parental control features like apps, contact approval, and screen time limits. For dedicated iOS families with slightly older kids, this is a great option. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting everything up.
Kids Smartwatch Screen Time and Etiquette Considerations
Overall, kids smartwatches are the perfect set of training wheels for their eventual full-fledged smartphone. But even though it’s not technically a smartphone, a kids smartwatch can still be a pretty big distraction for a kid.
It’s easy to get lost in a text conversation when you’re supposed to be eating dinner with family, paying attention in class, or at soccer practice. Take some time to have a conversation with your kid about when and where it’s appropriate for them to be checking notifications, as well as when some downtime is a great idea.
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