In today’s technology-driven world, smartwatches are becoming increasingly popular among both adults and children. Smartwatches offer a variety of features, from fitness tracking to GPS location monitoring, and can provide peace of mind to parents who want to keep track of their child’s whereabouts.
In this article I’ll share my Top 5 smartwatches for kids within the $50 – $150 range.
My Top 5 Cheap Smartwatches For Kids
1. VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2
The VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2 is an affordable smartwatch designed specifically for children. It features two cameras, one on the front and one on the side, that can take photos and videos. It also has a variety of pre-installed games, including educational games, as well as the ability to download additional games and watch faces from the VTech Learning Lodge. The watch also includes a pedometer to track steps and an alarm clock. Parents can set limits on usage time and restrict access to certain features using the parental controls. The watch is durable and splash-proof, making it suitable for active children.
Prices usually start at $55.
2. TickTalk 4
The TickTalk 4 is a smartwatch designed for kids that offers more advanced features than some other options. It can also function as a phone, allowing children to make voice and video calls, and send text messages. It includes a GPS locator that allows parents to track their child’s location, and it has geofencing capabilities that can alert parents when their child leaves a specified area. The watch also includes a step tracker and fitness features, making it a great option for active kids. The watch is also equipped with a camera and a customizable watch face. Parents can control the watch settings and monitor their child’s usage through a companion app.
Prices usually start at $150.
3. Fitbit Ace 2
The Fitbit Ace 2 is a smartwatch designed for kids that prioritizes fitness tracking and activity monitoring. It features a step tracker and encourages children to be more active with reminders to move throughout the day. The watch also includes sleep tracking, which can help parents ensure their child is getting enough rest. The Ace 2 is also water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it a great choice for swimming and other water activities. The watch can be customized with interchangeable bands and watch faces. Parents can set up a family account to monitor their child’s activity and track their progress. The watch also includes a timer and alarm clock.
Prices usually start at $100.
4. XPLORA X5 Play
The XPLORA X5 Play is a smartwatch designed for kids that features a built-in camera, GPS tracking, and messaging capabilities. It also includes an SOS button that can send an alert to a designated emergency contact if the child is in distress. The watch is customizable, with interchangeable bands and watch faces available. It includes a step tracker and a reward system to encourage children to stay active. The XPLORA X5 Play is also water-resistant and durable, making it a great choice for active kids. Parents can monitor their child’s activity and location through a companion app, which also allows them to set up geofencing and restrict access to certain features.
Prices usually start at $150.
5. VTech KidiZoom Smartwatch DX
The KidiZoom Smartwatch DX is an affordable smartwatch designed for kids that features a single camera and a variety of pre-installed games, as well as the ability to download additional games and watch faces from the VTech Learning Lodge. The watch is also splash-proof and durable, making it suitable for active children. The KidiZoom Smartwatch DX includes a pedometer to track steps and an alarm clock. Parents can set limits on usage time and restrict access to certain features using the parental controls. The watch is also customizable with interchangeable bands and watch faces.
Prices usually start at $60.
What Age Should A Child Have A Smartwatch?
Smartwatches are becoming increasingly popular among kids as parents look for ways to keep their children safe and connected. However, deciding when to introduce your child to a smartwatch can be a difficult decision. Here are some factors to consider when deciding what age is appropriate for a child to have a smartwatch.
Maturity
One of the most important factors to consider is your child’s level of maturity. Smartwatches come with a range of features, including messaging capabilities, GPS tracking, and internet access, which can be both beneficial and potentially harmful. It’s important to ensure that your child is responsible enough to handle a device that has these features and that they understand the potential risks involved.
Purpose
Another factor to consider is the purpose of the smartwatch. Some smartwatches are designed primarily for entertainment, with options like games and music players. Others are designed with safety in mind, like GPS tracking and emergency SOS buttons. If the primary purpose of the smartwatch is for entertainment, it may be appropriate for younger children. However, if the primary purpose is for safety, it may be more appropriate for older children.
Parental Controls
Many smartwatches come with parental controls that allow parents to limit their child’s access to certain apps and content. If you’re considering a smartwatch for your child, make sure to choose a model with robust parental controls that can help you manage your child’s device usage and ensure their safety.
Social Factors
One last thing to consider is your child’s social environment. If many of your child’s peers have smartwatches, they may feel left out if they don’t have one. However, if your child is not yet ready for the responsibility of a smartwatch, it may be better to wait until they are older.
In Conclusion: There is no one definitive answer to what is the average age for children to have a smartwatch, as it can vary depending on a variety of factors. Some parents may choose to introduce their child to a smartwatch as young as 5 or 6 years old, while others may wait until their child is in their pre-teen or teenage years.
Can Children Wear Their Smartwatch To School?
Whether or not children can wear smartwatches to school depends on the policies of the individual school. Some schools may allow smartwatches, while others may prohibit them.
If a school allows smartwatches, there may be certain restrictions or guidelines that students are required to follow. For example, the school may require that the smartwatch is turned off during class time or that certain features, such as messaging or phone calls, are disabled while on school grounds.
It’s important for parents to check with their child’s school to determine what the specific policies are regarding the use of smartwatches. If a school does not allow smartwatches, parents should make sure that their child does not bring one to school, as this could result in disciplinary action.
In addition to school policies, parents should also consider the potential distractions that a smartwatch can cause during class time. If a child is constantly checking notifications or messages on their smartwatch, it could interfere with their ability to focus and learn in the classroom.
How Long Does The Battery Life Typically Last On A Kids’ Smartwatch?
The battery life of a kids’ smartwatch can vary depending on the model. Typically, most kids’ smartwatches have a battery life that can last anywhere from 1 to 3 days on a single charge. However, some models may have a longer battery life that can last up to a week or more.
Factors that can impact the battery life of a smartwatch for kids include the screen size and brightness, the number of features that are enabled, and how frequently the child uses the watch. If the watch is used heavily for phone calls, messaging, and gaming, the battery life may drain more quickly than if it is only used for basic options such as step tracking or telling time.
Can I Limit The Amount Of Time My Child Spends On A Smartwatch?
Many smartwatches designed for kids come with parental controls that allow parents to limit the amount of time their child spends on the watch. Some watches may have built-in features that allow parents to set screen time limits, disable certain apps, or even remotely lock the watch when they want their child to take a break.
In addition, some smartwatches may come with companion apps that allow parents to monitor their child’s usage, set usage goals, and receive notifications if their child exceeds a certain amount of screen time. This helps parents to ensure that their child is using their smartwatch in a healthy and responsible manner.