Smartwatches are popular gadgets for adults, but should parents get their children one too? There are pros and cons to consider when deciding if a smartwatch is beneficial or unnecessary for a kid.
Why Some Parents Buy Smartwatches for Kids
There are some understandable reasons why a parent may want to purchase a smartwatch for their child:
- Communication – Allows kids to call/text parents through the watch. Provides peace of mind.
- Safety – GPS tracking helps keep track of a child’s location.
- Health – Can encourage and monitor activity and exercise.
- Fun & Learning – Offers interactive games and apps that can educate.
- Responsibility – Teaches kids to be accountable for a valuable item.
Reasons Kids Don’t Necessarily Need a Smartwatch
However, there are also some downsides to getting a smartwatch for a child:
- Expensive – Kids are rough on electronics. Costly to replace if damaged.
- Distraction – Potential overuse and obsession with apps/games.
- Redundancy – Many kid smartwatch features duplicate a phone’s capabilities.
- Overkill – Most kids simply don’t need internet/apps on their wrist.
- Health Concerns – Potential negative impacts of too much screen time at a young age.
- Addiction – Can facilitate obsessive behavior and device dependence.
Important Considerations Before Buying a Kid a Smartwatch
If you decide to purchase a smartwatch for your child, keep these tips in mind:
- Set rules and guidelines for responsible use from the start.
- Monitor and limit the apps and features they can access.
- Remind them it’s a privilege, not a right.
- Lead by example and avoid smartwatch overuse yourself.
- Use built-in parental controls and restrictions appropriately.
- Agree on appropriate times the watch can stay off their wrist.
- Choose a durable, waterproof model designed for kid rough-housing.
- Start with a more basic smartwatch until they prove responsible behavior.
The Takeaway
For most elementary school-aged kids, a smartphone likely provides sufficient access to communication, learning games, and safety reassurance without the need for a smartwatch as well. While kids may want the fun gadget, a smartwatch could be an unnecessary source of distraction and obsession at a young age when they should be focused on more developmental activities.
If you instill and enforce healthy limits and balance, a smartwatch could be a beneficial tool for some responsible middle or high schoolers. But the risks outweigh the potential rewards for the majority of young kids. As the parent, thoughtfully evaluate if a smartwatch aligns with your family’s values and budget before making the decision.