This article about Smart watches for kids was last updated in 2022.
Smart watches can be especially handy (excuse the pun) for kids. If you’re going to pay for them to have a smart device, knowing it is safely attached to their wrist is a good option.
When it comes to choosing a smart watch for your child, there is heaps of choice … which is both good and bad. Knowing where to start and what to buy can be overwhelming.
For this reason, we’ve broken it down into easy an easy guide, including:
- What is a smart watch?
- The benefits of smart watches for kids
- What to look for when buying a smart watch for your child
- Our pick of best smart watches for kids
Thinking of getting your little one a phone? See: Should I get my child a phone or not?
What is a smart watch?
A smart watch is like a mini-mobile device that you wear on your wrist. Unlike adult versions, smart watches for kids come with parental controls to track activity like screen time. These portable devices don’t just tell the time, they have built-in educational apps, games, cameras, and even texting and calling features. Kid-friendly smart watches are designed for children as young as 3 years.
The benefits of smart watches for kids
Superwatches for kids are like less powerful smartphones that give parents control but foster a child’s independence at the same time.
Here’s why we love them:
Stay in touch with your kids
Smart watches for kids let you keep in touch easily and track their location. A smart watch with a SIM card lets you contact them on the go, a GPS tells you their exact location and SOS notifications alert you to emergency situations.
Keep them entertained
Smart watches are packed with games, educational apps, music streaming and selfie cameras to keep little ones entertained.
Monitor screen time
Set screen time limits to keep kids focused on school and chores. If you’re worried about dangers like cyberbullying and online addiction, get a watch that doesn’t connect to the internet.
Establish healthy habits
Some smart watches for kids have apps that encourage positive behaviours (like going to bed on time, brushing their teeth, completing chores) through rewards.
What to look for when buying a smart watch
Before buying, figure out what features are most important to you and your child. Here’s a list of must-haves to help you make a decision:
Durability
Kids are tough on devices. Get a smart watch that can stand up to dirt, moisture, scratches and everyday use.
GPS
GPS is a great feature for parents who want to keep tabs on their child’s location. No need to text your kid every hour for their whereabouts, a GPS function lets you see it.
Emergency alerts
Safety is a priority, and SOS alerts tells you when your child is in potential danger.
Battery life
Battery life depends on use, and you want a watch that doesn’t lose juice quickly. Check the battery life on standby to get an idea of when you need to charge the device.
Extra features
Call and text, fitness tracking, games, reward apps, cameras and calculators are nice to have on top of the basics.
Our pick of best smart watches for kids
VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2 (Blue)
We can see why the Vtech Kidizoom is one of the top-rated smart watches for kids on Amazon. It’s durable, easy to use, and packed with fun features: games, activities, voice-changer, pedometer and a dual camera to snap selfies. Great for kids age 4 years and up.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: No
Water resistant: Waterproof
Battery life: Rechargeable
What we like most about this smartwatch: Easy-to-use and fun smart watch
E2 Kids Smart Watch
The E2 kids smart watch has everything your child needs: dual camera, video call and real-time tracking using GPS, Wi-Fi and cellphone signal for the most accurate location. Parents can use the history mode to view tracking for thepast few days.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: No
Water resistant: Yes
Battery life: 800mAh battery
What we like most about this smartwatch: Real-time tracking with GPS, cellphone signal and Wi-Fi
Moochies Smartwatch Phone for Kids 4G (White)
If communication is your main concern, the Moochies smart watch slash smartphone is worth considering. Kids can make and receive calls and texts, but only from people on a contact list that you approve. Two-way video calling is supported, and there’s a GPS to track location.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: Pedometer
Water resistant: Yes
Battery life: Depends on use
What we like most about this smartwatch: Solid communication and GPS tracking features
Spacetalk Kids Smart Watch Optus Edition
Spacetalk Kids is another option for parents who need call/text features but want to restrict internet use. Kids can call but can’t access social media. There’s an SOS button that can contact authorities in case of emergency, location tracking, and school mode.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: Step counter
Water resistant: No
Battery life: Depends on use
What we like most about this smartwatch: Communication features without internet access
DGTEC Kids Smart Watch
This easy-to-use smart watch is pretty basic…and perfect for introducing younger kids to mobile devices. While there’s no GPS, there’s a pedometer, heart rate and sleep monitor plus music playback to keep your child occupied.
GPS: No
Fitness tracking: Yes
Water resistant: Yes
Battery Life: Depends on use
What we like most about this smartwatch: Connects to Fit4Kid app to access pedometer and heart rate/sleep monitor
Smart Watch 1.44 Inch
A waterproof smart watch with two-way calling, voice chat, camera, SOS emergency call, and even a math game? It’s an all-in-one communication powerhouse. There’s also a GPS and safety zones that parents can set to trigger an alarm when their child goes outside the area.
GPS: Yes
Fitness tracking: No
Water resistant: Yes
Battery life: Up to 4000 hours
What we like most about this smartwatch: All-in-one budget smart watch
