Children's Smartwatches and GPS Trackers

FAMILY · GLOBAL

Children's Smartwatches and GPS Trackers

What they do, privacy and security, age suitability and school rules

Watches that call and locate a child answer a real parental worry, and they introduce a set of questions about data that are worth settling before buying.

What they actually do

Voice calls to a short list of approved numbers, location on a parent's app, a geofence alert, and usually an emergency button. Most block unknown callers, which is the main safety feature.

They are not phones and generally do not browse or install apps, which is much of the appeal for younger children.

Security and privacy

These devices transmit a child's location continuously, and researchers and regulators have repeatedly found children's trackers with serious security flaws — unencrypted data, weak authentication and location accessible to strangers.

Buy from an established maker that publishes security and update policies. Read where data is stored and for how long, use a strong unique password, enable two-factor authentication and keep the firmware updated.

Some countries have restricted watches with covert listening functions. Avoid any device marketed on the ability to listen in without the child knowing.

Age and expectations

Useful roughly from primary school age, when a child walks to school or to a club. Talk to the child about what it does rather than tracking them without their understanding.

No device replaces teaching a child what to do if they are lost — stay put, find a shop or a parent with children, know a phone number by heart.

School rules

Many schools prohibit smartwatches entirely or require them off during lessons and exams. Check before buying.

Alternatives

A basic phone with a short contact list does much of the same job for older children, and a written card with phone numbers works for younger ones. Agreeing a meeting point before you separate in a busy place costs nothing.

For families who want location sharing, phone operating systems include it without a separate device or subscription.

Batteries and charging

These have small lithium cells that degrade within a few years. Check whether the battery is replaceable and what happens when the company stops supporting the app.

Talking to children about it

A device works better when the child understands what it does and agrees to wear it. Covert tracking damages trust and teaches nothing about staying safe.

Teach the basics regardless — a memorised phone number, what to do if separated, and who counts as a safe person to ask.

Check whether a subscription is required and what happens if it lapses.

Practical

Check the battery life honestly, the SIM arrangement and the monthly cost.

WHERE TO BUY

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