The market for smartwatches for kids is growing steadily, and with it the range of models aimed specifically at children. Such a companion brings added value to the entire family. The watches, which are designed with children in mind, do much more than just display the time. Children’s smartwatches are now so complex and powerful that they can completely replace a cell phone.

But while the rquirements for smartwatches for men and smartwatches for women are usually easy to predict, most parents aren’t sure what to look for when buying a smartwatch for their own children. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

Why are there different names for children’s smartwatches?

There are many names for a smartwatch addressed to children. For example, the term GPS watch has now become particularly common, as it sums up the most important thing: It is, after all, a smart watch that was developed especially for the little ones. It is also equipped with a GPS receiver in any case. However, originally the term “smartwatch” is considered the correct formulation. This English word translated means nothing more than “intelligent watch”– and the intelligence of these wristwatches shows itself in many ways.

Occasionally, the term “kids GPS tracker watch” also appears. It targets the same product category as the previously mentioned terms. The naming is also conclusive here: The two components GPS and tracker indicate that tracking is possible thanks to a built-in receiver.

• Kids Smartwatch: Intelligent watch, among other things because of GPS receiver
• GPS kids watch: Query (tracking) of the child possible
• GPS tracker watch: Tracking of the child is possible

All three terms are aimed at the same product.

When is it worth buying a children’s smartwatch?

Children grow up, become more independent and curious. They have the desire to discover the world. Parents should not always be present during these explorations. They like to give their children freedom, but often get worried in the process. Smartwatches for kids can dispel this anxiety.

After all, it is important to have a backup in case of an emergency. This can be found on the wrist of the little ones in the form of a Smartwatches for kids. This answers the question of which target group these devices are aimed at. All families with young offspring belong to the addressees of this product category. Most manufacturers give a corresponding age recommendation for their Smartwatches for kids. A range of 6 to 12 years is common. In some cases, this can even be drawn from 4 to 14 years.

The most important arguments for smartwatches for kids are summarized below:

• Parents and children can communicate with each other at any time thanks to the smartwatches for kids.
• Compared to cell phones, children’s smartwatches are clearly geared towards safety
• Tracking and other functions available so that the little ones are safe on the road
• Target group: girls and boys aged 6 – 12 (sometimes more broadly from 4 – 14)

A little guardian angel on the wrist: The smart wristwatch for kids

Smartwatches for kids offer security for the whole family – in many respects. Thanks to the smart watches for children, the tots have a constant, direct line to the adults if there is an emergency or a need to talk. In addition to communication, parents also have the option of querying the location of their offspring. The smartwatch always knows where the children are. Depending on the price, there are additional extras.

Is a GPS receiver indispensable for smartwatches for kids?

Ensuring the little ones’ safety when they don’t have mom or dad by their side – how does that work? Kids smartwatches can be one way. Most people associate the abbreviation GPS with terms like “navigation” or “tracking“. This is exactly the case with smartwatches for kids, because each of these children’s watches is equipped with an integrated GPS module. With the help of satellite information, the tracker determines its location and transmits this location information to the parents.

Let’s assume the child is in the classroom or another enclosed space with his watch and a position query is started. Then the visual contact to the sky is disturbed and no exact information could be given. In such situations, the children’s smartwatches use supplementary information from the cellular network, and surrounding WLAN networks are also often used to determine the location.

The manufacturers use various location methods. However, smartwatches for kids usually only use abbreviations that do not always mean anything to the layman right away. The following table explains all important terms in an understandable way.

GPS	– Global Positioning System – Location of the child is determined by signals from the satellite – Department of Defense of the USA operates this system
GLONASS	– Global Navigation Satellite System – counterpart to GPS – operated by the Russian Ministry of Defense – also requires satellite contact to determine location
GSM/LBS	– Alternative to GPS and GLONASS – location is determined with the help of information from the mobile phone network
GPRS	– current position of the child is also determined via mobile network – in contrast to GSM/LBS information is sent even faster
AGPS	– Assisted Global Positioning System – Combination of GPS and mobile radio – satellite information is supplemented by additional data such as distance to the next transmitter mast – thus even more precise determination is possible

Control with limits: Locating yes, monitoring no

Locating – many people equate this word with the term monitoring. However, this is not at all the purpose of a children’s smartwatch with tracking function. The location query is set up as a way to safeguard. It is possible that the child has not reported as agreed and then it proves helpful to be able to query the position thanks to smartwatches for kids worn on the body.

To do this, the parents start a query in the corresponding app on their smartphone. A moment later, they receive the current location of their child. An additional reason why children’s smartwatches are not intended for monitoring is their many other capabilities. After all, the location function is far from the only aspect with which this smartwatch offers security and proves to be a guardian angel on the wrist.

Thanks to the SOS button, the little ones can immediately call for help with their kids’ smartwatch.

Another very crucial function is hidden behind the SOS button that every kids smartwatch has ready. The special button can be recognized in most cases by its red coloring. The SOS emergency call is set up for situations that the child considers dangerous.

Pressing this button lends itself to emergencies or dangerous situations. So that the little ones do not accidentally set it in motion, it must be pressed a little longer. As a result, smartwatches for kids immediately send a message to the adults. In it, they can read that the little one needs help and where he or she is. The location is updated regularly so that parents can respond as quickly as possible.

Geofencing: Does the kids’ smartwatch recognize safety zones?

Not to be forgotten is the so-called geofencing. This English-language term means nothing more than a kind of virtual fence. It can be used to draw a boundary – also called a geofence – around a region that the parent or guardian considers safe and harmless. This is also done via the associated app, in which the adults mark certain zones on a map. If the child and smartwatch leave the defined area, the watch sounds an alarm. For example, it is conceivable to draw in the route to school.

Can a children’s smartwatch deter kidnappers?

A completely justified question asked by many mothers and fathers who are critical of the technology of smartwatches for kids is: What is the point of all these functions if a kidnapper knows about the capabilities of the devices? If he tears the children’s smartwatch off the arm, all these capabilities are of no use. However, numerous manufacturers have already followed this line of thought and found suitable answers.

One possibility is that the smartwatches for kids sends a warning to the parents when the watch is no longer on the arm. Alternatively, some devices sound an alarm if the child is moving too fast. If the child is traveling at 40 km/h or more, for example, he or she is obviously sitting in a car.

More safety thanks to children’s smartwatches – the most important functions summarized:

Standard	optional
– locating – Set safety areas – SOS emergency call / quick buttons	– Warning when kids smartwatch is detached from wrist – Warning when speed is too high – Navigation back home

Thanks to the kids smartwatch, big and small children stay connected at all times

Kids smartwatches not only increase the safety of children – they also facilitate communication with them. All models offer the technical basics and, accordingly, can reliably perform this task. Typically, each of the smart watches has a speaker, a microphone and a slot for a SIM card.

Making calls, sending and receiving messages

The standard of each of these wearables includes in the first place that thanks to the smartwatches for kids, so to speak, can make calls via the wrist. The child can contact mom and dad, and they can of course contact their child the other way around.

Depending on the model, the smartwatches for children are equipped with a camera in addition to the phone function – so the parties involved can not only hear each other, but also see each other. What’s more, kids always wear a kids’ smartwatch on their body, which is why they basically remain reachable at all times.

The complicated typing of numbers is also not necessary with a kids’ smartwatch, because the desired person can either be reached via quick dial buttons on the edge of the case or, with other models, quite simply via the menu.

Almost all children’s smartwatches allow voice messages – the necessary hardware is available. The little one can play back the received messages at any time. He speaks his answer into the microphone and sends the content afterwards. Depending on the model, even text messages in the form of SMS find their support.

To prevent disruptions during lessons, children’s smartwatches can be set to a so-called school mode, which mutes them. Parents can determine the specific times at which this function is to take effect via the app. In addition to all the options already mentioned, some watches also offer the option of a family chat. Here, the adults have a joint conversation via their cell phones and the children via the kids’ smartwatch.

More and easier communication thanks to the kids’ smartwatch – the most important features summarized:

Standard	optional
– call and be called – send and receive voice messages	– Send and receive text messages – family chats and exchange between same devices

Why a kids smartwatch is superior to a smartphone

But that’s not all there is to say about communication. The security aspect also plays an important role in communication via children’s smartwatches. Here, the colorful watches have a very decisive advantage over cell phones. Not everyone is allowed to call the little ones on the kids’ smartwatch. In order to contact the toddler, the desired phone number must first be authorized by the parents in the app.

Unauthorized users with unauthorized phone numbers therefore have no chance of reaching the child on the kids’ smartwatch. If they still try, only a busy signal is heard. Sent messages are either blocked or forwarded to the parents’ cell phone. At this point at the latest, the kids’ smartwatch has surpassed the smartphone in terms of security.

Comparison in summary: What the kids’ smartwatch can do better than a cell phone

Kids Smartwatch

Smartphone

– Quick location of the child via the associated app – Safety areas can be defined that are considered harmless for the child – SOS button: With the push of a button, the child gets help – Calling and voice messages always possible, if necessary also text messages – Safe communication: Parents decide who can reach the child -Attached to the wrist as a child’s watch, cannot be lost – operation suitable for target group, easy to learn – School mode prevents disruption during lessons

– can also be located via apps, setup required in advance – No additional security function available – Help either via emergency number or call to parents, key input required – Calls, voice and text messages always possible – no control over communication – loss more likely – not designed for children, as intended for adults – must be manually set to silent

Does the children’s smartwatch require a SIM card?

Yes, since smartwatches for kids can make phone calls and exchange messages and data, they absolutely need a SIM card – in this respect, children’s smartwatches work according to the same principle as a smartphone. In addition to communication, the SIM is also used for location transmission. On the one hand, smartwatches for kids obtain information from the mobile network. On the other hand, they have to be able to forward their position to adults when queried. The SIM card is also essential for this.

Another question many prospective buyers ask themselves is when it comes to choosing the right SIM card. Usually, micro SIM or nano SIM cards are used in smartwatches for kids. This depends on the model.

It also has to be weighed up whether a prepaid variant or a favorable contract should be used. Basically, a SIM card contract is always recommended. This usually includes a data volume. This is essential to make use of all the functions of a kids’ smartwatch. With a prepaid card, however, this option often has to be added. As a result, the originally cheaper option ends up costing more than the contract. However, those who opt for the solution with a contract do not have to constantly keep an eye on the call credit and can always rely on the fact that the smartwatches for kids remain accessible.

Why a SIM card is so important for the kids’ smartwatch:

• to make calls and exchange messages with the Kinder Smartwatch, a SIM card is absolutely necessary
• for the location the SIM is also important
• data volume is required to transmit information to parents
• Mobile phone contract compared to prepaid usually better solution
• Micro or Nano SIM format depends on the model

Are children’s smartwatches manufactured robustly enough to last a long time?

The appearance of the smartwatch is a decisive criterion for children to enjoy wearing it. Bright colors are a guarantee for the enthusiasm of the little ones. A high level of wearing comfort is also part of a child-friendly design. Accordingly, a kids’ smartwatch should neither be too heavy nor too big. The screen of the kids’ smartwatch also plays an important role – OLED displays are often used. Easy-to-understand symbols and literally child’s play handling are the basic requirements for the offspring to really enjoy their smartwatch.

In addition to the design, the manufacturers of smartwatches for kids pay more attention to the materials used and their resistance. Each of these wearables should be shock- and scratch-resistant. During daily romps and playing outdoors, the kids’ smartwatches face some challenges that they have to be able to cope with.

Silicone or rubber are ideal materials that are used for both the case and the wristband. A children’s smartwatch should therefore be allowed to fall down often without suffering any damage. Even a splash or two of water, which the wearable will inevitably be exposed to, cannot harm it.

But are kids’ smartwatches actually completely waterproof? That depends on the respective product. Some smartwatches for kids now guarantee this feature – and the trend is rising. Others are at least protected against splash water and dust. However, the SIM card slot, speaker and microphone of these watches are still too big points of attack for moisture.

The most important product features of children’s smartwatches at a glance:

Typical weight	– light smartwatches for kids start at about 30 grams – However, children’s smartwatches are usually not heavier than approx. 60 grams. – Smartwatches for kids are light and comfortable on the wrist, they are comfortable to wear all day long.
Dimensions and size	– large range of models of children’s smartwatches on the market, resulting in the following guide values: – about 4 centimeters wide – about 4 centimeters long – about 1.5 centimeters high – Deviations between different smartwatches for kids usually amount to only a few millimeters – Dimensions identical for girls and boys
SIM card	– either nano or micro format – depends on the respective smartwatches for kids
Battery performance	– Intensity of use is decisive – depending on the model of the kids smartwatch at least 1 day, maximum even up to 3 or 4 days
Type of display	– colorful and monochrome displays available – monochrome screens are mostly more energy-saving, which is why the kids smartwatch needs to be charged less often – often allows switching between analog and digital time display
Classic materials	– plastic housing – wristband made of silicone – therefore easy to clean and hard-wearing – skin-friendly and suitable for allergy sufferers
Waterproof	– mostly splashproof, some kids smartwatches are even completely waterproof – SIM card slot, microphone and speaker sensitive to moisture – raindrops are no problem
Common colors	– for girls: Pink, Pink, Red – for boys: Green, Blue – neutral: yellow, white

What to look for when buying a kids smartwatch?

There are a few things to consider when choosing the ideal kids smartwatch. One jumping point is battery life. In this day and age, children are quite possibly out of the house for up to eight or nine hours at a time when they are in full-day care. Accordingly, the battery must be strong enough so that the offspring are accompanied by their children’s smartwatch throughout. The smartwatches for kids are usually charged via a USB port.

Furthermore, the weight of the smart kids’ watch has to be taken into account. After all, a powerful battery and the built-in tracking module lie dormant in the case of the kids’ smartwatch. Nevertheless, it should be as light as possible and thus offer maximum wearing comfort.

In addition, an SOS function should be considered useful in a smartwatch for kids. This is designed for emergency situations and allows children to notify their parents. An app in the native language of the child is another point to consider – after all, the kids’ smartwatch has to be configured properly. Also indispensable: data security with servers in the EU or the USA as well as encrypted transmission.

If you keep this in mind and take the children’s wishes into account – after all, they are the ones who should like the watch – you will see that this smart wrist companion is a sensible purchase. Our checklist will serve as a guide.

Smart checklist before buying

• Are special functions such as navigation back to the parents’ house desired?
• Is a language app suitable for the smartwatches for kids important?
• Clarify whether compatibility with your own smartphone is given.
• School mode important so that the watch remains silent in class?
• Are games desired? (usually also possible to deactivate).
• Which SIM card fits into the respective smartwatches for kids?
• Is a waterproof watch necessary, or is protection against splashing water sufficient?
• Should the display be monochrome or colorful?
• Do you want to switch between analog and digital time display?
• Should a pedometer and a calorie counter be available?
• Is an integrated alarm clock needed?
• The last decision should be made by the child, so that he also wears the smartwatch regularly and with pleasure.

Kids Smartwatch Test

Smartwatches for kids must meet completely different requirements than a model for adults or the classic fitness tracker. This already starts with the appearance. Only if the little ones like their companion on the wrist, they will wear it gladly and regularly.

These opinions receive the necessary attention in the test report. Other parents are thus given a first impression of the respective watch. The durability is closely connected with the design. The wearable should prove to be resilient and ideally resistant to moisture and dirt. After all, it will be put to the test in everyday life and during play.

Of course, a visually attractive smartwatch would only be worth half if it did not fulfill the promised tasks to the full extent. That is why the practical test plays a central role. Once again, our editors rely on the support of their children. The little ones use the smartwatch in kindergarten or at school to give an honest assessment at the end. The adults judge the technical details.

Here, criteria such as setup, GPS tracking, data consumption or smartphone compatibility come into focus. At other points, young and old are challenged to work as a team. This is the case with communication, for example. The call quality during phone calls has to be evaluated and functions like the exchange of voice messages have to be looked at. After all, the tracker watch should be able to replace a cell phone.

Parents and children are also called upon when it comes to assessing operation. Here, it must be made child’s play for the tots to quickly get to grips with the individual functions. This is the only way to ensure that help can be summoned in tricky situations, for example. Speaking of help: Every kids’ smartwatch offers a so-called SOS function. Especially here, everything has to work smoothly so that the wearable scores well in the test report.

Other aspects that have a positive impact on the test rating of the kids’ smartwatches is limited communication. The child can only reach specified people and, conversely, can only be contacted by them. It is pleasing when the smartwatch offers a school mode. Many parents also like the option of so-called geofencing. Certain areas that are considered dangerous in the eyes of adults can be marked. These features are also put to the test. Depending on the model, further extras are to be included in the test report. This could be fitness tracking, for example, which ideally motivates the wearer to be more active in a playful way.

Occasionally, the watches even provide an educational added value when they perhaps come with integrated learning games or virtual rewards. If a kids’ smartwatch offers such features, our editors also mention that in their test reports – always including the view of their own critical offspring. By the way, the same is true if you’re shopping for a smartwatch for seniors.

You as the reader will ultimately receive a well-founded verdict that clarifies all strengths and possible weaknesses of the respective device. For a better overview, you will find the most important advantages and disadvantages listed in bullet points. A numerical assessment of individual criteria from design to the price-performance ratio rounds off the test report. You can use this as a guide when you are thinking intensively about buying a suitable device for your daughter or son.

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