Today’s kids are growing up with technology like never before. By the time they reach the age of 2 or 3, they already have an idea about using smartphones for playing games or other activities. However, many parents, including myself, might not agree with the idea that smartphones are good for children. Thankfully, there are various other similar gadgets that we can provide to our children instead of a smartphone. One of these gadgets is a smartwatch.
Smartwatches have almost all the features you can find in a smartphone. They can keep your child engaged with entertaining games, and most importantly, they help to keep track of their activities. Parents can connect their smartphones to their child’s smartwatch for reminders and location tracking. With the help of location tracking, parents can know the actual location of their kids. It also helps manage time by setting up reminders, such as using an alarm clock. It can also be used to make notes during class. Overall, the smartwatch is an incredible alternative to a smartphone. So here in this article, we will explore the best smartwatches for teens.
Apple Watch SE2: A Smartwatch with Family Control System
The Apple Watch SE2 is a smartwatch that stands out due to its family control system. This feature lets parents track their child’s activity and the Apple watch.
Features:
This smartwatch’s cellular and GPS version provides a new phone number to the smartwatch, through which the parents can communicate with their child. And one more amazing fact is that limiting access to certain smartwatch features during school and study time is easier. Parents can even track the real-time location of their children.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fully functional and featured smartwatch | Quite expensive |
| Can be used for streaming podcasts, audiobooks, and music | The parental control feature can be activated, only manually |
| Contains multiple apps |
Ideal for:
If you want to buy a Smartwatch for the betterment of your child, then you should go for Apple Watch SE2 as it will have all the important features needed for your child.
Points to Consider:
Before purchasing, consider the cost of the smartwatch and the need for a cellular plan, which will cost around $10 monthly for making calls or sending text messages through a smartwatch.
Garmin Bounce: A New Generation Smartwatch
Garmin has recently released a new smartwatch, specially meant for the new generation of kids, which is referred to as Bounce.
Features:
Its features include location tracking, communication, games, sleep, and health tracking. Like most teenage smartwatches, it also has a location tracking feature to keep track of the child’s actual location. The location can only be seen by downloading the Garmin app on the smartphone, which will also send notifications once the child leaves any pre-occupied area.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Colourful touchscreen display | Does not have a good battery life |
| Loaded with multiple features, including the feature for tracking | Lower monthly price |
Ideal for:
Garmin Bounce can be operated easily, and it’s durable and lightweight. It’s a good option for parents looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch.
Points to Consider:
Before purchasing, consider the battery life of the smartwatch and the need for a smartphone to track the location of the child.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4: A Smartwatch with Elegant Design
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is one of the best smartwatches for teens. It does not require any mobile phone to connect. This smartwatch lets the kid receive text messages or calls without a smartphone.
Features:
It has an elegant and attractive design, just like the Watch 3 from Samsung. You can enjoy playing around with this smartwatch with a vivid display and rotating bezel. This smartwatch has a sophisticated design and consists of stainless steel, making it more durable and powerful.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unisex watch | Does not provide support for iOS |
| Comes with fitness-tracking features |
Ideal for:
The kids will learn and enjoy with their family members and friends once they use the galaxy watch 4. It also becomes very easy to track the number of steps and enjoy with friends by participating in fun competitions and live games on the smartwatch.
Points to Consider:
Before purchasing, consider the compatibility of the smartwatch with iOS devices.
Amazfit Bip: A Budget-friendly Option
Lastly, another budget-friendly option from Amazfit, the Amazfit Bip, can track the health and fitness of an individual.
Features:
It monitors the heart rate, blood, oxygen level, and blood pressure. It also has the feature of GPS tracking, which can be used for measuring the distance and finding new locations when going out or doing any outdoor activity.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Colourful touchscreen display | Does not have a good battery life |
| Loaded with multiple features, including the feature for tracking | Lower monthly price |
Ideal for:
It’s a good option for people looking for budget-friendly smartwatches.
Points to Consider:
Before purchasing, consider the battery life of the smartwatch and the need for a smartphone to track the location of the child.
Fitbit Ace 2: A Smartwatch Designed for Kids
Fitbit Ace 2 is a smartwatch specifically designed for kids. It’s a great way to keep your child active and engaged.
Features:
This smartwatch comes with a variety of features that make it fun and useful for kids. It has step and active minute tracking, sleep tracking, and fun challenges and goals to motivate kids. It’s also swim-proof so kids can wear it in the pool or the shower.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Kid-friendly design | Limited features compared to adult Fitbits |
| Swimproof |
Ideal for:
Fitbit Ace 2 is ideal for parents who want to encourage their kids to be more active and have fun while doing it.
Points to Consider:
Before purchasing, consider the limited features of this smartwatch compared to adult Fitbits.
Conclusion
Many medical professionals have reported that youngsters should only use smartwatches when they reach 8. But after they reach the age of puberty and understand how technology works, only then should parents provide them with a smartwatch. Various applications are present in the smartwatch, including apps for tracking children’s location, fitness applications, and many more. So why are you waiting for? Go and grab the best smartwatch for teens right now.