Everything Parents Need to Know Before Purchasing an Apple Watch for Kids
Embarking on the quest for the ideal Apple Watch for kids opens up a realm of possibilities, blending style, functionality, and safety features tailored to their unique needs and preferences.
Keeping up with the latest technology on your child’s “must-have” list can be a full-time job. We’re here to help. If you’re considering purchasing an Apple smartwatch for kids, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll address some of the pros and cons of this high-tech gadget as well as some sage consumer advice for those in the market.
Contents:
- What Exactly Does an Apple Watch Do?
- Pros and Cons of Apple Watch for Kids
- Is There a Kid’s Version of Apple Watch on the Way?
- What Is the Best Apple Watch for Kids?
- Set Up Apple Watch Family
- Alternatives to the Apple Watch
- FAQs
What Exactly Does an Apple Watch Do?
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If your kid has been bugging you to buy an Apple smartwatch, then you’ll probably want to know what exactly this device does. The truth is, though, that this smartwatch has so many different features, that it might be more efficient to list what it doesn’t do!
Seriously, though—it’s safe to say that these smartwatches are not your typical wristwatch. In fact, telling time may be the feature your child is least interested in. Aside from this most basic function, there’s so much more that the watch has to offer.
Like Your iPhone, But Smaller
For instance, the Apple Watch functions as an extension of the iPhone. If your child already has a smartphone from Apple, you can easily pair it to the watch. That way, your child can make calls, send text messages, and even use their social media accounts, all from the watch itself.
Maybe your kid doesn’t have a phone yet. That’s not a problem with Apple’s Family Setup. This feature allows parents to connect their child’s Apple smartwatch to mom or dad’s iPhone. It’s ideal for families with younger children who aren’t yet ready for the responsibility of having a smartphone.
Tons of Health and Fitness Features
A new cellular device might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about health and fitness. Apple is trying to change that, though. The Apple Watch has so many features linked to wellness that it’s difficult to list them all.
If you’re worried about your kid being a couch potato, for instance, the watch can help with that. Not only will it count steps, but it will also nudge your child to get up and move, such as going for bike rides, if he or she has been lounging around playing video games or watching YouTube for too long.
Newer models of the Apple Watch have advanced health features that can monitor your child’s blood oxygen levels, communicate heart rate notifications, and even perform echocardiograms. Of course, these are nice features to have, but they won’t replace regular visits to your pediatrician!
Apps and Entertainment
Now, for the reason your kid has been asking you for an Apple smartwatch in the first place—the entertainment factor! With an Apple Watch, your child will never be bored. That’s because they’ll always be just a tap away from a large database of music, podcasts, and audiobooks on the Apple Music app, and games.
Of course, parents may set up content restrictions and safety features for explicit content, limit access to apps, and set screen time limits for their children.
Pros and Cons of Apple Watch for Kids
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While it’s true that the Apple Watch has almost limitless functionality, especially with the GPS and cellular features, the jury is still out as to whether or not it’s ideal for kids. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your child. We’ll list some of the pros and cons below to help you make an informed decision.
Advantages of the Apple Watch for Kids
Safety Features
One of the best arguments in favor of smartwatches for kids is the safety benefit. With the Apple smartwatch’s real time tracking capabilities, parents are able to keep tabs on their children, whether they’re at school, at a friend’s house, or at the park.
As an added perk, the Findmykids app is fully compatible with the Apple smartwatch, so you can track your child’s movements and receive alerts when they arrive or depart certain locations. Simply download the app from the watch or other connected device.
Other safety benefits are available through the Watch as well. For instance, newer versions can detect a fall and alert emergency services and emergency contacts. That way, if you’re not around and your child has a bicycle accident, for instance, he or she will still get the necessary help from emergency services.
Health Benefits
Aside from safety, the biggest draw of the Apple smartwatch for kids is the health benefits it offers. The watch comes with a built-in activity tracker that not only records active calories, but encourages it as well. Your child will receive alerts, such as heart rate notifications, and reminders to be active, and they can share their progress with others.
The smartwatch also features a heart rate monitor. Apart from heart rate notifications, that we already mentioned, the device will send alerts if your child’s heart rate is too high or too low, or if there is any irregular activity to be concerned about. When considering the potential health benefits of the smartwatch, keep in mind that only the latest version comes with the ECG app in safety features
If your child uses the Activity App and likes to exercise, they will also enjoy connecting Apple Music to their watch to motivate their workout.
Communication
Communicating with your kids and teens is challenging at the best of times. An Apple Watch helps to keep your conversation on track with phone calls, texting, and messaging through an email address.
You can still talk with your kids when they wear a smartwatch. So there’s no reason for them to miss any of your phone calls or texts. In addition, an Apple smartwatch is always worn on the wrist, making losing it difficult. It also has a longer battery life than a cell phone and is made from stainless steel, making it more durable too.
Parental Control Features
It’s possible to use the same parental control features on the iPhone on an Apple Watch.
Like the Findmykids app, the parental controls on the Apple smartwatch make blocking inappropriate calls and other undesirable content possible. Parents can also set communication limits to contact lists, screen time limits, and address privacy concerns to keep their children safe with the smartwatch.
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Disadvantages of the Apple Watch for Kids
Price
There are clear benefits of the Apple Watch for kids, but it’s not without its drawbacks. One of the device’s biggest cons is the hefty price tag.
Depending on the style, the Apple WatchOS 7 will set you back anywhere from $400 to $750. Previous models are less expensive, but definitely not cheap. It’s up to you to decide if your child can be trusted with such a pricey device, or if you think this expensive option is worth the investment.
With the cellular connectivity option, this device is basically a little cell phone attached to your child’s wrist. So, if they are responsible enough to have a cell phone, then they could likely take care of a smartwatch.
Is An Apple Watch an Invitation for Bullying (Or Worse)?
Speaking of price, the expense of the Apple smartwatch could also make your child a target for bullying or theft. If other kids see that your child has a fancy digital watch, they could become jealous and lash out. It’s not uncommon for adults to be robbed of their smartwatches, so children could be even more vulnerable.
Too Much Responsibility for a Kid
How will your child feel if the watch gets lost, damaged, or stolen?
The Watch is an expensive device. So if your children find it challenging to take care of their phones and tablets, a $500 watch might be too much responsibility.
Maybe it’s time to consider a cheaper, more affordable alternative.
Note, that if the watch is stolen, the tracking capabilities can make it easier to get it back or know where it is.
Is There a Kid’s Version of Apple Watch on the Way?
If you’re deciding whether or not to purchase an Apple Watch for your child, you may wonder if it’s wise to wait for a kids-only version of the device. Unfortunately, it’s yet to be seen whether such a version will ever be released.
It’s impossible to predict whether Apple will develop a smartwatch specifically for kids. What we do know, however, is that the tech giant is constantly working to make their wearables more kid-friendly. Some of the most recent developments have included the Family Setup option, the Memoji app, and the Apple Cash Family app for chores and allowances.
A kid-friendly Apple smartwatch may also have more parental control features, improved Family Setup, and enhanced safety features for kids.
What Is the Best Apple Watch for Kids?
When considering an Apple Watch for your child, there are a few different options to consider. Let’s look at each of these specifically.
Credit: apple.com
Apple Watch Series 3
The Series 3 is the basic version of the watch, and it’s the least expensive with a starting price of just $199. Unlike the newer models of the watch, the Series 3 comes with a smaller screen option of 38mm, which could be more suitable for little kids.
It also boasts the same battery life and retina display as pricier models. Still, parents drawn in by the Family Setup feature or the cellular connectivity option will be disappointed as these selections are only available with newer versions of the Apple Watch.
Apple Watch SE
Parents willing to spend a little less on a smartwatch for kids should consider the Apple Watch SE.
It offers one of the smallest screen sizes at 40mm (it also comes in 44mm). The Apple Watch SE starts at $329 and comes with most of the key features available on the Series 8.
For instance, the coveted Family Setup option is available on both the SE and the Apple Watch 8, as are the fall and crash detection features. These features certainly appeal to parents and family organizers since they offer some protection and security for little ones.
With the cellular connectivity option, those with this smartwatch can make phone calls to family or emergency services if required.
Apple Watch Series 7
If your budget will allow for it, the Series 7 does have some key features that kids and parents can benefit from. For example, it’s the most durable of the Apple smartwatches available, since it comes with both stainless steel and titanium options. The Series 3 and SE versions only come in an aluminum finish.
Aside from the stainless steel and larger screen construction of the watch, other features exclusive to the Series 7 include the blood oxygen and ECG apps as well as a faster charging option. Still, you can expect to pay up to two or three hundred dollars more for these extras.
Apple Watch Series 8
Credit: apple.com
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a mid-range option starting from $529.
The Series 8 offers two screen sizes, 45mm or 41mm, the smaller one being the best option for kids. It also comes with many of the features available on the Apple Watch Ultra.
The most important features include the ECG app, notifications for high and low heart rates, cycle tracking, emergency SOS, and fall and crash detection.
The Series 8 allows for an Apple Family Sharing account, which means you can pair multiple watches with a single iPhone.
Apple Watch Ultra
The most expensive of the Apple Watches, the Ultra starts at a whopping $1099. It has the largest screen of the Apple Watches at 49mm.
If your child is interested in tracking their health, Ultra provides low and high heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notifications, heart rate variability, temperature, and cycle tracking.
As an added benefit, it’s possible to make an emergency SOS call and comes with an international emergency calling, fall detection, and a crash detection feature. It also comes with an 86-decibel siren in case your child runs into trouble.
It also has the new Double Tap gesture to turn on the screen. This could help decrease screen time with an option to darken the screen during school hours or activities.
Additionally, with the cellular connectivity option, smartwatch owners can make phone calls from their devices, making it easy to stay connected with family members, friends, and emergency services if necessary.
Set Up Apple Watch Family
Family Setup on the Apple smartwatch allows parents to provide smartwatches to their children without also needing to give them an iPhone. The family organizer will control screen time, Apple Music content limitations, Apple Cash Family, and more. Additionally, parents do not have to activate the cellular connectivity option for the watch’s tracking capabilities to work.
As the family organizer, creating a family setup on an Apple Watch is simple and easy. However, it’s crucial to note that if your Watch is already paired, you’ll need to Unpair the watch first before completing the steps.
Follow these steps to set up your family’s Apple Watches:
- Bring your child’s Apple Watch close to the iPhone so the pairing screen appears.
- Tap Continue.
- Tap Set Up for a Family Member.
- Tap Continue.
- Select the Apple Watch in the Apple Watch app.
- Select Set Up Apple Watch.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the remaining steps in the process.
After this process is complete, you can set parental controls, emergency services contacts, express transit access, Apple Music allowance, and other safety features to your child’s watch.
Alternatives to the Apple Watch
If you’re open to smartwatch options outside of Apple, then certainly, there are more choices. Here are a few to consider:
Findmykids: Pingo Track
The 4G GPS Watch Pingo Track is a Findmykids original smart GPS watch. This smartwatch is the perfect option for parents looking to keep track of their kids via GPS tracking, LBS, and Wi-Fi, and is like an Apple smartwatch for kids without iPhones.
This watch has a larger screen, and an incredible battery life, is splash, water, and dust resistant, and only weighs 6.7 ounces.
Most importantly, while kids can use the 2x HD camera feature, they can’t access social media, play games, or advertising through Pingo Track.
This smartwatch also requires a cellular plan and has more parental control features than an Apple smartwatch. However, it is solely used for its tracking capabilities to know where your child is.
The best part? Other than peace of mind, this smartwatch won’t break the bank! This device is half the price of an Apple Watch and is on sale now for $97.99 at amazon.com.
Fitbit Ace
Unlike any of the Apple options, the Fitbit Ace is a smart wristwatch designed specifically for kids. With its emphasis on physical fitness, though, it lacks many of the safety and security features that parents may desire for their children. The price point of just $79.95 is an attractive appeal of the watch, however, and parents can consider adding security features through third-party apps.
This smartwatch does not require a cellular plan. Your child will not have access to apps or games, which can significantly decrease their screen time.
Garmin Vivofit Jr.
Another alternative for kids is made by GPS giant Garmin. The Vivofit Jr., priced at just $89.99, is more comparable to the Fitbit Ace, though, as it prioritizes kids’ movements and activities over safety and security. Still, there are some attractive options for parents such as the activity monitoring feature and the In Case of Emergency (ICE) widget safety features.
Pingo App
If your child already has a smart device, another option to consider is the Pingo app for kids. Moms and dads can simply download this app onto an existing device and get many of the same features of anApple smartwatch or alternative without the added expense.
This app’s tracking capabilities are prioritized over any other safety features. You can see that your child is safely sitting in their classroom during school hours or playing at the park with friends.
Pingo is specifically designed for safety, not fitness. If you’re more concerned about your child getting lost or finding themselves in a dangerous situation, then this is an ideal app for you. Pingo will give you updates on your child’s exact whereabouts in real time and send a signal in case of an semergency.
FAQs
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Is there an Apple Watch specifically for kids?
No. However, the SE and Apple WatchOS7 come with Family Setup options. This means you can customize the watch specifically for your child and other family watches.
What age group is the Apple Watch designed for?
Since the Apple Watch is not specifically designed for children, it’s up to you to decide whether your son or daughter is old enough to have one. If you’re concerned about your child losing the device, consider a less expensive option. On the other hand, if you are worried your kid might break the watch, invest in the Apple 7 Series, which is significantly more durable.
Does my child have to have an iPhone to use an Apple Watch?
Not necessarily. While the Apple Watch SE or Series 7 watches have a cellular connectivity option, you can use Family Setup to connect your child’s watch to your own personal iPhone. There’s no need for your kid to get an iPhone just to use the watch.
Is an Apple Watch good for a kid?
This largely depends on whether your child is responsible enough to take care of such an expensive item. While not specifically designed for children, the SE, and other models can be useful with features like Family Setup, Apple Cash Family, tracking capabilities, safety features, emergency services contact, and more.
How old is the Apple Watch for kids?
There is no specific model for kids. However, the device has been around since April 2015. If you’re wondering how old your child should be to have one, consider how responsible they are, if they require cellular service or cellular capabilities, can limit screen time, and manage a software update.
Can an Apple Watch track a child?
Yes, with Family Setup, an Apple smartwatch has tracking capabilities. This is especially useful for children who are not old enough to have a cell phone, but require GPS and cellular options. When you decide, the watch has a cellular connectivity option to provide more access to apps and screen time.
Can you use an Apple Watch without a phone?
Yes, you can use an Apple Watch SE and Series 7 without a phone with the Family Setup feature. The family organizer will add the watch to their family plan and can enable tracking capabilities and safety features without their child requiring a cell phone.
Apple Watch for Kids, or Nah?
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The bottom line is that if you’re looking for a top-tier watch that will keep track of your kids while entertaining them and giving them some bragging rights, then the Apple Watch might be the easiest choice. However, it will cost you, especially if you and your kid want to enjoy all the benefits of the smartwatch—and who doesn’t?!
On the other hand, if you just want a way to stay on top of your child’s whereabouts and allow them access to emergency services if necessary, there are less expensive smartwatches to consider. Plus, if your kid already has a smart device, you can simply download a third-party app simply by using your email address and get many of the same features the Apple Watch offers for a whole lot less money. Ultimately, the choice is yours!
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