Smartwatches for kids have evolved beyond timekeeping and now come equipped with features designed to promote healthy habits, encourage education, and keep children safe as they explore today’s digital world.
Parents are not left out of the amazing benefits that smartwatches, like Apple Watches, offer. Knowing their children are safe and not exposed to harmful or inappropriate digital experiences provides maximum peace of mind.
In all honesty, these smartwatches are becoming increasingly popular as the days go by.
According to worldmetrics.org, over 100 million people worldwide wear Apple watches. The brand also recorded a revenue of over $10B.
It gets even more interesting when an Apple watch is paired with FlashGet Kids. FlashGet Kids is a parental control app that puts you in the driver’s seat of your children’s digital lives and allows you to monitor and control their online activities.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about the best Apple watches for kids on the market and how to choose a suitable one.
Sharing of the needs of kids and parents
The best Apple Watch for kids is designed to cater to their communication, safety, and health needs. It also meets parents’ need to have their child in a secure space.
Below are ways Apple Watches cater to the needs of kids:
- Durability and water resistance
Durability is a critical factor when considering what Apple watch to get for your child. The best Apple Watches for kids are built with high-quality materials like aluminum and stainless steel cases. With aluminum, you are guaranteed a device that’s lightweight and resistant to corrosion. And with stainless steel cases, there’s no need to worry about scratches.
- Engaging features like games and educational apps
Hundreds of games, such as Trivia Crack, Zombies, Run!, and Rules, are available on the app store for Apple Watch users. This device is not only about games and fun; there are also education apps like Duolingo and Quick Maths.
- The cool factor of technology
The best Apple Watch for kids didn’t get that title for its modern and stylish designs but for its undeniably cool factors, such as social connectivity and functional, futuristic digital experiences like ECG monitors and powerful processing capabilities.
Parents’ needs
If there’s one thing you can count on Apple for, it’s the fact that they are always on the move to improve on their previous model. And in recent times, these models have evolved to ensure that parental control features on these devices are spectacular. Three of such features are:
- Safety features (GPS tracking, SOS alert)
SOS Alert: This safety feature allows users to call for help in emergencies with a button click. Once the button is held down, the location is immediately sent to designated contacts, in this case, parents. A child can get whatever assistance they need immediately.
GPS Tracking: Apple watches are designed to track a kid’s location in real time.
- The ability to monitor activity and manage screen time:
With safety features like GPS Tracking, a parent can monitor the child’s location and activity from home. Parents are alerted if the child leaves a particular location. Be it a school trip or a sleepover, Apple Watch lets you keep an eye on your child.
Additionally, Apple Watches enables parents to limit app usage, ensuring that their child only gets the necessary screen time.
- Reliable communication tools:
In case of emergencies, Apple Watches can notify you within seconds.
These devices also allow you to communicate with your kids at all times via text and voice messages. The best part is that you can call your kids directly on their wristwatches.
Surreal, right?
As long as it’s charged, you, as a parent, can communicate with your child at all times without restrictions. It’s reliable, convenient, and secure.
The key consideration when choosing the best Apple watch for kids
Before investing in an Apple watch or two for your kids, there are certain factors to consider:
Age appropriateness
This is the most critical factor. Because it would only be a great buy if the child could make maximum use of the device.
The sizes and models were designed to cater to kids in specific age ranges, and the features vary based on that. For kids aged 6-10, the model designed to cater to the needs of this age group has the basic and most crucial features like SOS alert and GPS tracking. Meanwhile, for older teenagers, theirs are designed to offer comprehensive health monitoring, advanced games, and apps suitable for their age.
Battery life for daily use
Typically, the best Apple Watch for kids has a lengthy battery life of up to eighteen hours. If you intend to track your child’s activity for longer than this number of hours, consider investing in a model with a longer battery life.
Ease of use for children’s hands and minds
Knowing that Apple watches have features for kids younger than 10 and older than 16, it is safe to advise you to pick a model that aligns with your child’s cognitive capabilities.
Apple watches come in various sizes: 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 44mm, and 45 mm. Pick one that suits your child’s wrist. The smaller sizes are highly recommended for younger kids.
Review of Apple Watch models suitable for kids
Apple watches come in different models, all tailored to meet various needs and preferences. Before investing in the next Apple watch, here’s a recent popular overview to guide you in picking a suitable model that provides you peace of mind while also serving to meet your kids’ needs:
Apple Watch Series 9
This is one of the best Apple watches for kids available in stores.
Key features: It’s designed with a 64GB capacity
Water and Dust Resistance
Emergency SOS that, when prompted, immediately call the local emergency numbers.
Enhanced health monitoring that tracks a kid’s sleep pattern, ECG, and heart rate.
Brighter Always-on Retina LTPO OLED Display, making the screen easier to read, regardless of lighting conditions.
Faster Processing Speed because of its S9 SIP with a 64-bit dual-core processor.
Pros:
It has enhanced safety features due to its emergency SOS.
Advanced Health Monitoring compared to other models. This model tracks a child’s sleep pattern and helps them to develop good sleeping habits.
Cons:
It’s too complex for younger kids.
It’s expensive.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Another Apple watch for kids that comes highly recommended.
Key Features: Fast charging time
A sapphire crystal display and titanium case that enables it to withstand outdoor activities, scratches, and falls.
Two speakers, with the second improving the audio volume when using the device.
Water temperature sensor
Comes in a 49mm case.
Pros: Longer battery life as it lasts up to 36 hours for normal users and 72 hours when the low power setting is enabled.
The sapphire crystal display and titanium case make the model extraordinarily durable and damage-resistant.
Cons: Again, this model is complex for younger minds.
The 49mm size makes it bulky and uncomfortable for younger kids.
Apple Watch SE 2023
Key Features: Comes in two sizes: 40mm(smaller) and 44mm(bigger).
The capacity is just 32GB. Just half of the series 9 model.
Water resistance of up to 50 meters.
Durable aluminum case.
Built-in speaker.
Pros: More affordable than the models mentioned above.
It is ideal for young children, making it one of the best Apple watches for kids.
Cons: It does not include advanced health monitoring features like the series 9 and Ultra 2.
Apple Watch Ultra
Key Features: 49mm case (bigger in size)
It has a water resistance of up to 100 meters, meaning it can be worn while snorkeling, unlike the SE series, which can only be worn while swimming in shallow depths, as scuba diving and snorkeling would damage it.
Always-On Retina LTPO OLED Display.
S8 SIP with 64-bit dual-core processor for top-tier performance.
Advanced health and fitness tracking.
Pros: The more extended battery comes in handy during road trips and outdoor activities.
The flat sapphire crystal display makes this model more durable than others as it is resistant to damage and scratches.
Cons: The size may be uncomfortable for kids with smaller wrists.
It’s not cost-friendly.
Apple Watch Series 6
Key features: Built-in speaker and mic.
S6 SIP with a 64-bit dual-core processor that ensures smooth operation.
Health and fitness tracking feature.
Safety features: Emergency SOS, Fall detection.
Water resistance of up to 50 meters.
Pros: Suitable for swimming in shallow depth and water-based activities for kids.
Long-lasting battery life
Cons: Relatively expensive.
It is complex for younger kids who only need the basic features of the device.
Apple Watch SE (1st Generation)
This model is both user-friendly and budget-friendly.
Key features: GPS and GPS + Cellular model that allows phone-free communication.
S5 SIP with a 64-bit dual-core processor that provides smooth performance.
The ion-X glass display has an aluminum case that offers good durability.
Optical heart sensor (2nd generation)
Decent capacity of 32GB
Pros: Offers essential health and fitness features at an affordable price.
Its Ion-X glass display makes this model durable and able to withstand kids’ everyday activities.
Cons: Fewer apps and software compared to higher-end models.
Some of its limitations make it undesirable to tech-savvy kids.
Apple Watch Series 5
Key features: 40mm and 44mm size options.
S5 SIP has a 64-bit dual-core processor, which offers efficient performance.
Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display, making it possible to always display time and other important information without needing to tap the screen or click buttons.
Ion-X glass displays in aluminum cases that make it durable.
Built-in compass for direction, making it suitable for adventurous kids.
Pros: with the Apple Watch Series 5, the kid can customize watch faces.
The water resistance feature makes it suitable for swimming.
Cons: The Always-On Retina Display means the screen stays on at all times, and you have to charge the device daily as the battery drains faster.
It’s complex for younger kids.
Apple Watch Series 4
Key features: Optical heart sensor that tracks a kid’s heart rate throughout the day.
Retina Display that makes images appear cleaner.
16GB Capacity
Real-time GPS tracking and Emergency SOS
It supports WatchOS updates, allowing you to update your device and enjoy the newer features constantly.
Pros: Advanced Health and Fitness tracking features.
It is cost-friendly and is way more affordable than the newer series and models.
Cons: It cannot update to some features like advanced sleep tracking and oxygen monitoring.
It lacks the durability features that higher-end models offer. This means active kids can easily damage it.
Enhancing control of your Kids’ Phone using FlashGet Kids
In today’s world, where technology has woven into our everyday lives, it’s essential to protect young kids. A short while back, you learned how to choose the best Apple Watch for kids. Now, how can you help the kids use these devices safely? This is where the parental control app FlashGet Kids comes into play.
Below are key features of FlashGet Kids that will make sure your child is well protected:
Key features include:
Screen time management:
This feature allows you to set limits on how much time your child can spend on their screen and at certain hours, using a personalized schedule.
Real-time monitoring:
This is an exciting feature that includes a remote camera, one-way audio, and screen mirroring. It allows you to monitor your child’s screen and activate the child’s camera and audio to assess their surroundings. The screen mirroring tool gives the parent a complete view of Apps being used and their frequency of usage.
App filtering:
With this feature, a parent can control what apps their child can access on their Apple device. It also sends you a notification when the child attempts to install new apps. This feature also allows you set app usage limits, controlling how much time your child can spend using a particular app daily.
GPS Tracking:
As the name implies, this feature updates your child’s location. It’s both accurate and reliable and helps keep your child safe.
Snapshot:
This feature has two options. The Screen option allows you to capture images on the child’s screen whenever you wish. The Camera used the front and rear-facing camera of the child’s device to capture real-time images.
Final thoughts
We believe it’s important to consider factors like Durability, Age appropriateness, and Budget when selecting the best Apple watch for kids.
Also, it’s essential to assess which feature is more important to your child. Some children might prefer water-resistant watches for their swimming activities, while others prefer one they can play games with and learn with. Every child has a unique taste, style, and need, and these Apple watches are designed to meet those needs. You just have to find the right one.
Complementing the Apple Watch with FlashGet Kids ensures a safe digital experience for your kids. It also puts your mind at ease knowing your child is safe and protected and that their devices are not putting them in harm’s way.
Giving a child access to the internet without implementing safety measures is like sending them into a new city without any guidance. Safety is not guaranteed; neither is your mind at peace. Finally, as stated above, it’s noteworthy to reiterate that it is important your kids have the right tools to safely navigate the digital world.
