Smart Watch for Kids

[CYdTracked]

Looking to get my 10 year old a smart watch (not ready to go down that road of a smart phone yet) and looking for suggestions/recommendations on what anyone has some experience with for kids around that age. Main thing is I want to be able to have the ability to limit/restrict what they can do on it. One of our neighbors has a gabbWatch3 for one of their kids around that same age. Researching that watch I like that it has some pretty good controls and does not have a camera and currently can get one for free + a cellular plan which is the hitch because no contract is $17.99 a month then either a 1 or 2 year contract is $14.99 or $12.99/mo. We have Verizon so could go with a Gizmo Watch, looks like the Gizmo 2 and 3 have various pros/cons too and can just add it to our existing plan so need to do some cost analysis there.

We basically just want something that is practical where either is no camera or the ability to turn off the camera feature as all we intend to have them use is limited use of call and text and some basic apps possibly. Already had some epic melt downs about "I'm going to be the only kid in 5th grade without a smart phone" which we know is not true as we know other parents that are taking the same approach as us but we feel a smart watch may be a good introduction to eventually going to a smart phone in 2-3 years as we've been gradually adding what apps she can use on her tablet at home where we have the ability to monitor and have guidance on what is appropriate right now.

 

[Tailg8er]

Looking to get my 10 year old a smart watch (not ready to go down that road of a smart phone yet) and looking for suggestions/recommendations on what anyone has some experience with for kids around that age. Main thing is I want to be able to have the ability to limit/restrict what they can do on it. One of our neighbors has a gabbWatch3 for one of their kids around that same age. Researching that watch I like that it has some pretty good controls and does not have a camera and currently can get one for free + a cellular plan which is the hitch because no contract is $17.99 a month then either a 1 or 2 year contract is $14.99 or $12.99/mo. We have Verizon so could go with a Gizmo Watch, looks like the Gizmo 2 and 3 have various pros/cons too and can just add it to our existing plan so need to do some cost analysis there.

We basically just want something that is practical where either is no camera or the ability to turn off the camera feature as all we intend to have them use is limited use of call and text and some basic apps possibly. Already had some epic melt downs about "I'm going to be the only kid in 5th grade without a smart phone" which we know is not true as we know other parents that are taking the same approach as us but we feel a smart watch may be a good introduction to eventually going to a smart phone in 2-3 years as we've been gradually adding what apps she can use on her tablet at home where we have the ability to monitor and have guidance on what is appropriate right now.

We've been using a Gabb watch for our (now) 8 year old for a year & a half, no complaints. Does what it says it will - location is fairly precise which is nice as we mainly wanted it to keep tabs on her when she's roaming the neighborhood.

You can set who she can call/text, and you can set the pre-set text messages available for her to use. Our daughter sends little voice clips via text when she wants to say something other than the presets. You can also set certain times on certain days of the week to where the only feature they can use is to call you (assume that'd be for during school or something, but our daughter doesn't bring it to school).

 

[Chitowncy]

Looking to get my 10 year old a smart watch (not ready to go down that road of a smart phone yet) and looking for suggestions/recommendations on what anyone has some experience with for kids around that age. Main thing is I want to be able to have the ability to limit/restrict what they can do on it. One of our neighbors has a gabbWatch3 for one of their kids around that same age. Researching that watch I like that it has some pretty good controls and does not have a camera and currently can get one for free + a cellular plan which is the hitch because no contract is $17.99 a month then either a 1 or 2 year contract is $14.99 or $12.99/mo. We have Verizon so could go with a Gizmo Watch, looks like the Gizmo 2 and 3 have various pros/cons too and can just add it to our existing plan so need to do some cost analysis there.

We basically just want something that is practical where either is no camera or the ability to turn off the camera feature as all we intend to have them use is limited use of call and text and some basic apps possibly. Already had some epic melt downs about "I'm going to be the only kid in 5th grade without a smart phone" which we know is not true as we know other parents that are taking the same approach as us but we feel a smart watch may be a good introduction to eventually going to a smart phone in 2-3 years as we've been gradually adding what apps she can use on her tablet at home where we have the ability to monitor and have guidance on what is appropriate right now.

I'm interested in this post and responses as well. I have a 10 year old boy who has not asked for a phone or watch yet, and does a good job keeping himself busy with typical outdoorsy things, reading, playing with neighbor friends of the same age who also don't have phones or watches, etc., but I know these days will come, and there are some kids in his grade who do have these things.

He also has said the same thing your kid has said that "everybody" has a phone. Hah! Hang in there! I know there's "like-minded" parents like you and us it sounds like who recognize the downsides of connected screens and electronics at such a young age are outweighed by the benefits. My hope is parents are seeing it is much better to help your children learn how to keep themselves busy, problem solve, go out and socialize with other kids, self-govern, etc. than give them a screen at a young age and just let them start that downward spiral. I think years from now (if it isn't already) the social sciences and psychology research will show just how bad social media and extensive screen time is for young children. Keep the faith others are like you and hopefully now with the data we do have (and more to come in the years ahead) other parents with even younger children are realizing it's better to wait....

I do think an intermediate step could be a smart watch like you've asked about though. The neighbor of ours whose child does have a smart watch likes it because he can track where the child is at around the neighborhood. Just limited communication functions in a year or two might be helpful though and I'm interested in what other parents have to say. Particularly if the requests for a smart watch really pick up this coming school year....

 

[hhunter]

I did a ton of research on smart watches before going with an Apple Watch. Many of the other watches had very mixed reviews and most negative reviews were associated with location and cellular services, which was the whole reason I was looking for a watch. My daughter is 12 and she has had it for about 2 years with no issues. Because the watch is synced as a secondary to your phone they lose out on some features, but can call, text, and you can track locations. You can also control who is added as contacts and who can call and text.

Edit: The school feature is nice as well so they can only make and receive emergency calls.

 

[legi]

Gizmo watch.

 

[AgronAlum]

I did a ton of research on smart watches before going with an Apple Watch. Many of the other watches had very mixed reviews and most negative reviews were associated with location and cellular services, which was the whole reason I was looking for a watch. My daughter is 12 and she has had it for about 2 years with no issues. Because the watch is synced as a secondary to your phone they lose out on some features, but can call, text, and you can track locations. You can also control who is added as contacts and who can call and text.

Edit: The school feature is nice as well so they can only make and receive emergency calls.

We did a ton of research and this is my rec as well. Our 12 year old has a phone because he goes between houses and it’s just easier that way. We got our 5 year old T Mobiles version of the Gizmo for his birthday and it’s just ok for what it does. Talking in generalities here but your 10 year old would probably not like it or the Gizmo and you’ll probably struggle with him actually wearing it. It is fine for a 5 year old but it’ll probably get swapped out in a couple years.

Get a refurb Apple Watch from backmarket.com and set the parental controls. He’ll probably be better at wearing it because it’s “cool”. The price isn’t that much different.

 

[tyrelrobert]

I did a ton of research on smart watches before going with an Apple Watch. Many of the other watches had very mixed reviews and most negative reviews were associated with location and cellular services, which was the whole reason I was looking for a watch. My daughter is 12 and she has had it for about 2 years with no issues. Because the watch is synced as a secondary to your phone they lose out on some features, but can call, text, and you can track locations. You can also control who is added as contacts and who can call and text.

Edit: The school feature is nice as well so they can only make and receive emergency calls.

I second this for the exact reasons. Have an 11 and 9 year old

 

[Cyientist]

We went with the Gizmo watches and have been happy. The location services may be a bit laggy, but that isn't a big issue for us. They have had them for 2 years and I would say the battery still lasts for 30-36 hours.

Be prepared for brutal/awkward phone conversations with their friends once they convince you to add their numbers. Apparently there are more important topics at school these days than teaching phone etiquette.

 

[bbillings]

We just got a Fitbit Ace LTE for our oldest. Google is running a promo right now where you can get a year's worth of data for $60. Just basic calling and texting functionality, and you pick who they can contact. It has GPS as well.

 

[2speedy1]

We went with gizmo watches for my 2 youngest.

They are not perfect and we had to get one replaced fairly early on but it was covered under warranty. We also bought screen/case protectors for them. Which have helped keep them from being destroyed. Overally they have been good. Being they are designed for kids helps, but they are a bit bulky.

We like the apple watches that some of the other kids have, but no on in our family has an apple phone and from what I have found you need an apple phone to set them up and interact with them.

Google has a new watch I believe that looks promising, but have not looked into it much, since it came out after we bought ours. Some of it depends on what provider you use. I know some out there work on their own network.

 

[CyDegen]

Looking to get my 10 year old a smart watch (not ready to go down that road of a smart phone yet) and looking for suggestions/recommendations on what anyone has some experience with for kids around that age. Main thing is I want to be able to have the ability to limit/restrict what they can do on it. One of our neighbors has a gabbWatch3 for one of their kids around that same age. Researching that watch I like that it has some pretty good controls and does not have a camera and currently can get one for free + a cellular plan which is the hitch because no contract is $17.99 a month then either a 1 or 2 year contract is $14.99 or $12.99/mo. We have Verizon so could go with a Gizmo Watch, looks like the Gizmo 2 and 3 have various pros/cons too and can just add it to our existing plan so need to do some cost analysis there.

We basically just want something that is practical where either is no camera or the ability to turn off the camera feature as all we intend to have them use is limited use of call and text and some basic apps possibly. Already had some epic melt downs about "I'm going to be the only kid in 5th grade without a smart phone" which we know is not true as we know other parents that are taking the same approach as us but we feel a smart watch may be a good introduction to eventually going to a smart phone in 2-3 years as we've been gradually adding what apps she can use on her tablet at home where we have the ability to monitor and have guidance on what is appropriate right now.

I kid but my GF teaches 5th grade and your son might be the only one without a smart phone. It is crazy out there.

 

[CyCrazy]

I second this for the exact reasons. Have an 11 and 9 year old

Same and exact same ages.

 

[CyCrazy]

I kid but my GF teaches 5th grade and your son might be the only one without a smart phone. It is crazy out there.

My 6th grader wont have a cell phone.

 

[Chitowncy]

My 6th grader wont have a cell phone.

Me too; good for you. The downsides aren't worth the benefits for a such an age with an immature and developing brain. Need more parents to wait on cell phones until the child is older. The watch seems like a way to possibly appease the kid for a few years and provide some basic communication abilities to the child.

 

[madguy30]

I'm not a kid but my next watch will likely be a smart watch of some sort. As far as I know regular old digital watches that simply tell you the time are going obsolete.

What smart watches are durable but not $200?

 

[tyrelrobert]

My 6th grader wont have a cell phone.

Same. He has been begging all summer to no avail. My wife jokes that it will be when he starts driving.

 

[2speedy1]

I kid but my GF teaches 5th grade and your son might be the only one without a smart phone. It is crazy out there.

I have a 6th grader and a 3rd grader. Neither have or want a cell phone. A few of their friends have them, but the majority have smart watches. We got them smart watches last year for various reasons. They are very active in sports and activities, so them being able to call/message us when they are needing a ride. They walk to school or friends houses, so it is a bit of peace of mind to be able to check on them, and also tell them to come home, etc. Plus, it seems that a watch, attached to them, is less likely to get dropped, damaged, forgotten or lost.

They also have not had much if any interest in getting a phone. They are happy with and really have only wanted a smart watch. 99% of the uses of a smart phone they have zero use for. They already have kindle/ipads and switches, and a phone will be used for basically just another game platform which is useless. But, I am sure as more of their friends get phones, they will want them too. But right now, really very few have phones, But I would say a majority have some type of smart watch. I am sure as they get further into Middle school the issue will come up.

I dont really plan on getting either of them a phone until probably closer to them driving. Then I will make damn sure they have a car with either a stock or aftermarket Android Auto or Apple Carplay. The hands free aspect and safety of that for a new driver is really great, and just telling them to stay off their phone driving is not enough. But with that I personally have seen and believe social media is very detrimental for kids to young for it, so the longer we can keep them away from that, the better.

 

[CYdTracked]

I'm interested in this post and responses as well. I have a 10 year old boy who has not asked for a phone or watch yet, and does a good job keeping himself busy with typical outdoorsy things, reading, playing with neighbor friends of the same age who also don't have phones or watches, etc., but I know these days will come, and there are some kids in his grade who do have these things.

He also has said the same thing your kid has said that "everybody" has a phone. Hah! Hang in there! I know there's "like-minded" parents like you and us it sounds like who recognize the downsides of connected screens and electronics at such a young age are outweighed by the benefits. My hope is parents are seeing it is much better to help your children learn how to keep themselves busy, problem solve, go out and socialize with other kids, self-govern, etc. than give them a screen at a young age and just let them start that downward spiral. I think years from now (if it isn't already) the social sciences and psychology research will show just how bad social media and extensive screen time is for young children. Keep the faith others are like you and hopefully now with the data we do have (and more to come in the years ahead) other parents with even younger children are realizing it's better to wait....

I do think an intermediate step could be a smart watch like you've asked about though. The neighbor of ours whose child does have a smart watch likes it because he can track where the child is at around the neighborhood. Just limited communication functions in a year or two might be helpful though and I'm interested in what other parents have to say. Particularly if the requests for a smart watch really pick up this coming school year....

Yeah this is a tough one as several of her friends now have phones but we also know parents of kids in her grade that are not getting their kids phones and we also have my sister in law that has kids a little older than ours that are freshman and 7th grade and they didn't get them phones until they were 13 years old. It's tough because phones are equivalent to the things that I wanted at that age but my parents didn't get me which usually was high priced Nike shoes or the latest fad in clothes. Looking back my parents knew best, you will outgrow shoes and clothes so there is no reason to spend for the top end stuff. I hated it as a kid but I understand now. Water bottles are apparently that thing right now too at this age. They all want the expensive Stanley ones apparently. We did get her one this year but she had to pay for it out of her own money.

I'm perfectly fine being the "uncool" parent. My kids will know how to be respectful to others and and they won't be spoiled or entitled brats that get everything they want just because their friends have it. We've had the "wants versus needs" conversation multiple times with topics like this. I realize kids are getting phones at younger ages now but it doesn't mean my kids have to have them at that age too. My 5th grader will ride the bus to school where her bus stop is 4 houses down the street and she won't be home alone for more than an hour after school when she gets dropped off if one of us is not home. A smart watch at least gives her something where she can at least feel like she is not entirely left out while also getting some of the features a phone provides.

 

[Angie]

Our fourth-grader-to-be has a Gizmo watch through Verizon. SUPER cheap, we can track him and count steps, we can limit his contacts, send messages and calls, etc. It works well - we can also set it to silent mode during school.

 

[3TrueFans]

My son’s going to 5th grade, all of his friends have phones. You can set screen time or app limits on everything if that’s your bag.