But, specially built for kids, GPS watches appear to be an excellent alternative. Want to know why? Check out these ten interesting reasons why a smartwatch is better for your kid than a smartphone.
1. GPS Watches are Easier to Use
Compared to a smartphone, cellular or Bluetooth smartwatches are significantly easier to use than smartphones. While they offer a selection of useful and fun features, they are not as comprehensive as smartphones.
So, you won't risk your child spending hours on the screen! The smaller screens of a smartwatch also help to reduce the possibility of a complicated user interface. So, they are a fun yet super easy gadget for your kid.
2. They Work Just Like Smart Phones
Most kids' tracker watches work like smartphones, allowing your child to place calls and send text messages. You can find smartwatches built just like smartphones. For example, a 4G GPS android watch will feature a built-in micro-SIM card slot for your cellular network sim card.
These watches will also come with built-in micro speakers (or come with headsets) and microphones so you can have two-way communication. Alternatively, if the GPS watch lacks a built-in sim card slot, you can pair it with headsets and partially rely on your smartphone's cellular network.
This is more prevalent with Bluetooth phone watches. The Bluetooth connectivity works by linking the smartwatch with a smartphone if you want to receive calls and texts to the exclusive smartwatch. On the other hand, Apple smartwatches will still support iMessage texting. To do this, you don't necessarily need access to a cellular network. Instead, you will require Wi-Fi connectivity.
3. You Can Use Them as a Kids' Tracker Watch
A smartphone allows you to track your kid's real-time location. But, a GPS tracker watch is a more realistic option. After all, since they wear it on the wrist, they can take it almost every way with them, whether playing on the cul-de-sac with friends, on a school camping trip, or in class.
All you do is link the watch with your tracking app on the phone or computer and have the real-time location of your kid at all times to guarantee they are safe. A kids' tracker watch will come with other interesting safety features, such as the SOS button that can press to let you know they are in danger instantly.
4. They Give You Access to Parental Controls
In addition to the tracking ability and safety features, a kids' GPS watch allows you to set parental controls. Unlike a smartphone, you can easily control who can call or text your child and vice versa to ensure they are safe. You can even limit their accessibility to the internet.
For example, you can block their access to social media sites and apps if they feel unprepared for social media. This is a great way to protect them from strangers and scammers. You can also track their activity on their smartwatch to ensure they don't engage in dangerous activities.
5. They Offer Smart Phone-like Features
In addition to its calling and texting ability, GPS smartwatches offer incredible features like a smartphone. Features include music streaming, fitness tracking, and planners, to mention a few. Moreover, you can also link your kid's smartphone with a range of other smart devices, including your smart home system.
6. Smart Watches Reduces Screen Time
Most importantly, replacing your kid's smartphone with a GPS watch greatly reduces screen time. It's almost impossible to get your kid away from their smartphone screen since there is always something for them to do on their phone. But, with a smart watch's minuscule screen, there's not much they can do.
So, they offer a great way to encourage your child to participate in other activities, including outdoor ones. They also foster better attention and fewer distractions during class time. Additionally, GPS watches offer a healthy alternative to a Smartphone's screen. After all, prolonged exposure to a phone's screen increases radiation emission, which can have long-term health effects on the eyes.
7. They Are Stylish
Unlike a smartphone, a GPS watch lets your kid enjoy different styles. You can fit it with different fun colored and patterned wristbands for a changing look, style, and mood. Doing this with a smartphone will cost you an arm and a leg!
8. Smart Watches are cheaper than Smartphones
A GPS watch for kids is significantly cheaper than a smartphone. This is not to say that it's a budget-friendly gadget. However, compared to a smartphone, you will save significantly when you go for a kids' smartwatch.
9. They Are Designed Specially For Kids
The ultimate prize feature of kids' GPS watches is that, just like their title suggests, they are specially designed for kids! On the other hand, smartphones don't have a solid age-recommended design or limit. A 13-year-old can use the same iPhone 13 Pro Max used by a 30-year-old! Smartphones are typically designed with adults in mind.
Now, kids' smartwatches are designed to give parents the ability to control their kids' usability, safety, and security. So, they usually come with features and designs optimized for adult use. Moreover, you will first notice this from their design.
They feature fun colors your kid will enjoy wearing and usually have a more delicate and comfortable design to fit a child's hand. Additionally, a kid is less likely to lose a GPS watch since it is attached to their wrist. When it comes to parental controls, you can limit their accessibility to the internet, some calls, and text messages.
10. They Foster Development and Independence
A kid's GPS watch fosters development and independence. After all, it offers parents a chance to trust their kids and give them a sense of freedom. Knowing that you have 247 knowledge of your kid's location, you will be more comfortable extending their freedom.
This, in turn, helps to build your kid's self-esteem, self-confidence, and reliance, knowing they are trusted. Your kid can also use different features on their smartwatches to further foster their interdependence. For example, they can use planners and classroom modes to plan their days and activities.