A pediatric psychologist on our Review Board also reviewed this article for medical accuracy and integrity around safe technology use. For over six months, we evaluated the features, function, and kid-friendliness of these devices. Using these testing insights, we narrowed down our list to the six best smartwatches for kids.
Then, we chose 10 kids' smartwatches to send home with our editors to use with their children. To find the best smartwatches for kids, we first spoke with media and medical experts about kids' technology use and digital safety, as well as what to look for in a good smartwatch for kids. Remember that a discussion about internet safety and expectations around technology use should accompany the introduction of any smart device. When buying a smartwatch for your kid, consider their age and maturity level, your budget, and the parental controls and features that will be most helpful for your family. The best smartwatches for kids allow you to communicate with your child and make sure they're safe when you're not together: GPS features let caregivers track their kid's location to make sure the school bus dropped them off at home while texting functions allow kids to message their parents to ask for permission for an impromptu play date. Is your kid really ready for a phone? If the answer is 'not quite,' the solution may be a smartwatch, which offers a safe and useful way for your family to test out the digital waters.