Wearables for Kids: Safe or Surveillance?

It’s 2025, and the wearable tech scene has grown beyond the adult gym crowd and morning runners. Today’s market offers a wide array of smartwatches and fitness bands specifically for children, from tracking steps to GPS enabled location monitoring, and even school friendly messaging.

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But as more parents consider these gadgets, a bigger question surfaces: are wearables for kids truly about safety, or are we inching toward a culture of surveillance?

Let’s dive into what parents should know before strapping a smartwatch onto their child’s wrist.

What Are Kids' Wearables Designed to Do?

At their core, children’s wearables aim to combine functionality, fun, and peace of mind. Most devices in this space offer a blend of:

• GPS tracking (so parents know where their kids are)

• Two way calling or messaging

• Step and activity counters

• Geofencing alerts

• Emergency SOS buttons

• Basic games and reminders

Some also throw in educational features or task checklists to support routines and homework.

Popular models like the Xplora X6Play, Garmin Bounce, or TickTalk 4 prioritise a safe digital environment, excluding social media and web browsing.

Many also come with parental control dashboards to adjust permissions remotely.

Safety Benefits: Why Parents Are On Board

For many families, the decision to give a child a wearable isn’t about being overbearing, it’s about reassurance.

1. Real Time Location Tracking

For working parents, knowing your child made it safely to school or a friend’s house is priceless. Most kids’ wearables offer live GPS location and location history, which can be a game changer for after school independence.

2. Direct Communication

Wearables often serve as a mobile lite alternative. Children can call or send voice messages without the distractions (and risks) of a smartphone. For parents, this means staying connected without handing over full blown internet access.

3. Emergency Assistance

The SOS button is often highlighted as a key feature. With one press, a child can immediately alert trusted contacts. Some models even auto record sound or share live location in emergencies.

But... Is It Surveillance?

Here’s where things get sticky. Critics argue that constant tracking, remote listening, and parental control settings blur the line between protection and invasion of privacy.

The Ethical Dilemma

Are we teaching kids responsibility and trust, or encouraging them to rely on a digital chaperone? Overuse of monitoring features can make children feel like they’re always being watched, eroding confidence or creating anxiety around autonomy.

Dr. Lara Sheff, a child psychologist based in Manchester, says:

“There’s a fine line. A wearable can help support healthy boundaries, but when used excessively, it sends a message that the world is unsafe and you can’t be trusted to manage in it.”

Data Privacy and Safety Concerns

Where there’s data, there’s risk. Parents should always question:

• Who owns the data?

• Is the GPS info stored securely?

• Are there end to end encryption protocols in place?

• Does the device meet GDPR or local privacy regulations?

Unfortunately, not all wearables are created equal. Some budget brands may lack proper encryption or store data on insecure servers. Always research the brand’s reputation, data policies, and app permissions.

Balancing Safety and Independence

So, how can parents strike the right balance?

1. Age Appropriateness

Wearables make more sense for children aged 6 to 12, when they’re gaining independence but not quite ready for smartphones. Teens may find them intrusive or too “kiddie.”

2. Transparent Use

Rather than using the wearable as a stealth tool, involve your child in the setup. Explain its features, when and why you might use location tracking, and build trust instead of secrecy.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

Establish expectations around usage, when it's worn, when it’s charged, and who can contact them. Encourage your child to voice concerns if they feel uncomfortable with any feature.

Best Kids' Wearables in 2025

Here’s a look at some of the top rated children’s smart devices available this year:

Garmin Bounce

• Age: 6+

• Features: GPS, texting (Garmin app only), fitness tracking

• Pros: Durable, no SIM required, trusted brand

• Cons: Requires WiFi for messaging

Xplora X6Play

• Age: 6 to 11

• Features: Call/text, GPS, games, rewards for steps

• Pros: Fun interface, waterproof, parent dashboard

• Cons: Subscription required for full features

TickTalk 4

• Age: 7 to 12

• Features: Video calling, messaging, GPS, step tracking

• Pros: Feature rich, supports WiFi + SIM

• Cons: Bulky design, higher price point

Spacetalk Adventurer

• Age: 5 to 12

• Features: Phone + watch, GPS, school mode

• Pros: School safe settings, Aussie developed

• Cons: Expensive monthly plans

Final Thoughts: Should You Get One?

Like most things in parenting, context is key. If your child is starting to explore the world more

independently, walking to school, going to clubs, then a wearable can offer supportive safety without overexposing them to smartphone life.

But it’s crucial not to rely on it as a substitute for trust building and communication. The goal should be to empower your child, not micromanage them.

Wearables are not inherently bad, nor are they a magic bullet. Used mindfully, they can fit beautifully into a child’s modern routine a tool for connection, not control.

— Charles Cooper, Wearables & Fitness Tech | The Tech Advisor