Smart watches for children: functions, how to choose and use, rating of the best smart watches

A smart watch for children is a multifunctional gadget, a real assistant for parents. Using this device, you can contact your child to find out where he is, which route he is heading for.

How the device works, what to look for when buying, how the samples of different price categories differ - before you detailed instructions on how to choose the right baby model.

Important points:

1. A children's smart watch with GPS tracks the movements of the child and reports the coordinates of waypoints to parents. It is worth buying them for geolocation * of the baby, if he moves around the city and walks without adults, runs away in public places, and goes on vacation.
2. The advantages of the device over the phone are obvious. Smart baby watches with soft and flexible straps are firmly fixed to the wrist without causing discomfort. Children will not want to take them off, so the clock will not be lost, will not be forgotten on the table or in the backpack.
3. The phone book in the smart watch is filled with the application. But you can call the parent numbers with "hot keys." If you hold down the number 1 button (add volume), the smart device will call mom, and number 2 (volume down) will call dad. The key is held until a call is made, which will take several seconds.

* Geolocation (Eng. Geolocation) - determination of the real geographical location of an electronic device, such as a radio transmitter, cell phone or computer connected to the Internet. Material from Wikipedia

Smart Watch Features for Kids

A modern smart device has the following necessary functions:

1. GPS "beacon" allows adults to "see" the location of the baby in real time. It controls the movement through a special program of the parent smartphone with the Android or iOS operating system. Attention! If you use a regular mobile phone, you can track the location of the child through the official website of the manufacturer of children's smart watches.
2. Smartphone features. Smart watches for children with the phone function are activated by a SIM card and provide uninterrupted communication with contacts from the SIM card memory. The device works in speakerphone mode: the conversation is heard by others.
3. SOS button. The emergency button for emergency calls have most models of children's GPS-watches. Pressing it sends an alarm with the geographic coordinates of the child to the phone numbers of the parents. Information is not directly received by the Ministry of Emergencies or the police. The purpose of the function is to notify about an emergency situation of adults whose numbers in the phone book are listed first. The SOS function can be connected to the Life Button Help Center, where doctors and psychologists will provide support during an emergency call through a 24-hour dispatch center. After receiving the danger signal, the operator, if necessary, will send a message to the emergency services: ambulance, emergency department, police.
4. Hand sensor. As soon as a child cheats and gets rid of a smart watch, a notification will instantly be sent to the parent smartphone through the application. An indispensable feature for responding if a device is lost or stolen.
5. Fitness tracker and pedometer: calculates the distance traveled, calories burned, sleep duration.
6. Wiretap function. The kid will not guess that you control his communication. Remote monitoring allows you to make secret calls: nothing is displayed. Through a call back, an adult monitors the situation, listens to how the child communicates with the nanny, and checks whether the student is really in the classroom. Knowing what children and friends are talking about, parents can more easily understand them and find the right approach.
7. Supports the "security zone" function. Adults mark the permitted area on the map, and if the child goes beyond it, a notification will be sent to the application.
8. Able to encourage hearts or flowers. Prizes are sent by parents for good grades, athletic success, exemplary behavior. The number of symbolic approvals is displayed continuously.

Devices are protected from water splashes (and some will even survive swimming). Manufacturers rely on reinforced glass display and a bright attractive style.

Pros and Cons of Smart Devices

A smart watch for children with a tracking function helps parents control the movement of sons and daughters. A smart accessory is indispensable for kids and primary school students. Smart baby watch takes a photo, counts steps, puts likes. The gadget will allow you to feel protected, look stylish in front of peers. Children wear a fashion device with pride.

But parents are afraid of radiation from an electronic device, they have a logical question: how safe is a smart accessory? According to some experts, smart watches are less harmful than a regular mobile phone:

1. The smart baby watch uses communication modules with minimal and inconsistent radiation, and the receiver does not pose a threat.
2. Some experts believe that using phones is dangerous for the brain. A smart watch is worn on the hand, it is not applied to the head. Accordingly, even weak electromagnetic radiation does not affect the brain.

Nevertheless, the child’s body is especially vulnerable and at risk: the bones of the skull are still very thin, and organs are only forming. Do not wear a smart device for a long time without need.Like mobile phones, baby smart chronographs with GPS should be kept away from the head and removed before bedtime.

Despite the fact that the advantages of a smart device are obvious, and the potential risk is minimal, you should not forget about caution.

What to look for when choosing

When thinking about how to choose a smart watch for a child, they take into account the age and nature of the future owner, the level of his development. It is necessary to study the technical characteristics of the device, pay attention to the period of battery life, GPS accuracy, impact resistance of the case, waterproof mechanism.

Display: monochrome or color?

Smart watch screens are color (AMOLED, LCD) and monochrome (E-ink). Displays on modern matrices with color pictures and videos are more stylish and attractive. But they are distinguished by high energy consumption.

Monochrome devices are designed to view text information. If you plan to wear a watch in a kindergarten or school, it is advisable to buy just such a gadget - with a minimum set of functions. A colorful device with games, applications and flashing LEDs distracts from the learning process. The main advantages - minimum energy consumption, does not glare in the sun.

The color display should be clear, bright, and perfectly visible from any viewing angle. The lower cost LCD quality is inferior to OLED technology with smooth mirror effect and high resolution.

The diagonal of the monitor is from 0.5 to 2 inches (1.27 - 5.08 cm). A smart device with a small screen is cheaper, but it is less convenient to use. Most models are equipped with touch displays, but you can find samples with additional buttons.

Synchronization: is it necessary or not?

Adults use a smart watch in tandem with a smartphone, while young users use it instead. The children's device is intended to become a full replacement for a mobile phone and is used autonomously.

Users in the reviews are advised to purchase Smart Baby Watch, synchronized with a smartphone, computer or tablet, in order to track geolocation. Despite the fact that many smart watches are universal and work on the Android operating system, the ability to synchronize with a specific device is checked in advance.

Important! Compatibility with the OS is specified in the technical documentation - examine the passport before buying.

Baby gadgets connect using the SeTracker program, available for Android and iOS. Demands are democratic: iOS not lower than 6.0, and Android - 4.0. The application can be downloaded for free from the Play Market (Google Play) or the Apple Store.

Advice! Contact only trusted sellers: on fake devices, the license code required to register with SeTracker is often overwritten or already activated.

Material

The lightweight body is made of plastic, sometimes in combination with metal. The strap uses rubber or soft-touch silicone. The soft material adheres tightly to the skin, while not pressing or rubbing.

Some manufacturers offer devices with a removable strap so that the baby changes his mood. Children grow quickly, so you should not buy a smart baby watch without a “margin” along the length of the bracelet.
The watch is set mineral or plastic glass. Both options are equally reliable, but mineral is still scratch resistant.

Attention! For cheap Chinese devices, the case is not protected: as soon as the baby falls and hits the watch on the asphalt, cracks will immediately appear.

How important is battery capacity?

According to the battery life, children's smart devices are divided into 2 groups: requiring daily recharging and capable of functioning up to 5 days. Color screen models need to be recharged every day. The second category is represented by devices with a monochrome display. Long operation, but takes a long time to charge: 4-5 hours.

The more features in a smart baby watch, the faster they lose energy. It is worth focusing on the maximum battery capacity (500-700 mAh).

Advice! The more often you need information from a GPS tracker, the more capacious the battery should be.

GPS tracker

GPS module integrated in the electronic device:

• quickly determines the location of the owner;
• paves the route;
• remembers the travel coordinates;
• view the history of distances traveled.

Important! The navigator does not depend on the GPS model built into the synchronized smartphone.

You can program the gadget to periodically send geolocation points to an adult’s phone or tablet.

What format should the SIM card be?

Modern devices are equipped with a slot for micro-SIM *, which is used by all mobile operators. Mini and nano connectors are rare.

The SIM card must support the Internet (2G ** or 3G), otherwise the GPS module will not be able to function.

* Micro-SIM - SIM card size 15x12 mm. Mini-SIM is a standard card with dimensions of 25x15 mm. Nano-SIM is the newest and smallest chip of 12.3 × 8 or 8 × 0.67 mm with a minimum of plastic edging.

** The symbol G denotes the generation of cellular communications (English "generation"). 2G, 3G - the second and third generation.

Choose color

Color is what kids value in the device. Each age category will suit its design. For little ones, choose a watch with bright, acidic shades, a design with cartoon characters.

Adolescents from 10 to 15 years old will not appreciate “children's” models. Boys like black, navy, gray devices, girls like white, pink or red.

Moisture and dust protection

To avoid removing the gadget with each hand wash, you should choose a protected model. The code of the international standard IP, an indicator of the level of moisture and dust protection, is indicated by the manufacturer.

IP66	IP67	IP68	IPX7, IPX8
Resistant to dust, withstand slight wetting (splashes when washing hands)	Protection against dust, moisture resistance. No need to take off while taking a shower	Operation when immersed in water (swimming in the pool)	100% protection against dust, sand and water

The higher the IP, the longer the smart baby watch will last.

Which brands to trust?

To be sure of the quality of the product, it is worth giving preference to reliable devices from reputable manufacturers.

Judging by user reviews, these include:

• Apple
• Xiaomi;
• ASUS
• Pebble
• Samsung
• LG
• Polar
• Sony

The cost of a smart-watch for children is determined by: brand affiliation, functionality and design. Price corridor: from 1000 to 25 000 rubles and higher.

Attention! The “weaker the filling”, the cheaper the device. It is impractical to buy very expensive models: children can inadvertently damage a strap or case. The best option is a watch in the range from 1,500 to 7,000 rubles.

How to choose and use

A good smart watch has the following features:

1. Incoming / outgoing calls and SMS.
2. Voice messaging. If a child cannot write, this is important for communication. Voice recording is not supported by all models.
3. GPS tracker.
4. Alarm button. It’s easier for children to navigate if the panel is bright.
5. Book of contacts. In the memory of smart watches, a directory for 10-15 numbers. Separate buttons are intended for "main" adults.
6. "Back call". Allows you to listen to what is happening around the baby at a distance of up to five meters.
7. Accuracy of determination of coordinates. Depends on the number of satellites detected by the tracker. Good GPS watches establish geolocation with an error of not more than 10 m.
8. Signal reception quality. Work can be worsened by obstacles: buildings, trees, walls. Data is not indicated in the technical description of the model, so you need to study the reviews. A good device does not lose the GPS signal.

If you get a smart gadget for a teenager, take care of the presence of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a camera, an alarm clock, a timer, a flashlight.

For quality operation, proper setup is important. After installing the SIM card in the clock slot and activating, you need to replenish the balance, remove the PIN code check, connect to the Internet.

Advice! The 2G standard is more preferable: cheaper. Children's models do not need high-speed Internet.

Almost all smart baby watches have the same number and layout of panels.The accepted standard is the center button, 3 on the right and 1 on the left. Side control the volume, used to quickly call preset numbers, open the phone book. The central one is responsible for turning on / off, drops the call, serves to record messages. The SOS button is located on the right.

Tariffs for smart gadgets

After installing micro-Sim (if there is no built-in), it is important to choose a favorable tariff. To track children's walks, an Internet connection is required.

Advice! It is advantageous to use start-up unlimited packages with 300 Mb-1 GB per month traffic.

Cheap and suitable tariff plans:

1. Tariff “Life Button”. If the baby is in trouble and does not know what to do, psychologists and doctors will help him on the telephone line. The card is ordered on the official site knopka24.ru. Subscription fee - 330 rubles per month.
2. The tariff of Megaphone "Go to zero." There is no subscription fee, the cost of traffic is 7 rubles per day. Calls: 1.30 - 2.5 rubles per minute.
3. The tariff plan "Everything" from Beeline provides for services with a fee of 350 rubles per month.
4. MTS with an annual maintenance cost of 690 rubles.

Tariff offers are limited by the limit of minutes, messages and traffic.

Budget smart watches made in China

An inexpensive category is represented by Chinese smart devices. Despite the low cost, manufacturers offer advanced functionality.

Mechanisms with a standard set of features with a budget of 1200-1700 rubles:

• VWARQ50;
• SMARCENTQ750;
• TWOX Q90;
• TWOXQ528.

The popular HOMEBARL model will be appreciated by young fans of Apple.

Children's models of the middle price category

The smart baby watch from the Chinese manufacturer Wonlex is considered the bestseller among mid-price printers. The company has a branch in the Russian Federation, an official online store, accredited distributors. Two inexpensive models are popular: Q50 and Q80.

The lightweight Q50 movement with monochrome display is made of plastic. Equipped with all the necessary functions, including GPS. It tracks the phases of sleep, is used as a pedometer, an alarm clock, and records the coordinates of movements. Will cost 3000 rubles.

The Q80 (or Q90 (GW100)) is more complicated and interesting: with a color touch screen, “smart” features, a “secret call” function. The price is 4300 rubles.

Devices at an affordable price with good reviews:

• Q360 (GW600) - $ 36;
• Wonlex KT03 - $ 60;
• Wonlex GW400S (W9) - $ 40;
• Jetix DF50 - $ 78;
• VTech KidiZoom DX - $ 78;
• Smart GPS Watch T58 - $ 47;
• Elari KidPhone 3G with Alice - $ 110;
• DokiWatch S - $ 235.

Products represent the optimal price-quality ratio.

Premium Smart Kids Watch

Status and prestigious gadgets are distinguished by high-quality materials, high-precision assembly, high-speed processor and belonging to a well-known brand:

1. SAMSUNG GEAR S3 FRONTIER. The control method is considered one of the most original.
2. APPLE WATCH SERIES 2 42MM ALUMINUM CASE WITH SPORT BAND. The most status ones.
3. GARMIN VIVOACTIVE HR.
4. HUAWEI WATCH GENUINE LEATHER STRAP. A large number of options.
5. SONY SMARTWATCH 3 SWR50.

Other advantages of premium devices include: unique design, sapphire crystal, clear display with high pixel density, support for Android Pay, its own application store.

The best models without a screen

Unusual smart baby watch models without display work on the basis of a clockwork. Their main advantage is the lack of need for frequent recharging. The device is fueled by solar energy.

The gadget is conditionally “smart”: it only partially has the capabilities of a smart baby watch. Such mechanisms lack entertainment features. They allow you to make calls using voice commands. Instead of a dial, a large button for speech recognition.

The geolocation detection function boils down to the following: the device sends to parents through the application not an exact address, but a map with the coordinates of the child.

The best models without a display include:

1. CASIO EQB-500D-1A. Better autonomy.
2. Meizu Mix (steel). Swiss movement.
3. Mijia Quartz Watch. The most functional in its segment.

Unusual devices are sold at a price of 5000-25000 rubles.

Parental experiences are understandable, but do not forget about the personal space of the child, about the importance of his secrets. The main purpose of smart devices is to control the movement of our children, and not total surveillance of them.