STACK #231 January 2024

TECH FEATURE

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Being able to keep in touch with our kids is vital in this modern world. A smartwatch designed for children is a great way to stay connected, especially when they’re not quite ready to have their own phone. KEEP CONNECTED

Words Bec Summer

T he most obvious benefit of a kids’ smartwatch is safety. Who doesn’t want to know where their child is when they’re out and about for the day? GPS tracking is a standard feature in all good kids’ smartwatches, so you can keep an eye on where your little ones are in real time, which can take a whole bunch of worry out of your hectic day. Other brilliant peace of-mind features offered by kids’ smartwatches include two-way talk and text messaging to parent-approved friends and family, video calling, SOS Alert buttons that will automatically contact a designated number when pressed, and the deal sealer for many parents, an absence of social media apps and open internet Smartwatches

Spacetalk Loop One of the most popular kid’s smartwatch brands, the latest in the Spacetalk range comes with many safety features. Real-time location GPS tracking and 4G phone calls ensure that the wearer is always reachable and a parent has complete control over all of the contacts on the smartwatch. Safe zones can be established, and an alert is sent whenever the user leaves or enters that zone. The Loop is also rated IP67 for dust and water resistance.

Pixbee Kids 4G Video Smartwatch Keep in touch with two-way video and voice calls, manage pre-approved contacts and virtual safe zones with GPS tracking, and deactivate certain functions during classroom hours. The free Pixbee app allows remote access to the watch’s camera and a location finder should it go missing. Connect with 4G and Wi-Fi – all you need is a Nano SIM card.

access. All the top kids’ smartwatches support 4G networks, just requiring a compatible SIM. Many already come complete with a SIM preinstalled. Some models even feature geo-fencing, which allows you to create virtual safe zones. Should your little one stray from this predetermined area, push notification alerts will let you know about it, so you can act accordingly. These functionalities can be set up and monitored using a handy parental control companion app. As well as helping children keep safe, kids’ smartwatches also have the added benefit of promoting physical fitness and healthy habits through such activities as competitive step challenges. Meanwhile,

integrated trackers can monitor fitness, and even sleeping patterns. Some will even keep tabs on your child’s temperature and heart rate! Another important thing to consider when shopping for a kids’ smartwatch is durability. These devices are going to be put through the wringer, so you’ll want to choose one that will withstand plenty of rough stuff and, of course, be water resistant. Plus, check on the average battery life, as you’ll want one that will get your child right through their day. Ultimately, consider your child’s age when choosing a smartwatch for them, so that you get the features and functionality that will best meet their – and your - needs.

TOP PICK

TOP PICK

TOP PICK

Smartphones If you’re comfortable that your child understands the responsible use of one, consider a basic budget model that won’t cost a fortune to replace should it be lost or broken.

Motorola Moto G84 The Moto G84 has a 6.5” pOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Atmos speakers. Camera-wise, on the rear, there’s a 50MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide angle Macro Vision and a 16MP front camera. This Marshmallow Blue version is a JB exclusive.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Another excellent mid-range buy, the Samsung A54 has a 120Hz 6.4” AMOLED screen and up to a two-day battery life. Cameras include a wide 50MP and ultra-wide 12MP main camera and a 5MP macro lens to capture small details.

TOP PICK

18 JANUARY 2024

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