STACK #243 January 2025

TECH FEATURE

STAY CONNECTED

In today’s connected world, ensuring children are safe and

always contactable is a top priority for parents and guardians, and peace of mind is as simple as choosing the right smartwatch or smartphone. Words Bec Summer

Smartphones can be a significant step, often driven by peer pressure. If your child demonstrates responsible use, a basic, budget-friendly smartphone is another good option to stay connected. It’s important to be aware, however, that smartphones can introduce challenges like online safety, social media, and screen Smartphones for kids

Smart watch, smart choice

and from parental approved contacts. When choosing a smartwatch, consider your child’s age to match the features to their needs – for younger kids, prioritise simple controls and robust safety features. Also ensure it has

Dedicated kids’ smartwatches combine safety, connectivity, and fun, without the risks associated with internet access and social media. They are ideal for younger kids who aren’t ready for their first smartphone. Parents can manage usage via an app and check in with the kids at any time, and wearers can develop a sense of independence while still being under a watchful eye. And in good news for teachers, many kids’ watches have a ‘school mode’ that disables them during class to reduce distractions. The key advantage is the ability to stay in touch via basic calling and messaging features – many watches support 4G phone calling, but only to

time management, so age appropriate use is crucial. Samsung Galaxy A55 5G 128GB An ideal phone for older kids at a mid-range price, the Galaxy

alerts should their child stray from these boundaries. Just for fun Kids’ smartwatches can also include interactive features like games, fitness tracking, and reward systems to keep them engaged and entertained. They’re also a stylish wearable that kids will want to show off, and many have customisable watch faces, upping the ‘cool’ factor.

sufficient battery life and is durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. Safety first Many watches have GPS location tracking and SOS buttons for sending instant alerts to parents or chosen contacts in the event of an emergency. Watches that support geo fencing allow parents to set up virtual "safe zones" and receive

A55 sports a simple design with a 6.6” FHD display. It’s

equipped with a fast processor for multitasking, gaming and streaming, along with a quad camera system and Circle to Search function via Google. The big battery can last up to two days, and Samsung’s Knox Vault keeps private info and passwords safe and secure. TCL 50 Pro NXTPAPER 5G 512GB

Spacetalk Adventurer 2 Kids’ Video Smartwatch 4G The Aussie designed Adventurer 2 combines a watch, 4G phone, GPS tracker, and 5MP camera into one wearable device, which parents can easily manage via the Spacetalk app. Safety features include

Spacetalk Loop Kids’ Smartwatch 4G

Boasting top end phone features at a mid-range price, TCL’s 50 Pro has a triple camera system plus front selfie cam, and a

The Loop offers many safety features to ensure the wearer is always reachable, including an SOS button, no internet access, and safe zone settings. Real-time GPS location tracking can pinpoint the wearer's position, and 4G phone

an SOS alert button, no access to internet, social media or apps, and kids can only receive and make calls from an approved contact list (including HD video calling). Fun and fitness features round out a top kids’ smartwatch that’s IP67 rated for dust and water resistance.

big battery and internal storage capacity. The paper-like display is enhanced for eye protection from blue light and delivers an eBook-like experience that’s ideal for checking essays during the commute to and from school.

calls are limited to preset contacts. The Loop also boasts up to 36 hours of battery life, and is IP67 rated for waterproofing.

24 JANUARY 2025

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