STACK #255 January 2026

BACK TO SCHOOL 2026

TECH FEATURE

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KEEPING CONNECTED WITH YOUR KIDS

Ensuring that children are safe and always contactable in today’s super-connected world is a necessity for parents and guardians.Thankfully, peace of mind is as simple as selecting the right smartwatch that’s built for kids. Words Bec Summer

Why a smartwatch is a smart choice Kids’ smartwatches are

receiving video calls.

life, and durable construction. That last one in particular! Safety concerns Many kids’ smartwatches include GPS tracking and SOS buttons, enabling quick alerts in emergencies. Meanwhile, geo-fencing features let parents define virtual safe zones and receive notifications if those boundaries are crossed. There’s fun stuff, too Beyond safety, kids’ smartwatches often include games, fitness tracking, and reward systems to keep children motivated and engaged. With customisable watch faces and modern designs, they’re also a fun, wearable accessory that kids are proud to show off.

Most models include a school or classroom mode, which limits functionality during class to help minimise distractions. Teachers will love it! Ultimately, the major benefit of a kids’

designed to deliver safety, communication, and fun – without exposing children to the risks of open internet access or social media. They’re a smart stepping stone for younger kids who aren’t quite ready for a smartphone. Parents stay in control via companion apps that manage usage and allow easy check-ins, while kids gain confidence and independence within clear boundaries. Some even feature a camera for capturing photos and videos, as well as making and

smartwatch is simple, secure communication. Most devices support basic 4G calling and messaging, but only with contacts approved by parents. Age x features When choosing a device, it’s important to match features to your child’s age – look for intuitive controls, strong safety tools, solid battery

VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch Max The Kidizoom Smart Watch Max is a feature-packed wearable for kids that combines fun, creativity, and learning. Dual cameras capture photos and videos, while games, AR activities, and reaction challenges keep kids engaged. Customisable clock faces support time telling, with music playback, pedometer, reminders, and parental controls included. School Mode limits distractions, and two-player connectivity adds

Pixbee Kids 4G Video Smart Watch with GPS Tracking A Pixbee watch is a safe and smartphone-free way for kids and parents to stay connected. It supports two-way voice and video calls, messaging, GPS tracking, and SOS emergency calling with approved contacts only – plus, there’s no internet access. Parental controls, classroom mode, remote locking, and location tracking help keep kids secure and focused, and, using any compatible 4G Nano SIM in Australia or New Zealand, Pixbee has no contracts or monthly fees.

Pixbee Fit Kids Smart Activity Watch Pixbee Fit is a rugged kids’ smart activity watch that’s designed to build healthy lifelong habits. It tracks steps, heart rate, sleep, and activity across 16 sports modes ranging from dancing to hiking, with up to seven days of battery life. Daily challenges, hygiene and hydration reminders, virtual medals, and 50+ custom watch faces make staying active and organised fun. Plus, parents can monitor progress and manage settings via the free Ryze Connect app.

Spacetalk Loop Kids Smart Watch 4G Loop is a kid-friendly smartwatch offering 24/7 connectivity through 4G calls, messaging, and real-time GPS tracking. Designed for safety, it has no social media or web browsing, enables parent-approved contacts, and customisable safe zones with alerts. The subscription-based Spacetalk app allows parents to manage features, while School Mode limits distractions. An SOS button, IP67 water resistance, tough Gorilla Glass, and durable straps make Loop ideal for the rigours of everyday play.

social play. Splash-proof and rechargeable, it’s designed for everyday adventure.

22 JANUARY 2026 JANUARY

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