Apple Watches are reckoned to be the best smartwatches available. The Apple Watch gives wearers the opportunity to make calls, listen to music, track their workouts, use apps, and much more. We’ll discuss if Apple Watches for kids is a good idea.
When it comes to choosing a smartwatch for your children, is the Apple Watch is really the way to go? The Apple Watch comes at a premium price, even for older models. Now, we certainly don’t expect you to rush out and buy your kid the new Apple Watch 7 when it comes out this year. You might consider a few things before choosing one for your son or daughter. You should consider whether it’s age-appropriate and cost-effective. Make sure you research more affordable alternatives like the Apple Watch 3 and Apple Watch 5. Read our article about where to get a refurbished or used Apple Watch. You can compare the Series 5 and Series 6 here.
- GPS + Cellular model lets you call, text, and get directions without your phone
- Large Retina OLED display
- Up to 2x faster processor than Series 3
- GPS model lets you take calls and reply to texts from your wrist
- Large Retina OLED display
- Up to 2x faster processor than Series 3
Apple Watches for Kids Means Families Stay Connected
Apple recently announced a brand new feature that means families can stay connected, even when they don’t all have iPhones or an Apple Watch.
Family Setup is an evolution of the GPS tracking watch for kids. Families like knowing where the children are and communicating with them through text messages or phone calls are reassuring.
Family Setup is available on watchOS 7. It lets a parent pair their iPhone to their kid’s Apple watch so they can receive location notifications, stay in contact and use parental controls and limits. It pays to keep the whole family using Apple devices.
Apple’s new Family Setup service is excellent. Giving power to parents who can easily fit their children with a safety-focused Apple Watch.
Guardians can limit which services and apps their little ones can access, as well as who they can contact or text, and use GPS to track their whereabouts. Even if you don’t have kids, this Family Setup service is worth investigating because it demonstrates what a fully autonomous Apple Watch could look like.
Giving your kid an Apple Watch has a lot of benefits, but it’s important to think about what you really want them to actually do with it.
You basically have two choices: give over the Apple Watch to your kid after it’s set up and trust that they’ll use it properly, or utilize Apple’s Family Setup to manage and restrict a few functions on the device.
Should I use Family Set Up?
You are not obligated to. It is entirely up to you, as parents, to decide. Family Setup is especially good for smaller kids since it allows you greater control over what your kid they can or can’t do with the Apple Watch. Family Setup essentially transforms the gadget into a GPS tracker that also enables you to communicate with them through the wristwatch. This is great if you need to contact them if they’re away from home.
For a teenager, though, you may feel better gifting them a standard Apple Watch set up. It all depends on how dependable your teen is.
Is the newest the best when it comes to Apple Watches for kids?
The new Apple Watch SE is great for kids
The Apple Watch SE is a lightweight version of the new Apple Watch 6, but don’t mistakenly think it’s a cheap version.
This is simply stripped back. It’s a chance to offer people an Apple Watch for less. However, it doesn’t force them to sacrifice having a newer model and opting for a Series 3 because that’s where their budget sits. This also makes it a great choice for kids.
Some are fondly calling it the Series 3 successor. It’s cheaper than a Galaxy Watch 3 and on par with a Fitbit Versa 3.
The Apple Watch SE has an improved design which was incorporated from Series 4 onward. It comes in 40mm and 44mm, depending on the age and size of the child you’re considering this for. It also shares the same dimensions as the new Apple Watch 6.
As it’s a new watch, it comes with the newest software version (7). Combined with this is the fact that there will be an LTE version. These features will be of interest to parents who want to use the new Family Setup feature (mentioned later; keep reading).
Things to remember about buying an Apple Watch for Kids
The first Apple Watch launched back in 2015 and it is now in its fifth incarnation. Available in a range of styles, colors and sizes. All models can track daily activities. Exercises like yoga, swimming, and running, along with podcasts, gaming, music, and more.
If you’re going to enjoy all the features of an Apple Watch, you need to sync it with your iPhone. This is something to bear in mind when deciding if the Apple Watch is suitable for your child. – Most children under 10 probably shouldn’t have access to a smartphone. An Apple Watch isn’t going to be the right choice for your pre-teen, either.
Some kids are careless and prone to breaking or losing items. Apple watches are pricey, so you don’t want to be paying for repairs or replacements on a regular basis.
Why Should I Buy An Apple Watch For My Child?
There are many reasons why you might want to consider investing in an Apple Watch for your son or daughter. They encourage your child to live in a healthy way. Reminders to stand up and exercise for a minimum of half an hour daily encourage movement.
An Apple Watch can also help kids burn more calories. “Move goals are defined by the parent or the child themselves. Exercise challenges are a lot of fun for kids to take part in, too. Many third-party apps persuade even inactive children to start moving. This is one of the most persuasive reasons to purchase an Apple Watch.
The “Find My Friend” feature allows parents to track their children for safety purposes. You can also stay in constant communication through the walkie-talkie feature. Later versions can enjoy the new Family Setup feature.
Apple Watches for Kids – Are they the best?
If you’re choosing a smartwatch for a teenager, consider an older Apple Watch. It might not be worth buying one of the latest models or a brand-new device for your son or daughter due to the cost. But if you see benefit in the features, it might very well be worth the investment.
- GPS
- Always-On Retina display
- 30% larger screen
Family Setup could swing your choice
Apple announced a new feature on September 15 that revolutionizes how families will stay connected. Uncharacteristically for the brand, you don’t even need an iPhone to use the feature. Apple calls it Family Setup. This is available on WearOS 7 and lets a parent pair an iPhone to a kid’s Apple Watch so they can remain connected through communication, location notifications and parental controls.
Parents can use Family Setup to set which contacts a child can send messages to. It lets your family members know where the child is through location alerts. You can set boundaries so you know if your child has gone past a geofenced area. This could be their school, for example.
Family Setup is somewhat of a competitive feature to existing apps that offer tracking, like Life360. These tools have shown popularity amongst families who like to keep an eye on each other’s location for safety.
If needed, the watch can be used to contact emergency services using the SOS feature.
Who is the feature aimed at?
Family Setup has been created for families with very young children who aren’t ready for a phone of their own. Grumbles have been heard already from families that although the feature has been designed for them, Apple device price tags have not.
The new feature is worthwhile for those families who have pre-teen kids with their own an Apple Watch already, who can hand them down to their younger siblings.
Users suggest this feature isn’t just useful for kids. They say it’s got value for those with ageing relatives who perhaps have medical conditions that require closer than average monitoring.
To use the feature, you need a cellular model of at least the Apple Watch 4. It will only be available from select carriers, too: T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. Some International carriers, too. The feature is initially available in the USA, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Poland, Switzerland, Mainland China, Japan, Thailand and Taiwan.
Competitive Advantage
Apple offers an advantage over these competitors as it boasts a focus on privacy. Parents are being told they can trust the brand, as they say, they won’t share data with third parties.
Additionally to location tracking, Family setup allows a parent to set downtime. This will limit the notifications and interactions of the paired watch so the child can focus solely on their chores, school, homework or family time. In fact, there’s a dedicated “school mode”. Optionally, there’s a workout integration and the trademark activity rings that have been configured specifically for kids.
Memojis have been added so the child can create their own for use on their Apple Watch. It means they can send messages and stickers or the new-to-WearOS 7 watch face.
Time for an upgrade?
Often, parents already own Apple Watches, so when a new model comes out they retire their watch for a new and improved model. Rather than discarding or selling your old watch, consider resetting it and giving it to your kids!
It’s common for parents to give older models of these watches to their children, allowing them to enjoy the smartwatch functions without spending a fortune on a new watch. Plus, most kids don’t want high-tech ECG monitors or SpO2 sensors! Older watches still carry useful smartwatch features for kids to enjoy, such as pedometers, apps, and GPS.
Next time you upgrade your smartwatch, consider wiping your data off of your old one and giving it a second life!
Are There Alternatives To Apple Watches for Kids?
Do you feel your child isn’t yet ready for an Apple Watch? Depending on how many kids you’ve got, maybe you can’t afford it? There are suitable kid-friendly smartwatches offering function and style, without the expense.
VTECH Kidizoom
The VTech brand is synonymous with high-quality kid-friendly tech. This smartwatch is a great choice for younger kids who aren’t ready for an Apple Watch. The VTech Kidizoom has an inbuilt camera for videos and photos. You can customisable faces, too. It has a timer, alarm, games and more. It doesn’t offer fitness tracking, but for any young child who wants to feel more mature, it’s great.
Check out the VTech Kidizoom DX2 Smartwatch here.
Garmin Vivofit Jr.3
If you want fitness tracking functions on your child’s smartwatch, the Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 and Fitbit Ace 3 are two great choices. Both offer a reward system and fitness tracking. This teaches your child about doing chores and living in a healthy way. It can sync with a parent’s smartphone for more control. With a long battery life and a wide range of styles to choose from, it’s great for younger kids. Older ones might find the games dull.
Apple Watches are the most technologically advanced smartwatches you can buy. While wearing the Apple Watch, users may make calls, listen to music, track their workouts, access applications, and much more. Let’s start by debating whether
Apple Watches for children are a good idea. Is the Apple Watch the best option for a wristwatch for your children? Previous Apple Watch models were also exorbitantly priced. We wouldn’t expect you to run out and get an Apple Watch 7 for your child. Before settling on one for your child, you need to think about a few things.
It’s vital to think about if it’s age-appropriate as well as cost-effective. Conduct your research and seek lesser priced alternatives.
Is an Apple Watch appropriate for kids? FAQ
What is the appropriate age for a youngster to purchase an Apple Watch?
Is it feasible for a child to get an Apple Watch without first purchasing an iPhone?
Is there an Apple Watch specifically for kids?
First and foremost, there is the matter of whether or not an Apple Watch for children exists. It is an unavoidable conclusion for parents who adore the Apple Watch and wish to get one for their children. With a plethora of smartwatch capabilities, it assists parents in keeping track of their children and keeping them engaged and active.
Will an Apple Watch be good for my kid?
“What good is it to my child?” Despite the abundance of functions, some may be perplexed. We can’t deny that it’s a high-end timepiece with a premium price tag. Wearing an Apple Watch, on the other hand, has a lot of advantages. Yes, indeed. It is suitable for your child.
What kids’ smartwatch alternatives are there to the Apple Watch?
Alternatives to the Apple Watch for Health Benefits: One of the most essential benefits of the Apple Watch for both adults and children is that it can help you stay healthy. The bulk of today’s youth spends far too much time glued to their computers. As a result, individuals are unable to engage in physical activities. You can change this by providing a child with a health-related smart device. As a result, the Apple watch for kids is one of the most effective ways for parents to urge their children to be more active.
What is the appropriate age for a youngster to own an Apple Watch?
There is no specific age or age group for which your child should get an Apple Watch. What matters is that they are responsible enough to wear a costly watch with functionalities that should not be tampered with. Your child may be 11 or 12 years old and mature enough to use it appropriately, or he or she may be an adolescent with no sense of responsibility. It must be handled with caution so that it is not misplaced or stolen.
Can a child use an Apple Watch without an iPhone?
If you don’t have an iPhone, you can set up and manage an Apple Watch for someone who doesn’t. To do so, you must be the Family Sharing group’s family organiser or a parent/guardian.
In order to change settings and update the software, the iPhone you used to connect and set up the Apple Watch must be within the ordinary Bluetooth range (approximately 33 feet or 10 meters). Apple Watch must also be configured for someone in your Family Sharing group who owns a cellular-capable Apple Watch SE, Series 4 or later. It is not necessary for your family member’s watch to be connected to the same cellular network as the iPhone used to control it.
What benefits does an Apple Watch have for my kid?
Many parents purchase smartwatches for their children in order to keep track of them when they are not present. You may use your Apple Family Sharing account to activate the GPS tracker, and you’ll always know where your child is. SOS Alert is also available for Apple Watch users. When your child presses and holds any of the device’s buttons, the watch sends an alarm to your country’s emergency authorities, along with their location. Naturally, this is a duty, as it is all too easy to push the button by accident. It’s an excellent feature if your child has an emergency.
Communicate
With the Apple Watch, you’ll be able to communicate with your child even if you’re not with them. Everyone is aware of how difficult it is for children
to maintain track of their phones due to their natural proclivity to become distracted.
A gadget linked to your wrist, on the other hand, is harder to misplace and thus safer. There’s no excuse for your youngster to miss another phone call from you now that they have an Apple Watch.
LTE
Although the Apple Watch remains connected to the iPhone, it can now work independently through Wi-Fi or LTE. While current LTE coverage isn’t optimal (battery drains quickly), Apple is constantly working to improve it. It’s feasible that an LTE Apple Watch for Kids may soon be able to last them the entire day (that you never risk losing contact).
Parental control
You’ll have the same level of control over what your child gets access to as you have over the phone. The parental controls on the Apple Watch are the same as those on their iPhones, allowing you to protect your children from unwanted contact and harmful information.
Conclusion
Will there be a specific Apple Watch for kids in the near future? Who knows. We’d love to see a child’s watch in the Apple family. If an Apple Watch is out of your price range for a child under the age of 12, we recommend exploring alternative GPS-enabled smartwatches that are good trackers. Several low-cost smartwatches will suffice (of course, not as much as the apple watch).
If you’re buying for a teen or older child, the Apple Watch SE or Series 3 could be a great option, but you should talk to them first. Discuss the ramifications of such a purchase, as well as their feelings about being watched.
With every year, the Apple Watch moves closer to no longer requiring an iPhone to make it operational. At the moment, you still need a smartphone to set up and maintain this device. It’s a great choice, but remember there are lots of alternatives so your son or daughter can still enjoy smartphone functionality on the budget you have.
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Related Articles:
- Apple Watch 6 – Everything you need to know
- Apple Watch 3 vs Apple Watch 5
- The new Apple Watch SE – Review
- Apple Family Sharing Functions and Benefits
- The Control and Safety Benefits of Apple Family Set Up
- Apple Watch Comparison
Last Updated on November 15, 2021
Emma brings over a decade of copy and content writing experience. From her home in South West England, she uses the power of words to turn casual readers into loyal customers and raving fans.
Hi Emma,
This article is great thank you! We’re considering an Apple Watch for our 10-year old son as an alternative to an iPod or a phone. Does the watch require its own cellular plan if only wanting to text between family devices?
Thanks,
Christina
Hi Christina, thank you for your feedback and question. I wasn’t sure of this, so I had a look at the Apple support page and think this article will give you the answer https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT211768
I’m pleased you have enjoyed our content, don’t forget to follow us on our social media to be kept up to date as new posts are published 🙂
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