TOP SMART WATCHES FOR CHILDREN

By Mads Hansen

We all want our children to be safe and connected in the big city, especially when they’re not with us. When they’re still too young for a mobile phone, wearable smart watches have much to offer. Families South West set out to test the leading providers in the market ahead of the new school year:

NickWatch Kids Smart Watch

rrp

£159.99

Nickelodeon’s NickWatch Kids Smart Watch offers a splendid fusion of entertainment and responsibility. For playtime, there are dozens of games, activities and tools featuring favourite Nickelodeon characters; all offering a safe, internet and social media-free experience. On the practical side, the watch includes approved-contact only calls and chat services, live GPS tracking and an emergency SOS button, all linked to the integrated parents’ app. With a year's subscription included, the NickWatch combines communication, edutainment and safety for a captivating journey of growth.

Features include: 16GB memory, Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, touchscreen, water resistant, dust resistant, compatible with apps from the Google and Apple play stores, music player, pedometer.

Garmin vivofit jr.3 from £49.99

The Garmin vivofit smartwatch combines extreme durability with vibrant aesthetics through its many Disney/Marvel themes, empowering kids to embrace their curiosity while promoting healthy habits. We love the way that exercise is gamified to encourage children to move, and with its parent-friendly features, from chore management to emergency contact access, the Vivofit jr.3 is a beacon of safety, engagement and growth. The lack of touchscreen is a minus, but the watch is easy to navigate via a button by the screen.

Features include: iPhone and Android compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, multiple designs, swim-friendly, task timers, step counter, one-year battery life.

Moochies 4G Connect rrp £79.99

The Moochies 4G Connect marries communication with security. Linked to an adult Android or iOS control app, its 4G and Wi-Fi capabilities grant youngsters the thrill of calls and even video chats to preset safe contacts, and GPS tracking. Other users have complained about the accuracy of the GPS, but Families did not experience this issue while testing. With its SOS button, children are kept safe while having the freedom to explore. The watch is perfect for modern, active lifestyles and offers versatile customisation through swappable colourful straps. A Moochies SIM subscription is needed to unlock the full activation and connected features.

Features include: 4G connectivity, GPS tracking, voice and video calls, messaging, alarms, waterproof, step tracker.