Cybertraps Podcast

News Item: A recent New York Times article reports that an increasing number of parents are buying Apple watches for elementary school kids Smartwatches for children are a booming sector of the tech market Hundreds of different models with a range of features Some smartwatches are tied to particular cellular companies, others are “unlocked” A 2020 survey showed that 31% of American teens owned a smartwatch, compared to 21% of adults Features and Selling Points of Smartwatches Limited apps / less distraction than phones Voice calls and basic texting (with cellular connectivity – typically part of family plan) Importance of Communication with Child for Schedule Changes, Emergencies Location tracking by parents Geofencing for alerts Can help delay requests for smartphone Some watches come with apps to help with time management and to encourage physical activity Apple introduced “Family Setup,” which gives parents the ability to supervise a range of data on the phone and limit notifications Smartwatch Issues to Consider Cost Durability/Fragility of Device Maturity / Development of Child Plan time to educate child on using device Will child wear it every day? Battery / Power management Brand Capture Safety and Etiquette Teach children to avoid distracted walking Don’t be distracted by watch when interacting with other people Understand risks of strange messages or calls Privacy Is the child’s information on the watch protected? Does the watch company comply with COPPA? Does the CHILD understand that his or her location is being tracked? Transparency is important. If smartwatch has a camera, child needs to understand privacy boundaries for themselves and others How Are Schools Reacting? Generally positive Fewer restrictions than smartphones Less distraction Recommended Brands Verizon GizmoWatch2 (~ $100) TickTalk4 (~ $190) Xplora X5 Play (~ $200) Apple SE (~ $300) Resources - #2022–09–01 How tech can help keep your kids safe at school - #2022–09–01 An Apple Watch for Your 5-Year-Old? More Parents Say Yes. - #2022–08–31 The Best Smartwatches For Kids (And Parents) To Stay Connected - #2022–08–30 Smart watches in schools, do they make kids safer? - #2022–08–23 Best Smartwatches for Kids - #2022–08–06 The 6 Best Smartwatches For Kids To Help Keep Them Active, Connected, & Entertained - #2022–08–03 EARLY YEARS: Smart watches for kids could be smarter, safer alternative to cell phones - #2021–10–26 The Best Smartwatches and Phones for Kids - #2021–09–16 The Best Smartwatches for Kids, According to a 9-Year-Old and His Mom