As technology continues to advance, smartwatches have become a popular gift for children. It is important to remember that at St Catherine’s, smartwatches with internet access, messaging capabilities, and cameras are completely prohibited, even if these functions can be temporarily disabled. Smartwatches have both advantages and disadvantages that parents should consider. One significant downside is their cost; many smartwatches can be quite expensive and prone to damage. While there are more affordable options available, these cheaper models frequently come with shortcomings, such as poor battery life and inadequate safety features. Alarmingly, there have been instances of less reputable brands being hacked, allowing unauthorised individuals to track or communicate with children. Thus, it is wise for parents to invest in reputable brands that prioritise safety and security.
Moreover, parents can enhance their child’s safety by adjusting settings on various smartwatch models. For instance, Apple Watches enable users to designate trusted contacts, ensuring only authorised individuals can reach out to their child. Similarly, for brands that require a connected smartphone, parents can block specific contacts, further safeguarding their child’s communication. While smartwatches can encourage children to be active by tracking exercise and sleep patterns, it is vital to establish boundaries around screen time, particularly at bedtime. Parents should adopt similar restrictions as they would with tablets and smartphones, promoting healthier technology habits.
