SmartWatch for Kids
This review offers a look at yet another tracking device. It also brings up the issue of age-appropriateness. Raising children is challenging enough even without all of the social media and associated technology gadgets. What's a parent to do?
I think that this device is fantastic and wish that it had been around when my nieces and nephews were a bit younger. Three of my siblings have multiple children with busy schedules and I know that this would have helped them to manage their whereabouts a bit more. I also like that the numbers that can call it are restricted and feel that, since so many people actually do give younger children cell phones these days (I see the little ones walking around in my neighborhood all the time with their phones), these would be a safer alternative. The cost is a bit high, so that could be prohibitive for some, but I think the benefits could alleviate some of the safety issues currently associated with younger children not being protected in the age of technology.
ReplyDeleteHopefully in the next update of the device, some of the glitches regarding location will be fixed. I wonder how this impacts the effectiveness of the safe zones that are programmable in it? I also like the ability that the child has to activate an emergency to contact their numbers with the press of a button, though wonder if that might just create more panic if pressed during play time accidentally.
DeleteI really like the idea of this device! I think it is a great solution, rather than providing young children with a full cell phone. I like that it has enough features for protection (ie. only allowing the children to talk to the 5 pre- programmed numbers). I also think that while we all hope to never have to use the tracking device, if a child were missing, this could be a life saver. Going forward, I could also see this product working really well for the elderly population as well, functioning as an emergency alert device.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first kiddy-lojacking device I would consider buying. I agree with Carleen though. It's a little pricey. It doesn't latch. Seems like it's $200+ (with the mobile plan) waiting to get lost. Though I suppose you can track where it was lost... :)
ReplyDeleteI still somehow viscerally dislike the idea of tracking my kid all the time. However, I do recognize that kids run off and that can panic parents. I was a wild kid in stores with my mother and was constantly dashing off to hide in racks of clothes. Kids provide predators with easy targets. I just hate to think that way and I don't want my son to grow up thinking that I need to track him because bad things are waiting for him around every corner. I think that if I can balance the technology with the inherent message in its "need" than this will be something my family can use.
I like the idea of this device. I do have some issues with the price and I am not sure how I feel about tracking kids 24/7. On the other hand, knowing the whereabouts of a child is extremely important.
ReplyDeleteI imagine that this device will give many parents piece of mind. I wonder, however, how and if this type of convenience will impact parenting.
ReplyDeleteAs a father of three children ranging from three to twelve I can definitely see the value for each of them for different reasons. On the younger end of the spectrum I like the idea of having a safe guard of a locator as my three year old is a very independent player who has a tendency to go off on his own and of course is at the phase where he loves to hide in an attempt to be able to jump out and scare you. My older son who is twelve is now exploring out after school to walk into town with his friend's and there are many opportunities that having the ability to be able to communicate with him and set up safe zones so I can ensure his routes are in line with our guidelines.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand I do feel there is a fine line between keeping track of your children and the lesson of teaching trust and instilling a feeling of safety. How you present the use and purpose of the device to you children is important to insure you get the appropriate buy in and usage of it.
Overall I like the advice and may even try it out. Honestly, I would like this device for some adults. I can also see a use for the elderly. As our generation advances we are coming to a point where we may taking more responsibility for our parents well being and safety. There are some interesting implications for use in that arena as well.
When I was little, I would run away as frequently as I could and as fast as I could. I thought it was great and then my mom put a leash on me (literally- one of those upper body leashes). I think she worried about me running off regularly. As I got a little older, all I did was play in the neighborhood and ride my bike everywhere. I think this would have allowed her some peace of mind as I ran all over and I am sure if would not have bothered me.
ReplyDeleteOn the iPhone, the app Find My Friends allows you to track your friends as little dots on a map. While I do not use it, I think it would be nice to know if my husband got to work safely on mornings when he forgets to text me or if my sister is driving long distances I can check her progress.
I think the intention with which we use these items is critical. We can choose not to constantly track people and children, but have the option if the need arises.
I think the SmartWatch is a great alternative to giving a child a phone. I would love to be able to know where my toddler is at all times, especially when she begins school. However, if this is something that can be easily slipped onto a wrist, it’s probably easy to slip it right out of the wrist as well. If this is the new school of thought on child safety, then perhaps thinking about a locking mechanism that allows for the watch to remain on the wrist that only parents have the authorization to unlock may be something to consider. I can’t help but wonder though: is there a better way to track your child that doesn't involve making them look like they’re on house arrest and have to wear a bulky tracker?
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of the SmartWatch but find it to be a pricey. Although it would be nice to be able to track where your child is, 24 hour surveillance is a bit much. Perhaps it's easier for me to make such a comment without having children?! I'm interested to see where this product goes...
ReplyDeleteI agree with many of the posts. I like the idea that parents will have the ability to be able to locate their children, especially in an emergency situation. However, I am also a little weary of tracking a child’s every move. Also, the cost of the device seems to be very high especially since children do tend to misplace many of their items. With that being said, I still think the idea of this device is great!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how I feel about this one - I think some kids might actually try to steal this from another kid and think it is a toy. It is very "fun"looking and maybe should be more subtle if it is just a safety device.
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