Parents urged to curb children’s screen time, consider safety smartwatches

Parents are encouraged to model limited device use and replace screen time with outdoor activities, media‑free meals, classic toys and real‑world social interaction. The guidance highlights that children often mimic adult behavior, so adults should be mindful of their own smartphone habits.

For families seeking a middle ground between full smartphone access and no connectivity, child‑focused smartwatches are presented as a safer alternative. Features such as call capability, GPS location, SOS alerts, a school mode that blocks notifications during lessons, and a restricted contact list aim to keep children reachable without exposing them to apps or social media. The Xplora X6Play, sold by O2, weighs 51 g, is IP68‑water‑proof, and received a “very good” rating in a February 2026 review.

Experts suggest that limiting screen exposure and using devices like the Xplora smartwatch can help parents balance safety with reduced digital distraction for young children.