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Smartwatch adoption and digital safety for children

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-24 06:41 UTC → 2026-10-24 15:37 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Smartwatches are increasingly being utilized as a transitional alternative to smartphones for children, providing a middle ground for connectivity and safety. These devices aim to offer essential communication tools while avoiding the risks associated with unrestricted internet access and social media. Key features include GPS tracking, SOS buttons, and parental controls such as usage limits or ‘School Mode’. Models like the Ice-Watch Smart Junior RD 3.0 integrate with Apple’s ‘Find My’ network, while others like the Garett Kids Essa 4G use SIM cards for video calls. Market expansion continues with the rollout of the Kids Watch TCL MT48 by Bouygues Telecom. Additionally, Spanish firm SaveFamily has introduced the Slim 2, which features voice and video calling, geofencing for movement alerts, and Panda Glass protection. To address privacy concerns, SaveFamily noted that all collected data is stored within the European Union. However, the rise in adoption has prompted security warnings. In Germany, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) issued a warning following an investigation into children's smartwatches. While a Bitkom survey suggests 15 percent of children aged six to nine in Germany own such devices, the BSI found that none of the tested models implemented a ‘fully secure standard configuration’. The agency specifically highlighted deficiencies in secure decommissioning, noting that devices failed to reliably delete personal data or reset to a secure initial state. New hardware developments include the Cosmo JrTrack Pro, a smartwatch for children aged 6 to 12 featuring an AMOLED touchscreen, a 5-megapixel camera, and the HaloGPS system for real-time tracking. Beyond hardware, regional social initiatives are emerging to manage digital exposure. In Spain, the Diputación de Sevilla launched ‘Guardiam’, a project designed to promote responsible technology use and address mental health concerns, such as social isolation and cyberbullying, particularly in smaller municipalities.

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