Back to School w/ Peace of Mind: Why we chose a smart watch for safety & communication
- Alyse Ainsworth
- Jul 23, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: May 2
As the new school year approaches, many of us parents are preparing for the usual back-to-school routine. From shopping for supplies to planning out the daily schedule, there's a lot to consider. One common concern among parents is how to keep in touch with their children and ensure their safety throughout the school day. While cell phones might seem like an obvious solution for some, they're not always the best choice for those with younger kids. This is where smartwatches come into play. These devices offer a perfect blend of communication and safety without the same distractions as a phone.
Why Choose a Smartwatch for Your Child?
1. Communication Without Distraction:
Smartwatches allow your child to stay in touch without the same distractions that come with smartphones. They offer features like voice calling, video calling, and messaging, ensuring you can reach your child anytime, anywhere. You can set schedules so they can use it when appropriate and it doesn't distract them from learning. But they aren't tempted to divert attention with social media (something that isn't always that safe itself).
2. Safety Features:
The primary reason parents opt for smartwatches is safety. Many of these devices include GPS tracking, allowing you to know your child's location in real-time. This feature is particularly useful for ensuring your child’s safety during their commute to and from school, field trips, or during after-school activities.
3. Durability and Design:
Smartwatches for kids are designed to be durable and child-friendly. They can withstand the wear and tear of daily activities, making them a practical choice for young, active children.
4. No Internet Browsing:
One of the main concerns with giving my kids smartphones is the potential for internet access. Smartwatches, on the other hand, typically do not support internet browsing, which reduces the risk of exposure to inappropriate content.
Our Experience with Smartwatches
In our journey to find the perfect smartwatch, we've tried a couple of different brands. One of those being Gabb Wireless. While Gabb Wireless offers a solid smartwatch option with great communication features, we found a couple of drawbacks:
GPS Accuracy: The Gabb Wireless watch sometimes pinged off different towers, leading to inaccurate location tracking. This can be frustrating when you're relying on the GPS to keep tabs on your child's whereabouts.
Design: The watch doesn’t look like a regular watch, which led to frequent questions from teachers and other adults, making our child feel a bit self-conscious or concerned it would be taken away.
No FaceTime Feature: Gabb does not offer a FaceTime feature and very limited text options, limiting the ways you can communicate with your child.
Our Current Top Recommendation: TickTalk Smartwatch
Discount Code: alyse
We found that the TickTalk smartwatch stands out:
1. Advanced Communication:
TickTalk offers multiple ways for you to communicate with your child, including voice calls, video calls, and text messages.
2. Reliable GPS Tracking:
Unlike some other devices, TickTalk uses reliable networks like T-Mobile or AT&T to provide accurate location tracking, minimizing the risk of random pings and inaccurate location data.
3. Parental Controls:
TickTalk gives parents control over who can contact their child. You can easily manage and monitor your child’s contacts, ensuring they only communicate with trusted individuals.
4. School Mode:
To minimize distractions during school hours, TickTalk includes a School Mode feature. This allows you to restrict the smartwatch’s functionality during specific times, ensuring your child focuses on their studies.
5. SOS Feature:
In case of emergencies, TickTalk has an SOS button that your child can press to alert you immediately. This feature provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
Making the Right Choice
As the school year begins, make sure you’re prepared with the best tools to keep your child safe and connected. A smartwatch offers the perfect balance of communication, safety, and convenience, making it an essential back-to-school item for every family.
If you’re interested in getting your child a reliable smartwatch, we highly recommend TickTalk for its advanced features and reliability. Use code: alyse to get a discount on your watch. You can find more information and purchase here.
Comments