There’s a better way for parents looking to limit their kids’ digital footprint and provide better tracking than putting an AirTag in the heel of a shoe. Samsung’s new “kid-friendly smartwatch experience” lets parents define who their kids can text, what apps they can use, and even view their location on Google Maps through their Galaxy Watch.
The features should work with any Galaxy Watch with LTE connectivity, whether Ultra expensive Galaxy Watch Ultra Or last year’s watch 7.
The watch function is added to the existing one Google Family Connection application, rental parents set screen time limits and location alerts for their children’s phones. If your child uses one of the Galaxy Watch 7 lines running Wear OS 5 and LTE, you can now use the app to set who your kids can call or text while on the watch itself. You can monitor their location through the watch, approve apps, and limit its use to certain times of day, such as if a child is supposed to be immersed in a book rather than flipping through their watch.
Google Family Link will allow parents to block apps even after they are installed. Watch-centric features will be rolled out over the coming weeks. Google is also promoting a selection of youth-friendly apps, including a Rubik’s Cube game and Marvel HQ: Groove with Groot. There are a few other kid-friendly watch face apps, like Unicorn Academy and Rebel Girls Watch Faces. Kids can still install the full range of apps from the Play Store with parental approval.
These watch features are all related to Galaxy Watches, at least at launch. We wouldn’t be surprised if they headed towards Google Pixel Watches with LTE connectivity soon enough.
It’s yet another way to limit screen time for kids, of course. Other options for wearables focused on children, like the Fitbit Ace, are more focused on step tracking and a mix of games suitable for children. The Apple Watch also has “For children” functionwhich allow you to pair your child’s devices with a single iPhone. This allows adults to manage who their children can call, track their movements, and restrict apps during school hours.