Looking for a way to stay connected with your child without handing them a smartphone? Wearable devices offer the perfect balance of safety, communication, and independence. In this post, my goal is to focus on wearables that are good at safety and communication, and keep it to 3 smartwatches for kids to narrow down options. For each watch, I include info on safety & tracking, communication, technical specification and pricing models. I have also included a comparison table at the end. This post is not based on my personal testing, but rather on research online with safety and communication in mind. If other features than “communication and safety” are important to you, make sure to check out our other blog post on Best Wearable Technology for Kids in 2024: Top 10 Kids Wearables.
In 2024, wearable devices have become essential tools for keeping kids safe while allowing parents to stay connected. These gadgets combine features like GPS tracking, two-way communication, and emergency alerts, offering peace of mind for parents and independence for kids. As a parent myself, I value smartwatches that are more focused on safety and communication, rather than trying to pack every single feature in there. I would want to be able to get in touch with my kids and ensure they are safe. Simple and focused smartwatches are the key in the blog post.
Why Safety and Communication Features Matter
Wearable devices for kids help parents bridge the gap between independence and safety. Whether your child is walking to school, visiting a friend, or playing outside, wearables provide:
- Real-time location tracking to monitor their whereabouts.
- Two-way communication for quick check-ins without a smartphone.
- Emergency features like SOS buttons to alert you in critical situations.
Top Picks for Kids’ Safety and Calling in 2024
Here’s a list of standout smartwatches designed with safety and communication features:
1. COSMO JrTrack 4: A Next-Generation Safety Smartwatch for Kids
The COSMO JrTrack 4 is specifically designed for kids aged 6–11, blending advanced safety features with kid-friendly communication tools. It’s perfect for parents looking for a secure alternative to smartphones.
Safety & Tracking
The JrTrack 4 is built with safety as its cornerstone, offering tools to keep parents informed and children secure:
- SafeCORE Four-Front Child Safety System: A comprehensive suite of safety tools designed to ensure your child’s well-being.
- GPS Tracking: Know your child’s location in real-time.
- Geofencing Capabilities: Set safe zones and get alerts if your child leaves these areas.
- SOS Functionality: A dedicated emergency button that alerts parents immediately.
- Parent-Approved Contact List: Only contacts you approve can communicate with your child.
Communication Capabilities
Staying in touch with your child has never been easier or safer:
- Two-Way Calling and Messaging: Your child can call and text only approved contacts, ensuring secure communication.
- True Texting Feature (coming soon via software update): Allows sending and receiving text, picture, audio, and video messages.
- Closed, Secure Ecosystem: Operates within a private system to ensure safety and prevent outside access.
Technical Specifications – JrTrack 4
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Age Recommendation | 6-12 years |
| Brand | COSMO |
| Processor | 1.3 GHz dual-core |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Storage | 8 GB |
| Battery | 3.8v 600mAh Lithium-ion |
| Weight | 47g |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (up to 1 meter) |
| Camera | Yes (photo and video capable) |
| GPS | Yes |
| Compatibility | iPhone, Android |
| Communication | Voice and text messaging, group messaging |
| Display | Not specified |
| Materials | Not specified |
| SOS Function | Yes (double-tap power button) |
Pricing and Plans
The JrTrack 4 is designed to be both affordable and flexible, with a reasonable device cost and multiple plan options:
- Device Cost: $129.99.
- Service Plans:
- Annual Prepay: $14.99/month.
- Month-to-Month: $19.99/month.
- 6-Month Plan: $16.99/month.
They also have screen protectors which comes handy with kids. Check it out on Amazon: JrTrack Screen Protector Kids Smart Watch
For more info on Cosmo JrTrack 4, I recommend this thread on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/smartwatch/comments/1gadeb0/im_the_ceo_of_cosmo_ama_about_our_jrtrack_4_kids/
2. Garmin Bounce: A Feature-Packed Smartwatch for Kids
Safety and Tracking
The Garmin Bounce focuses on keeping kids safe and giving parents peace of mind with advanced tracking capabilities:
- Real-Time GPS Tracking: Parents can monitor their child’s location live at any time.
- Geofencing: Set up safe zones and receive alerts if your child leaves these designated areas.
- SOS Functionality: Includes an emergency feature to quickly notify designated contacts in case of an emergency.
Communication Capabilities
The Garmin Bounce ensures kids stay connected with their parents while maintaining a secure communication environment. Here are the key communication features it offers:
- Two-Way Text and Voice Messaging: Kids can send and receive text and voice messages directly from their smartwatch to the Garmin Jr. app on a parent’s compatible smartphone.
- Voice Messaging: Allows kids to record and send voice messages, offering a convenient and fun way to communicate without typing.
- Preset Messages: Includes 16 customizable preset messages for quick replies, ensuring effortless communication in busy moments.
- Closed Network: Operates within a secure ecosystem that prioritizes safety, blocking unauthorized communication.
- Real-Time Notifications: Parents receive instant alerts about messages and location changes directly through the Garmin Jr. app.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | LTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+ |
| Age Recommendation | 6-12 years |
| Colors Available | Green, black, lilac |
| Brand | Garmin |
| Screen Size | 1.3 inches (33.1 mm diagonal) |
| Dimensions | 42.0 mm x 42.4 mm x 12.6 mm |
| Weight | 37.2 g |
| Camera | No |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 days |
| Sensors | GPS, Galileo, accelerometer, ambient light sensor |
| Compatibility | iPhone, Android |
| Communication | Voice and text messaging |
| Display | LCD |
| Materials | Silicone strap, polymer bezel and case |
| Band Size | 115 mm to 180 mm |
Pricing Plans
Connectivity Subscription:
- Monthly plan: $10/month
- Annual plan: $100/year (effectively $8.33/month)
Recommended hands-on review of this watch from DCRainmaker: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2023/01/garmin-bounce-activity-tracker-lte-in-depth-review.html
3. TickTalk5: A Feature-Packed Smartwatch That Keeps Kids Safe and Connected
The TickTalk 5 is a next-generation smartwatch for children aged 3 and up, combining cutting-edge safety features, reliable communication tools, and fun extras. With 4G LTE connectivity and a robust design, it’s a powerful alternative to a smartphone for parents looking to keep their kids connected safely.
Safety & Tracking
The TickTalk 5 prioritizes your child’s safety with a suite of features that give parents peace of mind:
- GPS Location Tracking: Monitor your child’s location in real-time.
- SOS Emergency Button: Configurable to call 911, parents, or both in case of emergencies.
- Closed Network: Built with a firewall to block unknown callers, ensuring communication stays secure.
- Listen-In Feature: Parents can remotely listen to their child’s surroundings when needed.
- Parental Control App: Offers extensive monitoring options, allowing parents to manage contacts, view call history, and set limits.
Communication Capabilities
The TickTalk 5 offers versatile communication options designed for ease and security:
- Voice and Video Calls: Enables calls over WiFi or cellular with approved contacts.
- Talk-to-Text Messaging: Converts voice messages to text, making it easy for younger kids to communicate.
- Preset Text Responses: Simplifies communication with quick, pre-programmed replies.
- Group Chat Functionality: Kids can connect safely with family or friends in group chats.
- 5MP Camera: Perfect for capturing moments or making video calls.
- End-to-End Encryption: Protects all communication for added security.
Technical Specifications – TickTalk 5
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS |
| Age Recommendation | Not specified |
| Brand | TickTalk |
| Processor | 64-bit Quad-core |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Storage | 8 GB |
| Battery | 770 mAh Lithium-ion |
| Weight | 55g |
| Dimensions | 47 x 45 x 16 mm |
| Water Resistance | IP67 |
| Camera | 5 Megapixels |
| GPS | Yes |
| Compatibility | iPhone, Android |
| Communication | Voice calls, video calls, messaging |
| Display | 1.52 inches, TFT Touchscreen |
| Wristband Size | 5.0″-7.48″ |
| SIM Card | Nano SIM |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 4 (802.11 a/b/g/n) |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 Low Energy |
Unique Extras
The TickTalk 5 goes beyond safety and communication, adding fun and functional extras:
- iHeartRadio Family Streaming: Kids can enjoy curated music playlists in a safe environment.
- Activity Tracking: Tracks steps and encourages kids to set and meet step goals.
- Customizable Wallpapers: Lets kids personalize their smartwatch.
- School Mode/Do Not Disturb: Disables non-essential features during class to reduce distractions.
- 20 Personalized Reminders: Includes fun 3D visuals to help kids stay organized.
Pricing
The TickTalk 5 is an affordable option for families, with flexible pricing plans:
- Monthly Wireless Plans: Start at $9.99 per month.
- No Contracts: Cancel anytime with no long-term commitment.
Recommended hands-on review here: https://www.safewise.com/ticktalk-kids-smartwatch-review/
Comparison Table – COSMO JrTrack 4, Garmin Bounce, and TickTalk 5
| Feature | COSMO JrTrack 4 | Garmin Bounce | TickTalk 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | LTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+ | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS |
| Age Recommendation | 6-12 years | 6-12 years | Not specified |
| Processor | 1.3 GHz dual-core | Not specified | 64-bit Quad-core |
| RAM | 1 GB | Not specified | 1 GB |
| Storage | 8 GB | Not specified | 8 GB |
| Battery | 3.8v 600mAh | Rechargeable, built-in lithium-ion battery | 770 mAh |
| Weight | 47g | 37.2g | 55g |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | 5 ATM | IP67 |
| Camera | Yes | No | 5 Megapixels |
| GPS Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SOS Function | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Messaging | Voice, video, text, group | Voice and text | Voice, video, text, group |
| Music Streaming | Yes (Spotify Kids, iHeart Radio) | No | Yes (iHeartRadio Family) |
| Video Calling | No | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 24 hours | Up to 2 days | Up to 48 hours active use |
| Parent App | Yes (COSMO’s Mission Control Parent App) | Yes (Garmin Jr) | Yes |
| School Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Geofencing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Final Thoughts
As a parent myself, I completely understand the hesitation in handing kids a smartphone too early. That’s why I see smartwatches with limited, focused capabilities as such a great alternative. They provide the essential features we need – safety, communication, and peace of mind without exposing kids to the distractions and risks of a full smartphone. Whether you prioritize advanced safety features, seamless communication, or added extras like activity tracking, the options here cater to different needs. Take a look at your priorities as a family, and one of these smartwatches is sure to be the perfect fit for keeping your kids safe and connected.
Discuss more on our Reddit Community here:
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Sources:
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2023/01/garmin-bounce-activity-tracker-lte-in-depth-review.html
https://www.safewise.com/ticktalk-kids-smartwatch-review
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