Galaxy Watch for Kids Is the Perfect Feature for Helicopter Parents

There are better ways for parents looking to limit their kids’ digital footprint and offer better tracking than stuffing an AirTag into the heel of a shoe. Samsung’s new “kid-friendly smartwatch experience” lets parents see who their kids can text, what apps they can use, and even see their location on Google Maps through their Galaxy Watch.

The features should work with any Galaxy Watch with LTE connectivity, regardless The most expensive Galaxy Watch Ultra or Last year’s Watch 7.

Added clock feature to existing Google Family Link App, Letting Parents set screen time limits and location alerts for their kids’ phones. If your child uses one of the Galaxy Watch 7 line using Wear OS 5 and LTE, you can now use the app to set who your child can call or text while on the watch. You can monitor their location through the watch, approve apps, and set it to limit usage to certain times of the day, such as if a kid is supposed to be neck-deep in a book instead of flicking through their watch.

Google Family Link will allow parents to block even after installing the app. Watch-focused features will roll out in 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 other kid-friendly watch face apps like Unicorn Academy and Rebel Girls Watch Face. Kids can still install the full spectrum of apps on the Play Store with parental approval.

These watch features are bundled with all Galaxy Watches, at least at launch. We wouldn’t be surprised if they make their way Google’s own Pixel Watch With LTE connectivity coming soon.

This is another way to limit screen time for kids, though, of course. Other options for Kid-centric wearables, Like the Fitbit Ace, the focus is more on step tracking A mix of kid-friendly games. There’s also the Apple Watch “For Kids” featurewhich allows you to pair your kid’s devices with an iPhone It allows adults to manage who their kids can call, track their location and restrict apps during school hours.