Every August, the back-to-school checklist gets longer. New shoes, a fresh backpack, school supplies. But in recent years, parents have started adding something new to that list, and it sits right on a child’s wrist.
As more school districts restrict or ban smartphones on campus, many parents are looking for ways to stay connected without giving their child a full-featured phone.
Kids are gaining independence at earlier ages. They walk to school, ride the bus alone and spend more time at friends’ houses or in after-school activities. That independence is healthy. It builds confidence and responsibility. But it also raises a real question for parents: How do you stay connected without giving a 9-year-old unrestricted access to the internet?
That’s the problem a kids’ smartwatch is designed to solve. Parents shopping in this category have several options, from basic GPS trackers to more fully featured devices with calling and messaging. The right choice depends on your child’s age, your family’s needs and how much control you want over the device.
Choosing A Watch Built For Kids
The pressure to hand over a smartphone often starts earlier than parents expect. Kids ask for one because their friends have one. Parents give in because they want to be reachable. But a smartphone comes with features many parents didn’t plan for, including social media, app restrictions and unrestricted internet access.
A smartwatch built for kids keeps communication open without those complications. The focus stays on what children actually need: a way to call home, a way for parents to check in, along with features designed to limit distractions during school hours.
One option in this category is the TickTalk 5. According to the organization, the device has been through multiple generations of development since the brand launched its first smartwatch for kids in 2016, with each version informed by parent feedback. This year also marks TickTalk’s 10th anniversary, with each version informed by parent feedback over the past decade. The company says improvements across generations have targeted GPS accuracy, battery life and build quality.
TickTalk 5 supports HD voice and FaceTalk video calling, so kids can reach contacts directly from their wrist. The brand says the watch includes real-time GPS location tracking and an AI-powered location smartpen feature, which the company describes as giving parents a clearer picture of their child’s whereabouts. SOS and 911 calling are also built in.
Additionally, parents can manage the device through more than 40 parental controls, including a parent-approved contact list. School Mode and Do Not Disturb settings let kids keep the watch on during class without it becoming a distraction. The company says the device does not include internet access, social media or an app store.
For kids, the watch still includes messaging, a camera, music and activity tracking.
Getting Ready For The Next Step
The GPS watch for kids will run a back-to-school offer from July 28 to August 18: $25 off at TickTalk 5 plus 20% off accessories. The promotion coincides with the company’s 10th anniversary, marking a decade since TickTalk introduced its first smartwatch for kids.
The company also says its next-generation model, TickTalk 6, is in development. The device is expected to build on the safety and parental control features of previous models. It also aims to improve durability and connectivity.
Going back to school looks different for every family. But if you’re weighing your options, a kids’ smartwatch is worth considering as a middle ground between no device and a full smartphone. Smartwatches are a practical way to help families stay connected while giving children age-appropriate independence.
Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Please check the retailer’s website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
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