A smartwatch can be a better alternative to smartphones for kids. With my daughter now at the preteen stage, I’m reconsidering whether to get her a smartphone. In the past, I bought an iPod Touch when she was around her age, and then switched to a full smartphone in high school. However, online life is different today, with increased pressure to be constantly connected.
Many psychologists warn about the negative effects of smartphones on kids’ brains, while schools have banned their use. Despite this, phones are ubiquitous. The question is not whether kids will get smartphones, but how to manage their adoption without harming child development. I propose getting a kid a watch instead of a smartphone. A smartwatch has fewer features and less potential harm than a standard phone. It could allow my daughter to stay connected with friends and family while limiting her exposure to social media.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/2025/11/smartwatch-kids-screen-time/684975