In this digital era, there isn’t one sector that’s not familiar with technological advancements that’s taking the sector forward. The fast-paced world has little patience for long laboratory tests that can tell them about their overall health. Wearable tech helps keep track of our overall health seamlessly.
From mental health to physical health, everything we do affects our health. Nearly 13% of kids between 7-13 years, have a diagnosis of a mental or behavioral health issue. The rise of wearable technology has been a boon and bane for humans.
Both because everything’s accessible and we’re all stressed by the results sometimes. Kids’ health is a serious concern among young parents, especially those who are knee-deep into health trends.
Let’s have a look at the role wearable technology plays in making our lives easier. The following sections will also look at the different ways this tech helps parents keep their children digitally safe!
What is Wearable Tech – How Does It Make A Difference?
As parents, the primary concern in this fast-paced digital world is keeping children safe from explicit content and health issues. With wearable technology at their side, working parents have better control over their children’s health and activities.
Ensuring kid’s safety is paramount in today’s world with everything that’s going on in the world. Wearable tech allows parents to access innovative tools that provide real-time monitoring and protection for kids.
From tracking their location to emergency alerts, this technological innovation is revolutionizing safety tech. This enables parents to keep their children safe in the best way.It started as a smart watch with heart beat monitor, which upgraded to one that can monitor your sleep.
Similarly, wearable safety technology has come a long way! From being just a GPS tracker to now being available as kids smartwatches, there are a wide range of devices. This includes bracelets, clip-on gadgets among other Geotag devices.
Kids smartwatches and safety wearable tech comes with a kid-friendly design, it caters to their needs. Furthermore, providing parents real-time information about their kids’ health, location and safety.
This is appealing to parents and children alike, as it bridges the gap between security and independence. Kids do not feel like they’re being watched or monitored 24×7, while parents can relax knowing their kid’s information is at their fingertips.
Children get the freedom to explore their surroundings while parents can monitor their activities and intervene as necessary. The balance is healthy as it keeps both parties accountable without taking away their independence.
The parents do not feel guilty for pursuing their careers and children act responsibly when away from their parents. Parents juggling busy schedules can find semblance in the fact that they are digitally present to protect their child.
Key Features of Wearable Safety Tech
Wearable tech comes with a variety of features that protect children and provide parents necessary actionable insights. This helps them stay close to their child while allowing kids to enjoy their freedom and ‘rights.’
Here are the key features that make wearable tech the top choice for parents:
Location Tracking Made Easy
The reason why parents opt for wearable tech is due to the easy location tracking with real-time updates. Parents can simply download the companion app on their phones to keep track of their kid’s location at any given time.
Some latest models come with features that do not allow kids to control the device – this fixes the problem with older models. Older versions allowed two-way access to settings, meaning the child could manipulate the settings to avoid monitoring.
This feature is especially useful in crowded places such as amusement parks, school events or malls where children easily wander off.
Some devices also offer location history that allows parents to review their child’s activity throughout the day.
Geofencing
This is another one of the most popular features that sells wearable tech. Parents can use this feature to set virtual boundaries for their children. This takes location tracking to another level. So, if your child tries to cross a predefined boundary, you will receive an immediate alert.
For instance, if you set a geofence around the house or school and your child tries to leave the area, you’ll receive a notification. This feature is helpful to ensure young children stay within safe zones.
Emergency Alerts
Many wearable safety tech devices come with an SOS button that allows children to seek immediate help in case of emergencies. When your child presses the button in case of an emergency, the device sends an alert to the parent’s phone.
The alert that goes to the parent also contains their location. Moreover, some devices allow two-way communication allowing both parties to speak directly through the device. It is a lifesaver in situations when your child feels threatened or needs immediate assistance.
Activity Monitoring
Some may argue that this is an invasion of privacy, but by the look of things, it is a need of the hour. Beyond safety, many wearable tech allows physical activity tracking along with online activity (requires device integration.)
From steps taken to distance traveled and calories burned and blood sugar spike, too. This is useful for parents with diabetic children and other health conditions. If a child’s activity level suddenly drops, it can indicate an issue that needs attention.
Health Tracking
New wearable tech devices come with health monitoring features such as heart rate tracking and sleep analysis. While these features are common in wearables for adults, some kid-focused devices have it too.
This helps parents keep an eye on the child’s overall well-being which helps detect potential health concerns early.
Benefits for Parents and Children
With the adoption of wearable tech for safety and overall health monitoring increasing, there’s a lot of concerns that come up, too. Let’s have a look at the benefits of having such wearable devices for parents and children, alike:
- Provides a sense of security and control for parents, as they know they can monitor their child’s activity. Due to instant alerts and two-way communication, they can also respond quickly in case of emergencies.
- Allows supervision of young children or those with special needs who need additional monitoring.
- Wearable tech fosters independence in children and lets them feel the safety net despite the physical absence of their parents. Kids can explore their environment, walk to school or play with friends without worrying.
- Quick access to parents that gives children the confidence to explore freely. They know their parents are a button away.
- The balance between independence and safety is crucial for complete development and self-esteem.
- Wearable tech for safety can significantly reduce anxiety for parents and children. Parents can avoid worrying about their child’s safety. Children feel more secure knowing their parents are always there.
- Strengthens parent-child relationship and promotes healthier and trusting dynamic between the two.
These were all the primary reasons why choosing wearable tech for your child can be the best decision you make! Let’s look at the steps to pick the right device for your needs.
Choosing the Right Device
With so many options available, selecting the right wearable safety device can be overwhelming for parents. Here are some factors to consider when making a decision:
Age Appropriateness
Different devices are designed for different age groups. For younger children, a simple GPS tracker with an SOS button may suffice, while older kids might benefit from a smartwatch with additional features like messaging or fitness tracking.
Battery Life
Since these devices are meant to be worn throughout the day, battery life is a critical factor. Look for devices that can last at least a full day on a single charge.
Durability
Children are active, and their devices need to withstand rough handling. Choose a device that is water-resistant, shockproof, and built to endure daily wear and tear.
Ease of Use
The device should be easy for both parents and children to use. A complicated interface can lead to frustration and reduce the effectiveness of the device.
Privacy and Security
Ensure the device has robust privacy settings to protect your child’s data. Look for features like encrypted communication and secure data storage.
The Future of Child Safety Tech
Wearable tech is transforming the way parents protect their children, offering real-time monitoring and peace of mind in an increasingly complex world. With features like GPS tracking, geofencing, emergency alerts, and health monitoring, these devices provide a powerful tool for keeping kids safe while fostering their independence.
By choosing the right device and understanding its capabilities, parents can create a safer environment for their children and enjoy the confidence that comes with knowing they’re always connected.
As technology continues to advance, wearable safety devices will likely become even more sophisticated, offering new ways to protect and empower children. For now, these tools represent a significant step forward in child safety, helping parents navigate the challenges of modern parenting with greater ease and assurance.
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