Digital watches have become an increasingly popular piece of technology for children, leading to ongoing discussions about their role in schools. A recent article titled, “When a Smartwatch Disrupts Second Grade: Why Phone-Free Schools Must Also Be Smartwatch-Free”, argued that digital watches, like phones, can serve as distractions during the school day. (1) The authors suggested, and we agree, that some digital watches allow youth to play games, check social media, message friends, or even watch YouTube videos while in class. However, this argument fails to acknowledge a crucial point: not all digital watches are built the same!
The article cited research stating that approximately 60% (6 out of 10 students) of children aged 7–12 own or regularly use a digital watch. (2) The authors also stated in some anecdotal research they conducted with a grade 2/3 class, almost half of the students acknowledged that they have a digital watch. However, this statistic does not reflect what we have anecdotally observed in our own work. Through our hundreds of presentations in elementary schools, we rarely see more than a couple of elementary students per grade level wearing a digital watch. This discrepancy is also reflected in research from the Pew Research Center, which found that only 13% (1 to 2 students out of 10) of all teens owned digital watches as of 2021. (3)
One of the critical flaws in the article to ban digital watches in schools is the failure to differentiate between different types of digital watches. Just as all cellphones are not created equal, (4) digital watches vary significantly in functionality, internet access, and parental controls. Some digital watches offer full internet connectivity, while others are designed specifically for safety and communication with parents or caregivers.
For example, we would never recommend an Apple Watch for an elementary school student—NEVER. The Apple Watch is essentially a compact iPhone, offering full app access, internet browsing, and messaging capabilities. While some parents may argue that they have implemented parental restrictions on their child’s Apple Watch, these restrictions can often be easily bypassed, just as they can on an iPhone.
Choosing the Right Digital Watch for Your Child
There are several kid-friendly digital watches on the market, but parents need to be mindful of the level of internet access and communication these devices allow, as well as some of the privacy concerns surrounding the type of information that some watches collect about the youth. If a digital watch permits unrestricted internet access, social media use, or gaming, it can indeed become a distraction in the classroom.
One digital watch we recommend is the Garmin Bounce. (5) Unlike many other kid watches, the Garmin Bounce is designed specifically for kids and prioritizes safety features over entertainment (note – we get no financial kickback from Garmin). This digital watch includes:
- GPS tracking for parents to monitor their child’s location
- Limited texting and calling with pre-approved contacts only like parents or caregivers
- School mode which only allows for certain phone numbers or messaging functions during school hours
- No access to social media, web browsing, or YouTube
- No downloadable third-party apps or games
- It doesn’t collect or sell any kind of privacy information on the user
By choosing a digital watch like the Garmin Bounce, parents can give their children a means of communication and safety without introducing the distractions that come with more advanced kid watches.
There is a growing push by some special interest groups to ban all forms of technology in schools, including digital watches. However, we do not support an outright ban on all technology, as evidence-based research has shown that age and developmentally appropriate technology, when used appropriately and combined with educational pedagogy, can be beneficial to a child’s learning experience. (6)
Instead of blanket bans, we encourage schools and parents to adopt a balanced “restricted” approach. Schools should implement clear policies regarding the use of technology during instructional time while allowing flexibility for devices that serve a legitimate purpose, such as safety and communication.
Kid designed digital watches, like any technology, require thoughtful consideration before they are introduced to a child. Parents and caregivers should evaluate digital watches based on their intended function, level of internet access, and potential distractions. Rather than banning all digital watches, the focus should be on responsible technology use and choosing devices that align with a child’s needs while minimizing classroom disruptions.
The conversation around digital watches in schools highlights a broader debate about technology’s role in children’s lives. While some digital watches can indeed be distracting, it is misleading to assume that all digital watches pose the same risks. Just as not all smartphones are created equal, digital watches range from full-featured smartwatches to devices specifically designed for safety and limited communication.
Rather than supporting blanket bans, we advocate for a more nuanced approach, one that recognizes the differences between various types of digital watches and their intended use. Schools should implement clear policies that restrict distracting technology while allowing devices that serve a legitimate safety or educational function. At the same time, parents must be intentional about the devices they choose for their children, prioritizing safety-focused options like the Garmin Bounce over fully connected smartwatches that mimic smartphones.
Ultimately, the goal should not be to remove all technology from schools but to ensure that the technology children use is appropriate for their developmental needs and learning environment. By fostering responsible digital habits and making informed choices, parents and educators can strike a balance between safety, communication, and minimizing classroom disruptions.
At the end of the day, it’s not about the digital watch itself – it’s about how it’s designed and how it is used.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotions, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
1/ https://www.afterbabel.com/p/smartwatch-free-schools
2/ https://market.us/report/kids-smartwatch-market/
