Parents Embrace Children’s Smartwatches to Stay Connected Without Smartphones

Meta Description: Singaporean parents are increasingly opting for children’s smartwatches to maintain communication with their kids while limiting exposure to smartphones.

In Singapore, a growing number of parents are choosing children’s smartwatches over smartphones to stay connected with their children. These devices offer communication features while minimizing exposure to the potential risks associated with smartphones.

The Shift from Smartphones to Smartwatches

Shirley Ng, a 45-year-old administrative executive, provided her eldest daughter with a smartphone at the age of nine. However, when her second daughter, Alysandra, reached the same age, Ms. Ng opted for a children’s smartwatch instead. This decision was driven by concerns over screen time and the desire to limit access to potentially addictive online content.

"When we gave Alysandra a smartwatch, of course, she asked how come her sister could get a phone at her age," said Ms. Ng. "But we want to keep her screen time under control. There are fewer addictive activities on a smartwatch."

Growth in Children’s Smartwatch Market

The global smartwatch market experienced a 5% decline in 2024, with shipments totaling 154 million units. In contrast, the children’s smartwatch segment saw growth, with over 20 million units shipped worldwide, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. In Singapore, approximately 35,000 children’s smartwatches were sold in 2024, nearly doubling the sales from 2023.

Features and Benefits of Children’s Smartwatches

Children’s smartwatches are designed with safety and communication in mind. Key features include:

• GPS Tracking: Allows parents to monitor their child’s location in real-time.

• Restricted Communication: Enables calls and messages only from approved contacts, reducing exposure to unsolicited interactions.

• Parental Controls: Allows parents to limit app installations and restrict device usage during certain hours.

These features provide a sense of security for parents while offering children a device tailored to their needs.

Market Leaders in Children’s Smartwatches

Several brands have emerged as leaders in the children’s smartwatch market:

• myFirst: A Singapore-based company that reported sales of $20 million in 2024, doubling its revenue each year since 2022. Their smartwatches are available in over 56 countries, including the U.S., where they are sold in approximately 800 Walmart Group outlets.

• Xiaomi and Garmin: These brands offer a range of children’s smartwatches equipped with GPS tracking and communication features, catering to safety-conscious parents.

Parental Perspectives

Parents like Rachael Goh, 45, are also opting for children’s smartwatches to delay introducing smartphones to their children. Ms. Goh purchased a smartwatch for her seven-year-old daughter, Ming Xuan, in 2023, aiming to maintain communication while limiting exposure to the broader internet.

"Ming Xuan is already asking for a phone but I tell her it won’t be so soon. Hopefully, I can give her a phone as late as possible. It’s very hard for kids to have self-control," said Ms. Goh.

Considerations for Parents

While children’s smartwatches offer numerous benefits, experts advise parents to exercise caution. Esther Foong-Tan, co-founder of SGFamilies, a movement promoting healthy parenting, noted that while these devices can provide a sense of security, they can also be distracting if notifications are constant.

"These are issues parents still need to devote time to tackle," said Mrs. Foong-Tan.

Conclusion

The trend of parents choosing children’s smartwatches over smartphones reflects a growing desire to maintain communication with their children while mitigating the risks associated with smartphone use. As the market continues to evolve, these devices are likely to play an increasingly significant role in family communication strategies.