Apple Watch For Kids
Apple has released “Apple Watch For Kids” feature which is available on Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 4 and later models in India. This strategy addresses a long-time debate in parenting circles regarding the appropriateness of technology for children as they grow up. This new strategy aims to offer both peace of mind for parents and a sense of independence for the child.
Peace of Mind and Independence
With the “Apple Watch For Kids”, parents can grant their children some independence and can also enjoy peace of mind. The device allows the entire family to benefit from crucial health and safety features, such as Emergency SOS, while providing kids with access to Maps, Siri, Alarms, and the App Store without needing an iPhone. This solution is ideal for children who are not yet old enough for an iPhone, offering key safety and communication features.
Parents can also communicate with their children, track their location, and rest assured that all personal data remains securely encrypted. The “Apple Watch For Kids” plan allows children to have their own phone number through a separate cellular plan and their own Apple ID to manage schedules and family events using Calendar, all while the parent’s iPhone manages the Apple Watch.
Functionality and Safety
Parents can call or text their children using a cellular-connected Apple Watch without the distractions of social media apps or games typically found on smartphones. The overall Apple Watch experience is optimized by the watchOS 10 for the entire family. The Apple Watch can be set up through a parent’s iPhone, allowing children to connect with family and friends through calls and messages.
Parents can share their child’s location via the Find People app on Apple Watch, with customizable location notifications that provide updates on a one-time or recurring basis. Automatic notifications are sent to guardians listed as emergency contacts with the help of Emergency SOS, which is a crucial feature in “Apple Watch For Kids” by accessing emergency services via the side button. Critical information such as medical conditions, allergies, and medications are stored in the Medical ID documents.
Activity Tracking and SchoolTime Mode
The Apple Watch’s Activity Rings feature is optimized for children, tracking Move minutes instead of kilojoules burned, and offering customizable goals for the Exercise and Stand rings. Outdoor Walk, Outdoor Run, and Outdoor Cycle workouts are tailored for kids. Children can also send and receive Activity Sharing invitations, challenge friends with Activity Competitions, and view their Awards page.
The “Apple Watch For Kids” includes a Schooltime mode for parents concerned about focus during school hours. This mode ensures that children stay focused on their studies by displaying a yellow circle on the watch face, indicating restricted access to apps and activation of Do Not Disturb. Parents can set a schedule on their iPhone so the Apple Watch automatically enters Schooltime mode during certain hours.
The Downtime feature of Screen Time extends to Apple Watch, providing a reminder five minutes before it begins. Parents can manage what is available for download on the Watch through Content Restrictions. According to the Pew Research Center in the US, 72% of high school teachers and 33% of all teachers report that cell phones are a major issue in the classroom.
Requirements for Setup
To set up an “Apple Watch For Kids”, you need an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with mobile data, or an Apple Watch SE with mobile data, running watchOS 7 or later. An iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14 or later is required for the initial watch setup. You will also need an Apple ID for yourself and one for the family member who will use the Apple Watch, with two-factor authentication enabled.
A Family Sharing group, including the person who will use the Apple Watch, is necessary, and you must have the role of organizer or parent/guardian to set up an Apple Watch for a family member. A wireless service plan for Apple Watch is required for cellular service, which is currently available through Jio in India. Additionally, the Apple Watch is more durable and harder to lose compared to a phone, making it a practical choice for children.
In summary, the “Apple Watch For Kids” feature offers a balanced approach to granting children independence while ensuring their safety. With its range of health, safety, and communication features, it provides parents with peace of mind and children with a taste of autonomy.
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