5 Best Apple Watch for Kids 2023: How to Set it up for Your Child?

Apple Watch SE is the best Apple watch for kids because of its features like family setup, built-in GPS, and LTE capabilities. Moreover, it is cheaper than the Apple Watch 6 and comes with most of the features of the flagship model.

Apple watches are not just for adults; it is also suitable for kids above the age of six. The family setup feature on the Apple Watch SE makes it easy to configure and manage multiple watches for different family members. You also allow parents to limit what their child can do on their watch using Health App.

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If you own an Apple watch, you may already know that you can make calls, play music, track your health, and so much more. If you’re thinking about how well it suits your kid, then you’re at the right place.

We’ll discuss the best Apple watches for kids and how you can set them up the right way. If you’re not a fan of the fruit, stay till the end. We have some great picks that’d suit you well.

Either you’re planning to hand over an older model or buy a new one for your kid; the real question is, do they need them? From a security perspective, they do need these watches. Apart from that, we couldn’t find a logical reason why a kid would need an expensive bracelet on their wrists.

But as we said, Apple Watch is an excellent choice from a security angle. The parents could easily track their kids using the onboard GPS, stay connected using LTE, set parental controls, etc. Parental controls are essential as all electronic devices are dumb enough to obey anything the user wants them to do. So, let’s see how one can set up Apple Watch for Kids.

OUR TOP PICKS FOR KIDS IN 2023

Apple Watch Family Setup

Apple Watch Family is a feature that is available for Watch OS 7 and above. The service lets the parent choose the apps and services a kid can access on their Apple Watch, and the parent can control who they can call or text. In addition, it allows you to control the Apple watches of the whole family from your smartphone.

Another excellent and impressive feature is the ability to track the kid’s location using the built-in GPS of the Apple Watch. So, if you own an Apple Watch 4 or later, you’re in luck.

Set Up Apple Watch Family

The Apple Watch family setup service is quite simple. Follow these given steps.

1. Erase the Apple Watch to start a new one.

2. Bring the Apple Watch near the iPhone and wait for the pairing screen to appear.

3. Click on Continue and click on Set Up for a Family Member, followed by Continue.

4. Select the Apple Watch that appears in the Apple Watch app’s viewfinder and then click on Set Up Apple Watch.

5. The rest is similar to setting up a regular Apple Watch, so follow the on-screen instructions.

You can now manage the settings for your Apple Watch from within the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Go to “All Watches” and select the watch under family sharing watches. You can change the settings from the app. You can manage things like updates, accessibility, SOS options, personal data, change Schooltime and Screen time, etc.

Setup Screen time and Schooltime on Apple Watch

The parent can use the Screen time settings to limit the user (their kid, in this case) from using the Apple Watch for excessive time. To set the Screen time, follow these given steps.

1. Select the watch from the Family Watches list.

2. Click on Screen Time and go to Edit Screen Time Settings.

3. You can set the time limit for your child from Downtime > Content & Privacy Restrictions.

Schooltime is for disabling the usage of the Apple Watch during school hours. This feature will ensure the kids get distraction-free school time. To set up the Schooltime, follow these given steps.

1. Select the watch from the Family Watches list.

2. Click on Schooltime and turn on the feature.

3. Tap on Edit Schedule and set the days and times allotted for classes.

4. You could click on Add Time in case you need multiple schedules for a day. This way, your child can enjoy their free time using the watch.

5. Click on Done once you are satisfied with the restrictions.

5 Best Apple Watch for Kids in 2023

If you plan to hand over a family member’s apple watch to your kid, you don’t need to think about it too hard. But if you’re planning to buy a new one, we have some suggestions for you. Even though Apple Watch Series 4 and later models come with a Family setup, we highly recommend you go with the SE or the Series 6 model.

1. Apple Watch Series 8

As a parent, I was excited to get the Apple Watch Series 8 for my 7-year-old kid. One of the best things about the Apple Watch is the Family Setup feature, which allows us to set up the watch for our kids without the need for them to have an iPhone. This feature lets us control their access to certain features and apps, ensuring they use the watch responsibly.

The improved health and fitness tracking features are also a great addition to the Apple Watch Series 8. If your kids have an apple watch, then they can track their daily activity levels and monitor their heart rate during exercise. This has encouraged them to be more active and lead healthier lifestyles.

The Apple Watch Series 8(LTE Variant) has improved communication features, including making phone calls and sending text messages directly from the watch. It also has an in-built GPS sensor that allows your child’s location to be remote. This gives me peace of mind knowing I can reach my kids anytime.

Overall, I am very satisfied with the Apple Watch Series 8 for my kids. It’s an excellent tool for them to stay connected and active while also allowing me to monitor their usage and ensure their safety.

2. Apple Watch SE(2nd gen)

The Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation is an affordable alternative to the Series 8. It has GPS and calling features essential for kids, a premium look, and a durable design that parents can trust. The SE 2 is also water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming.

While it lacks advanced health tracking features like ECG, SpO2, and skin temperature monitoring, it still has impressive health and fitness capabilities, such as tracking workouts and providing personalized coaching. This helps kids stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Overall, the Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation is an excellent choice for kids due to its durable design and features at an affordable price. It is an excellent way for kids to stay connected and active, while parents can have peace of mind knowing they have a reliable tool to ensure their safety.

3. Apple Watch Series 7

The Apple Watch Series 7 is suitable for older kids and teens due to its more advanced features. It has an always-on display, so kids can see the time and notifications without raising their wrists.

It also has a blood oxygen sensor that can track their SpO2 levels, which is valuable information for teens who are active in sports. In addition, the Series 7 has some advanced health and fitness tracking features such as ECG and fall detection, plus it’s water-resistant up to 50 meters.

This advanced Apple watch also has models with LTE, which allows kids to stay connected even when they’re away from their phones. The built-in GPS feature is excellent for kids who like to go on adventures or play sports outside. However, it is more expensive than other Apple Watches mentioned on this list. If you’re looking for a gift for a special occasion, the Apple Watch Series 7 is a great option.

4. Apple Watch SE(1St Gen)

Apple Watch SE is a newer launch; yes, it won’t put a hole in your pocket. The watch comes equipped with the essential components required for tracking, like GPS and LTE connectivity (optional).

Even though the SE is a cheaper model, it doesn’t compromise the security or privacy of the user or other family members. You could get it in either a 44mm case size or a 40 mm case size. Apple Watch SE houses a Retina display, and the device keeps the user updated on information such as heart rate. You could get the child’s watch for around 279 USD.

The battery life of the Apple Watch SE is almost similar to Apple Watch Series 4. Apple Watch SE gives you a standby time of up to 72 hours, and if you’re using it for fitness purposes, then the battery life is approximately 18 hours.

As a result, your kid can easily use this for more than a day. Apple Watch Series 6 also offer similar battery life. However, using GPS, LTE connectivity, and Apple Watch apps may result in shorter battery life.

5. Apple Watch Series 3

The best Apple Watch for kids is the Series 3. It has all the features that a child needs, including cellular connectivity, GPS, and a host of health and fitness tracking features. Plus, it’s durable and can withstand the rigors of daily use.

Compared to other Apple watches, it is affordable and has a wide range of perfect features for kids. In addition to basic health tracking features such as heart rate monitoring and activity tracking, the Series 3 also has more advanced features such as making and receiving phone calls and sending and receiving text messages.

Plus, this smartwatch for kids is water-resistant up to 50 meters, so kids can take it swimming without worry. The only downside to the Series 3 is that it doesn’t have the newest features found in Series 6 and 7, such as an always-on display and SpO2. But for kids, these aren’t essential features.

Does your kid need an Apple Watch?

Undoubtedly, these devices can put a hole in your pocket. So, the question remains, does your child need this expensive bracelet?

Apple Watch has the reputation of being one of the most fragile Apple products to date. Many have proved genuine of the “Sapphire display” of the Apple Watch in recent history. Fragile products like the Apple Watch could be nothing more than an expensive toy in the hands of a kid. Still, nothing stands more important than the safety and security of our loved ones.

Here are some of the benefits of the Apple Watch as your kids’ smartwatch.

1. The family setup feature gives you complete access to your kid’s Apple watch 24/7.

2. You can create personalized content, and this prevents your kid from accessing explicit content.

3. You can limit screen time and restrict usage during school hours.

4. GPS tracker allows you to track your kids’ location in real-time

5. Apple Watch offers activity and exercises monitoring. You could monitor your kid’s fitness level, minute to minute.

6. If your kid’s Apple watch has cellular connectivity, then they can make Apple Watch calls from anywhere in the world. Apple Watch allows calling between Apple watches on the same network.

7. You can control Apple Music on your child’s Apple Watch using your Apple ID. This could help you keep a tab on what they’re listening to and how much time they spend doing music stuff with their Apple Watch.

8. Your kids can set up alarms and reminders using Apple Watch. You’ll be notified when that reminder goes off.

9. Fall Detection: Apple Watch Series 4 and Apple Watch 6 come with many safety features like fall detection. In case of a hard fall and the child becomes unresponsive, it alerts the parents and Emergency Department along with the exact location.

10. Last but not least, Apple Watch is Apple’s way to encourage your kids toward a healthy lifestyle. Apple Watches have sensors built in that remind you and your kid whenever it’s time for exercise or when the heart rate increases above the normal limit.

4 Best Apple Watch Alternatives for Kids

As promised, here are our top picks that could get the job done. Deals and offers for these models could save you some green.

1. Garmin Vivofit Jr 3

Need a dedicated smartwatch for your kid? Garmin had thought of it and made the Vivofit Jr 3. And no doubt we’ll see a “never seen before” watch for kids from Apple soon. The watch is a dwarf compared to an Apple Watch SE, and it is missing GPS and LTE connectivity.

But we believe the Vivofit Jr 3 is a great budget smartwatch for your kid under the $60 price tag. Moreover, the watch seems to be more durable than an Apple Watch structurally.

2. Fitbit Ace 3

Another fitness tracker made for kids by Fitbit, the Ace 3, is a cheaper alternative to the Apple Watch. The watch comes equipped with features and activities tailored for kids. Fitbit Ace gives accurate information about your heart, and you can buy under $100.

3. VTech Kidizoom

This one is a toy rather than a watch. The VTech Kidizoom is excellent for kids as it could help them learn and grow through games. You can get the Kidizoom for roughly $28, which is one-tenth the price of the cheapest Apple Watch you can get.

To wrap things up

Apple Watch for Kids is a perfect and excellent way to keep your kids safe and sound. Apple watch has a GPS tracker, which allows you to track your kids’ location in real-time; it offers activity and exercises monitoring so they can monitor their fitness level whenever they want.

They come equipped with many safety features like fall detection, where they alert parents as well as Emergency Department along with the exact location if he’s fallen and is unresponsive.

Apple Watch is undoubtedly one of the best tools to safeguard your child, and that will cost you a lot. But the question is, does your kid need that much protection? Any security measure will always be a restriction for a kid. But know that they are there if you need them.