Title: The Galaxy Watch for Kids: A Must-Have for Concerned Parents
Parents seeking to manage their kids' digital footprint can look beyond shoe-stuffed AirTags. Samsung's newly introduced "kid-friendly smartwatch experience" offers a better alternative by enabling parents to control who their children can text, approve apps, and even monitor their location via Google Maps using a Galaxy Watch with LTE connectivity, whether it's the high-end Galaxy Watch Ultra or last year's Watch 7.
This addition builds upon the existing Google Family Link app, allowing parents to set screen time limits, location alerts, and control calls and texts on their kid's phones, providing a more comprehensive management solution. With the upgrade, Galaxy Watch 7 LTE users running on Wear OS 5 and LTE can also manage phone usage directly via the watch. Parents can monitor their child's location through the watch, approve apps, limit usage during specific time frames, such as when a child should be engrossed in a book, not distracted by their watch.
Google Family Link will also allow parents to block applications even after they've been installed. These watch features will be rolled out in the coming weeks, as Google promotes a selection of kid-friendly apps, like the Rubik's Cube game and Marvel HQ: Groove with Groot. Other watch face apps being promoted include Unicorn Academy and Rebel Girls Watch Faces. The Galaxy Watch features still allow children to install a full range of apps with parental approval.
The kid-friendly smartwatch features are initially tied to the Galaxy Watches, but we anticipate their availability on Google's own Pixel Watches with LTE connectivity in the near future.
Parents have several options for children's wearables, such as the Fitbit Ace, which focuses on step tracking and kid-friendly games, or Apple Watch's "for kids" features, enabling adults to manage when kids can call, track their location, and restrict apps during school times.
Enrichment data integration:
To leverage Google Family Link with Samsung's kid-friendly smartwatch features further:
- Pair your Galaxy Watch 7 LTE with your phone to enable setup.
- In the Google Family Link app, set up for your child's account by following the on-screen prompts.
- Activate kid-friendly mode on the Galaxy Watch 7 LTE to access parental controls.
- Through Google Family Link, approve or disallow apps on your child's watch. This ensures they're only using approved apps, and contact approved contacts.
- Utilize the watch's dual-band GPS to real-time track your child's location on the Google Family Link app.
- Set a screen time "School Time" window where distracting apps or features are prohibited during school hours for improved focus.
- Monitor daily activities, sleep, steps, and workouts using the Galaxy Watch for Kids experience, promoting healthier habits for parents and children to discuss.
- In case the watch is lost, you can use the Google Family Link app to find its last known position.
By implementing these steps, you can manage your child's device usage and location effectively using the Google Family Link app in conjunction with Samsung's kid-friendly smartwatch features.
The advancements in tech and technology are evident in the kid-friendly smartwatch experience offered by Samsung, providing parents with advanced features like controlling app approvals and texting options. Looking towards the future, we can expect Google's Pixel Watches to adopt these features, further securing children's digital safety.
