How to choose and configure a child smartwatch — Apple Watch Family Setup, Garmin Bounce, Xplora and kid-specific GPS watches.
A smartwatch is a popular alternative to a first phone — it offers calling, messaging and location to approved contacts only, without giving a child a full internet-connected device. Apple Watch Family Setup lets a child wear an Apple Watch managed by a parent's iPhone without owning a phone themselves. Garmin Bounce and Xplora are designed specifically for children, with no app store and tightly controlled contact lists.
Approved contacts list
Apple: iPhone Watch app > Family Setup > Contacts | Garmin Jr app | Xplora app
Child smartwatches are designed so the child can only call or message contacts a parent has approved. This is the central safeguarding feature and should never be disabled.
School time / focus mode
Apple Watch app > Schooltime | Xplora 'Class Mode' | Garmin Jr 'Focus'
School time disables most features during lessons, showing only the time and emergency calling. This keeps the watch compliant with most UK school phone policies.
Location sharing
Apple: Find My | Garmin Jr | Xplora app
Live location is one of the main reasons families choose a child smartwatch. Confirm the location is only visible to the paired parent account and not shared with third parties.
Photo and microphone permissions
Watch settings within the parent app
Some children's watches include cameras and microphones. Review what is enabled and disable anything not actively needed.
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