If your older kids have started gaining more independence, or the little ones just enjoy doing a runner at the playground, try these wearable trackers that’ll help you keep an eye on them.
We love taking our kids out to do fun things at indoor play centres, shopping malls, and for picnics. As enjoyable as it is to be outdoors, every parent has at one moment or another experienced that dreaded heart-sinking feeling you get when you momentarily lose sight of your child in a crowd – and for good reason. The world out there is not always safe, plus there’s no telling what trouble the kids will get up to when we’re not looking.
While we’re not super keen on invading our teens’ privacy, safety is definitely a top priority for our preteens and wee ones. Luckily for us, and thanks to modern technology, locating our little ones just got super easy. With wearable trackers, a push of a button will tell you exactly where junior is the second they’ve strayed away from you, or if you’re waiting to hear if they made it home from school safely by themselves.
Smart watches can easily double up as a GPS tracker, but for younger kids, devices that can be fixed to their backpack or shoes work best. All you have to do is download a corresponding app to your phone and you’re set. Here’s a roundup of some bluetooth-connected and international trackers and devices that’ll help keep your kids safe and sound.
Best bluetooth and wearable GPS trackers for kids in Singapore
1.Tick Talk 4
A smartwatch phone for kids? Yes, please! The Tick Talk 4 is a godsend for every parent looking to keep a tab on their kiddo’s whereabouts. It comes with a host of features like accurate GPS location tracking, emergency SOS and twenty-plus parental controls. Besides security, it gives options for parents to stay connected via video or voice calls and text messaging. The smartwatch also has fun features like an in-built music player, activity tracker and 2 x 5-megapixel camera. What about style? Well, it comes in three swanky colours that boys and girls will simply love. The Tick Talk 4 watch is recommended for boys and girls between the ages of 5 to 12 years old.
Price: S$ 283.42 via Amazon
2. Spacetalk Kids Smart Watch Phone
This smartwatch for kids may seem heavy on the wallet, but it’s well worth every penny. You can enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee if it does not meet your satisfaction. So let’s get into all the deets! Spacetalk Kids all-in-one wearable device is packed with all the essential features to ensure your kiddo’s safety, including voice calls, an SOS alert function and fitness tracking abilities. It comes with an inbuilt GPS tracker that allows you to closely track your kid’s location over your smartphone via the Spacetalk smartphone app. Very cool! We also love that the watch has a school mode function that can convert the device into a simple wristwatch during class. Wow! A point to note is that the smartwatch is compatible with two networks Telstra and Vodafone. So choose your network wisely and the colour of your choice and your kiddo has a fancy new watch to sport around town.
Monthly Fee: four interest-free payments of $62.25 with afterpay
Price: AUD $249 via spacetalkwatch.com
3. Tezilon Smart Watch 4G
Smartwatches are not cheap, and if you are going to buy one for the kiddos, it better be waterproof! Cause the last thing you want is for the watch to conk off with a splatter of rain. Laxcido Smart watches are waterproof and have a host of features that are great to monitor the kiddo’s whereabouts anytime and anywhere. It includes features like messaging, phone and video calls, GPS real-time tracking and SOS emergency calls. Perfect! The watch also has many fun features like a high-definition camera, touchscreen operations and a soft silicon hand strap that comes in bright colours.
Price: S$139.99 via Amazon
4. Weenect
Not so keen on getting a phone for the kiddo? This palm-sized tracker operates like a phone without the hassle of a screen. You can make calls to your child and vice versa and track their location in a crowded park by just pointing your phone camera around the area. The Kid’s Tracker comes with a panic button which your little one can push if they feel unsafe and you’ll get a call, plus it also has a geofencing capability. While the Weenect is not compatible with any of our local mobile services, they can be used in a number of other Asian countries including Malaysia and Indonesia, plus Europe and America, making it a super useful tool for family holidays.
Number of devices you can track from your phone: Unlimited
Monthly Fee: From €3.75/SG $6.00 per month
Price: €49.99 + subscription from weenect.com
5. Black Panther – special edition vívofit jr. 3
The latest Garmin watch, the Black Panther is not about tracking your kiddo’s whereabouts but his/her daily fitness record. You and your kiddo can track steps, sleep and daily activity minutes. For a bit of fun, kids can unlock adventures, games and icons from the Garmin Jr app to relive Black Panther’s exciting moments alongside the Marvel Avengers characters. The watch also has time-activities tracking like sports practice and more. Best part? Kiddos can take up exciting Toe-to-Toe step challenges to compete in friendly competitions. Fun! In case of an emergency, the watch features an ICE (In case of emergency) widget that gives quick access to your kid’s emergency contact information.
Price: S$139 from Garmin Online Store, Lazada and Shoppee
6. Jiobit
If you’ve got a kid who isn’t the most careful with his or her things, the Jiobit might be a good option. The fact that it doesn’t have a screen, microphone or speaker makes it more durable than other trackers. Plus, it has an app that not only lets you locate your child but also lets you know who they’re with. It’s perfect for Singapore where kids usually have multiple caregivers. All everyone needs to do is download the Jiobit app and the person’s phone will connect with Bluetooth whenever they’re in range.
Price: S$251.07 from Amazon
7. PocketFinder
Though pricey, this hardy and handy GSM and GPS tracker device uses Google Maps to give you regular updates on your child’s whereabouts – as frequently as every 10 seconds – using the Track Mode. You can set up geo-fences, so you get an alert when your child enters or leaves a specific area. If your child encounters a danger situation, they can send an SOS alert to an emergency contact with three pushes of a button. The PocketFinder also keeps a record of all activities for up to 60 days and is chargeable via a micro-USB cable.
Number of devices you can track from your phone: Unlimited
Monthly Fee for data plan: Starts at USD$12.95
Price: USD$99 from PocketFinder.com; pocketfinder.com
And there you have it! 7 great tracking devices to keep a tab on the littlies at all times.