Why Smartwatches Aren’t the Solution to No Smartphones in Schools (And What You Can Do Instead)

When my husband gifted me a smartwatch, I thought it would be a fantastic way to monitor my heart health without the need for additional gadgets. But what I didn’t anticipate was how this little device on my wrist would become a constant source of distraction. Every time my arm moved, I was reminded of the messages I was missing, the apps I could quickly check, and the notifications I should be aware of. Even after turning off notifications, the mere presence of the watch was enough to pull my attention away from the task at hand. It didn’t take long before I decided to ditch the smartwatch entirely, and I've never returned to wearing one. If I need to monitor my heart, I’ll stick to a heart monitor band—nothing else.

Now, with more schools banning smartphones, the conversation is shifting toward smartwatches as an alternative. Companies like Apple are pushing this narrative hard, positioning their smartwatches as the perfect compromise for parents and kids. But as an adult who couldn’t manage to focus with one, I can’t help but wonder—how do we expect kids to handle it any better? We're ditching one smart device for another? You know by now that I'm pro tech, pro conversations, and pro helping our kids develop digital wellness skills to last a lifetime. So, for this article, my intent is to have us pause for a moment and think about what we're really saying when we say take away the phone, but arm them with the watch.

Why Smartwatches Aren’t Necessarily the Answer:

Constant Distractions:

Like I experienced myself, smartwatches are more than just a handy tool—they are a persistent distraction. When students have access to a smartwatch, they’re not just glancing at the time; they’re checking messages, notifications, and sometimes even apps. It’s a distraction that’s right in front of their face, literally strapped to their wrist. As a teacher, I saw this firsthand, with students as young as third grade constantly fiddling with their smartwatches. Even with vibrations and notifications turned off, the reminder is still there.

Interference with Learning:

Many parents buy smartwatches for their kids as a way to stay in touch during the school day (ideally, before and after school, making sure they've arrived and are getting home safely). While this intention is understandable, the reality is that it disrupts learning during the day. Some parents send messages throughout the day, creating an environment where students are continually distracted. When every buzz or vibration could be a message from Mom or Dad, it’s nearly impossible for a child to maintain focus on their schoolwork.

Impact on Skill Development:

One of the goals in education is to help students develop life skills like organization, time management, and problem-solving. However, when smartwatches and smartphones are used as crutches for reminders and alerts, students lose the opportunity to build these essential skills. Instead of learning to manage their time independently, they become reliant on a device to do it for them.

The Issue of Apps and Social Media:

Smartwatches are often seen as a safer alternative to smartphones because they’re smaller and less powerful. However, they still come with access to apps, social media, and the internet. Apple, for example, promotes features like “Schooltime,” which is supposed to function like “Do Not Disturb.” But let’s be real—how many parents have struggled with Apple’s screen time controls? The forums are full of frustrated parents whose kids have found workarounds. And let’s not forget the glitches that come with these controls, making them less effective than we’d like to believe. I realize not everyone will install these apps on the watches, but it's something to be aware of and decide how you'll handle it with your child.

So, What’s the Solution (Kind of)?

If smartwatches with all the apps aren’t the answer for our elementary, middle, and for some, high school students, what is? For parents who want to stay connected with their kids without the distractions of a full-fledged smartwatch, there are simpler, more focused devices available around the world. These “dumb” watches or basic communication devices offer essential features like calling (if used only when necessary and not during lessons) and GPS tracking, but without the apps and social media that can lead to distractions. Here are a few options to consider if you’re looking to trade in the smartwatch for something more appropriate. Now remember, as with anything new and shiny, even these can be a distraction to a child. If that's the case, perhaps it stays in the backpack during the schoolday, and on the wrist to and from school. Again, you need to find what works for you and your family.

Xplora (Available in Europe, the UK, and other regions):

This watch offers basic communication and GPS tracking, along with step counters to encourage physical activity. It’s designed to keep parents connected with their children while minimizing distractions.

TickTalk 4 (Available in multiple countries, including the U.S. and Canada):

This device is feature-rich yet parent-controlled, allowing for calls and messaging but limiting distractions by avoiding games and social media. It also includes GPS tracking for added safety.

imoo Watch Phone Z6 (Popular in Asia and Europe):

Known for its simple design and child-friendly interface, this device offers basic calling, video chat, and GPS tracking. It’s an excellent option for parents who want to stay connected without the unnecessary features of a full smartwatch.

SPACETALK Adventurer (Available in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and other regions):

This watch offers 4G connectivity for calls and messaging, along with GPS tracking. It’s designed for parents who want a straightforward communication tool for their kids, without the added distractions of apps and games.

As parents, we need to be cautious about the devices we introduce to our kids, especially when it comes to their digital wellness, distractions and education. While smartwatches might seem like a convenient compromise, they still come with their own set of challenges that can hinder the ability to focus, learn, and develop important life skills. Instead, consider simpler alternatives that allow you to stay connected without the constant distractions. It’s about finding the balance that works best for your family. From here, you can work on a gradual release and upgrade to a traditional smartwatch when the time is right.

Have you tried using a smartwatch with your child? What was your experience like? Let’s chat about it on Instagram @techhealthyfamilies!

Looking for a distraction-free way to stay connected with your child during the school day? Download my free parent guide for more tips on fostering a balanced digital lifestyle!