Is your child not ready to use a smartphone yet? Consider a smartwatch instead

Many parents and guardians face a modern technology dilemma: they want to stay in touch with their children but aren’t ready to give them a smartphone.

Another alternative is to get a smartwatch that is specifically designed for kids. Consumer Reports presents the high-tech watches that could be the ideal solution.

If you’re not ready to give your child their first feature-packed smartphone but want to keep them connected as they become more independent, you’re not alone. That’s why some parents are turning to smartwatches instead of phones.

Smartwatches for kids offer many of the same communication benefits as a smartphone, like calling and texting, but with more security, privacy and parental control.

Most are standalone devices with cellular connections that don’t require a smartphone. They offer many features beyond calls and texts, including music, games, alarms, a step counter, and some even include video chat.

Most devices come with GPS, which is one of the most popular features for parents. Parents can use an app on their phone to track their child’s location, approve a contact list, and access other controls.

If you’re looking to buy a kids’ smartwatch that offers texting and calling, chances are you’ll have to pay a monthly fee to access these features, probably around $10 per month.

The watchmaker or wireless carrier offers service packages. Keep in mind that some smartwatches are only compatible with certain carriers.

For example, the Gizmo Watch 3 requires a new or existing Verizon plan, while the TickTalk5 only works with AT&T or TMobile.

Parents may want to consider other features such as the number of contacts a watch allows, durability, fit, and battery life, as more advanced kids’ smartwatches may need to be charged daily.

The key is to think about what is most important to your family, and that will help you decide which model is best for you.

You can also look for a silent mode that can be enabled during school hours and check if smartwatches are allowed in your child’s school before purchasing them.