Smartwatch Parental Controls: How to Keep Your Child Safe Online

Smartwatches for kids have become an essential tool for parents who want to keep their children connected while ensuring their safety. Unlike smartphones, which provide unrestricted access to the internet and social media, kids’ smartwatches come with built-in parental controls to help parents monitor and manage their child’s digital activities.

However, without proper setup and guidance, even a smartwatch can pose risks such as excessive screen time, unauthorized contacts, and online security threats. That’s why it’s crucial for parents to understand how to use smartwatch parental controls effectively.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

• Why parental controls on smartwatches matter.

• Key features that help keep your child safe.

• Step-by-step instructions on setting up parental controls.

• Best smartwatch options for kids with strong safety features.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a complete understanding of how to ensure your child’s smartwatch is a tool for safety—not a risk.

Why Parental Controls on Smartwatches Matter？

While kids' smartwatches are designed with safety in mind, giving a child unrestricted access to any digital device can lead to problems. Here’s why parental controls are essential:

1. Protection from Stranger Danger & Unwanted Contacts

Without call and messaging restrictions, children can receive calls from unknown numbers or even online predators. Smartwatches with parental controls allow parents to approve contacts, ensuring their child can only communicate with family and trusted friends.

2. Preventing Excessive Screen Time & Distractions

Even though smartwatches have smaller screens than smartphones, some models include games, apps, and messaging features that can be distracting. Parental controls help limit screen time, ensuring children stay focused on school and family activities.

3. Location Tracking for Safety

Smartwatches with GPS tracking and geofencing allow parents to monitor their child's real-time location. If a child leaves a designated safe area (such as school or home), parents receive an alert. This feature is especially useful for ensuring kids stay safe when playing outside or commuting alone.

4. Avoiding Exposure to Inappropriate Content

Some smartwatches allow limited internet access, but without controls, children may stumble upon inappropriate websites. Parental settings can restrict web browsing and prevent kids from accessing unsafe content.

By setting up parental controls correctly, parents can ensure that their child’s smartwatch remains a helpful tool rather than a potential risk.

How to Set Up Parental Controls on a Kids’ Smartwatch

Setting up parental controls on a kids' smartwatch is essential to ensure safe and responsible use. Most smartwatches come with a companion app that allows parents to manage settings, track their child's location, and control communication options. Below is a step-by-step guide to configuring these settings for maximum safety.

1. Download and Set Up the Companion App

Most kids' smartwatches require a parental control app to be installed on a smartphone. Popular smartwatch brands provide their own apps, such as:

• E.g.:LAGENIO Parental Control App (for Kool2 and Kolor3)

Once the app is downloaded, follow the setup instructions to pair the smartwatch with your phone.

2. Configure GPS Tracking and Geofencing

• Enable real-time location tracking in the app.

• Set up safe zones (such as home and school) and activate geofencing alerts.

• Adjust location update frequency to balance accuracy and battery life.

3. Set Up Communication Controls

• Create an approved contact list to ensure only family and trusted friends can call or message your child.

• Block unknown numbers to prevent unwanted communication.

• Enable do-not-disturb modes to restrict calls during school hours.

4. Test the SOS and Emergency Features

• Ensure the SOS button is properly configured with emergency contact numbers.

• Test the feature with your child so they know how to use it in case of an emergency.

• Enable automatic location sharing when the SOS function is activated.

By carefully setting up parental controls, you can ensure your child’s smartwatch is a secure tool for communication and safety while avoiding unnecessary risks.

Best Smartwatches with Strong Parental Controls

Choosing the right smartwatch for your child requires careful consideration of safety features, parental controls, and ease of use. Below are some of the best kids' smartwatches in 2025, designed to offer strong parental controls, GPS tracking, and secure communication options while ensuring children stay safe and connected.

LAGENIO Kool 2 – Best for GPS Tracking and Safety

The LAGENIO Kool 2 is built with comprehensive safety features, making it an excellent choice for parents who prioritize real-time tracking and restricted communication. Its five-layer positioning system (GPS, Wi-Fi, LBS, A-GPS, and Accelerometer) ensures accurate location updates, while parental control features allow for secure communication and monitoring.

LAGENIO Kolor 3 – Best for Voice and Video Calls

For parents looking for a feature-rich smartwatch that prioritizes seamless communication and safety, the LAGENIO Kolor 3 is a top choice. It offers high-quality voice and video calling while maintaining strict parental controls over contacts, apps, and internet access. The customizable design also allows kids to personalize their smartwatch while staying connected and secure.

Conclusion

Parental controls are essential to ensuring that kids' smartwatches remain a safe tool rather than a digital risk. By enabling GPS tracking, contact restrictions, screen time limits, and emergency SOS features, parents can actively monitor and manage their child’s smartwatch use.

However, technology alone isn’t enough—educating children on responsible communication, online safety, and privacy awareness is just as important. When used correctly, a kids' smartwatch can be an invaluable tool for both safety and independence.

By choosing the right smartwatch with strong parental controls and security features, parents can ensure that their child benefits from connectivity without the risks of unrestricted digital access.

FAQs

1. Can my child bypass parental controls on a smartwatch?

Most kids' smartwatches have built-in parental control settings that cannot be disabled without access to the parent’s companion app. However, parents should regularly check the settings and update security measures to prevent any potential workarounds.

2. How do I block unknown calls and messages on my child’s smartwatch?

Most kids' smartwatches allow parents to approve a contact list, meaning only selected numbers can call or message the child. This setting can be configured through the smartwatch’s companion app.

3. Can I monitor my child’s smartwatch activity remotely?

Yes, most smartwatches come with a parental control app that allows parents to track GPS location, view call history, manage contacts, and restrict features remotely.

4. How can I teach my child to use their smartwatch responsibly?

Encourage responsible use by:

• Setting clear rules on when and how to use the smartwatch.

• Teaching them about online safety and privacy.

• Limiting screen time and ensuring real-life interactions remain a priority.

• Regularly discussing safe communication habits and monitoring their usage.