I was in China for Spring Festival earlier this year and noticed that the children (aged about 6 - 15) were all wearing these bright, colourful watches. I enquired what they were and it was explained that they’re something like a ‘smart watch’, but they have very specific functionality.
Children can, through voice-to-text, message their parents and selected friends (controlled by their parents). There is a tracker built in which allows parents to always know where their child is and, with China being a largely cashless society, they could make limited transactions - like buying lunch etc.
Other than this, children are not allowed a smartphone until they get older.This seemed like a sensible and pragmatic use of technology. Parents are very aware of the dangers of social media on attention and social development and have collectively taken action against it. The government has also restricted video game use for younger children for the same reason.
We have enough evidence now that this type of action results in better outcomes for children, and as you say, I think each parent needs to take control themselves - it’s clear that most Western governments will not act any time soon.
Jef, thank you so much for your comment. I am totally blow away by the simplicity of the solution. I spoke to several parents about the watch and all said it was an excellent idea. They wanted to know where their children are and they wanted them to be able to communicate with them. This watch covers their concerns. I don't know if they are available in the West, but they certainly should be. Maybe this is a business opportunity for someone. Thank you once again for such an excellent comment 🙏
I totally get where you're coming from. It's very frustrating when you see social media companies and governments not addressing this. I find it really helpful to talk to young people and get their point of view. Talking to my son ,now 21, about this, he says that the problem is not having alternative spaces for young people, both online and in real life. Neoliberalism has led to the abandonment of physical safe spaces, like youth clubs, as well as online safe spaces like Club Penguin, which relied on flash. Nowadays it's social media or nothing.
Also in England the government has stopped doing 'stay safe online' for kids.
It's a really complex issue that needs governments to support parents by following the latest research, and then adopting a robust, but progressive policy that will help keep our kids safe from predatory and exploiting adults, allowing kids to thrive and make the most of all the good things the Internet can offer.
Yes yes yes and yes! Thank you for this insightful post, and I agree 1000%. I have two young children and while we restrict screens, they have friends who have unfettered access to tablets. The games these kids are playing are also super harmful; where flagrant buying and consuming is the norm, and where sexual predators go to find kids. It's abomination and yes, it's up to us parents to stop it.
I absolutely agree.
Hi Yeshe
I was in China for Spring Festival earlier this year and noticed that the children (aged about 6 - 15) were all wearing these bright, colourful watches. I enquired what they were and it was explained that they’re something like a ‘smart watch’, but they have very specific functionality.
Children can, through voice-to-text, message their parents and selected friends (controlled by their parents). There is a tracker built in which allows parents to always know where their child is and, with China being a largely cashless society, they could make limited transactions - like buying lunch etc.
Other than this, children are not allowed a smartphone until they get older.This seemed like a sensible and pragmatic use of technology. Parents are very aware of the dangers of social media on attention and social development and have collectively taken action against it. The government has also restricted video game use for younger children for the same reason.
We have enough evidence now that this type of action results in better outcomes for children, and as you say, I think each parent needs to take control themselves - it’s clear that most Western governments will not act any time soon.
They seem to be very cheap -
This is the sort of thing I saw, sure there are lots of versions
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EGxF37g
Thank you. I was looking on Amazon for one.
Jef, thank you so much for your comment. I am totally blow away by the simplicity of the solution. I spoke to several parents about the watch and all said it was an excellent idea. They wanted to know where their children are and they wanted them to be able to communicate with them. This watch covers their concerns. I don't know if they are available in the West, but they certainly should be. Maybe this is a business opportunity for someone. Thank you once again for such an excellent comment 🙏
Hi Yeshe,
I totally get where you're coming from. It's very frustrating when you see social media companies and governments not addressing this. I find it really helpful to talk to young people and get their point of view. Talking to my son ,now 21, about this, he says that the problem is not having alternative spaces for young people, both online and in real life. Neoliberalism has led to the abandonment of physical safe spaces, like youth clubs, as well as online safe spaces like Club Penguin, which relied on flash. Nowadays it's social media or nothing.
Also in England the government has stopped doing 'stay safe online' for kids.
It's a really complex issue that needs governments to support parents by following the latest research, and then adopting a robust, but progressive policy that will help keep our kids safe from predatory and exploiting adults, allowing kids to thrive and make the most of all the good things the Internet can offer.
Thank you for your comment. Very interesting to hear what your son had to say.
Yes yes yes and yes! Thank you for this insightful post, and I agree 1000%. I have two young children and while we restrict screens, they have friends who have unfettered access to tablets. The games these kids are playing are also super harmful; where flagrant buying and consuming is the norm, and where sexual predators go to find kids. It's abomination and yes, it's up to us parents to stop it.
Thank you for your reply and for mentioning video games. They really are a big part of the problem.