Wear OS introduces a new feature for parents and kids, but Apple got there first
Wearables are on their way to becoming the next big tech trend for kids, and that includes the best smartwatches. In the latest update, Google is gearing up to add a new WearOS feature that will help parents manage their child’s smartwatch usage during school hours.
The Release notes for the Google system before May 2024 that the new ‘School Time’ feature is designed for parental use and will allow parents to impose access restrictions on the apps their child uses. Parents also have the option to turn off their child’s smartwatch, which limits distractions and allows them to focus in class.
Google hasn’t announced how School Time will work yet, but we imagine users will be able to change their kids’ School Time settings from their own Wear OS app. We also don’t know yet if the feature will be available on all WearOS devices, or if it will only be accessible on more recent WearOS devices like the Google Pixel Watch 2.
Although a new addition to the WearOS user interface, parental settings for wearable technology are far from new. Apple introduced a similar feature – dubbed ‘Schooltime’ with the watchOS 7 update in 2020. It allows parents to restrict certain features on their child’s Apple Watch, including setting time slots for certain apps and watch face complications, but they can still do access features like Activity Rings, and it’s likely that the School Time feature in WearOS will work in a similar way.
Analysis: Are smartwatch makers increasingly targeting children?
Although Google is lagging behind with its parental features for smartwatches, it’s good to see the company taking younger smartwatch users into account: features like School Time make it easier for high school students to focus on things like studying. However, Google’s new update could also indicate that it is targeting its wearable devices more towards younger users.
It’s understandable why college-aged kids might want to wear a smartwatch, especially if they’re already using Google Pixel phones and want to explore wearables that expand on its features and services. But younger children are starting to become more interested in smartwatches.
Some brands already make watches designed for younger kids – we think the Fitbit Ace 3 is a solid entry-level smartwatch for kids. Could Google’s launch of the School Time feature be an indication that a new Google smartwatch for kids is on the way?
