Apple launched its “Apple Watch for Kids” initiative in India, bringing the benefits and safety features of the Apple Watch to children, even if they don’t have their own iPhone. The new functionality, available on Apple Watch SE and Series 4 onwards, allows parents to set up and manage an Apple Watch for their kids right from their iPhone.
With cellular models, kids get their phone number and Apple ID, which parents can control using the Apple Watch app on their iPhones. This enables children to make calls, send messages, and enjoy the health, fitness and safety features of the Apple Watch with built-in safeguards.
Key Safety and Communication Features
The Apple Watch for Kids provides multiple ways for children to stay connected with family and friends. Parents can pre-approve the contacts kids have access to for calling and messaging. Built-in safety features like Emergency SOS allow kids to get help quickly if needed.
Apple Maps enables children to navigate their way home, while the Find People app lets them locate family members or share their current location. Activity rings and fitness tracking are tailored for kids, providing age-appropriate goals and metrics.
Parental Controls with Schooltime Mode
A key feature of the Apple Watch for Kids is the Schooltime mode. When enabled, a yellow circle on the watch face easily recognises this distinctive mode. It blocks notifications, restricts app access, and turns on Do Not Disturb to help kids focus during school hours.
Parents can manually turn on Schooltime mode or schedule it to activate automatically during specific hours using the Apple Watch app on their iPhone. This provides a helpful tool to manage distractions while at school.
Durability, Comfort and Personalisation
Apple Watches are built to be durable, with crack-resistant displays and water resistance up to 50 metres, making them suitable for kids’ active lifestyles. Comfortable, colourful band options like the Sport Band and Sport Loop are designed to fit smaller wrists.
Kids can also personalise their Apple Watch with fun faces and complications tailored to their interests. The App Store provides access to a variety of kid-friendly apps for learning and playing, and parents can manage purchases and downloads.
Steps to Configure an Apple Watch for Your Child
Parents need an iPhone 8 or later running the latest iOS, an Apple Watch Series 4 or an Apple Watch SE with cellular connectivity to set up an Apple Watch for a child. A separate cellular plan with data is required for the Apple Watch.
In the Apple Watch app on the parent’s iPhone, they can pair the watch, set up a new Apple ID for the child if needed, and customise parental controls, Schooltime scheduling, contact approvals, and location notifications to suit their family’s needs.
The launch of the Apple Watch for Kids in India combines the Apple Watch’s communication, fitness, safety, and personalisation features with robust parental controls. With cellular models and Family Setup, children gain independence while parents maintain peace of mind.
By bringing this kid-focused Apple Watch functionality to India, Apple empowers more families to stay connected, active and safe. The Schooltime mode and contact restrictions help manage usage, while location notifications and Emergency SOS provide extra reassurance. With the Apple Watch for Kids, wearable technology is becoming a valuable tool for modern parenting.
