The Galaxy Watch for Kids is the perfect feature for helicopter parents

For parents looking to limit their kids’ digital footprint and provide better tracking, there’s a better option than sticking an AirTag in the heel of a shoe. With Samsung’s new “kid-friendly smartwatch experience,” parents can control who their kids can text, what apps they can use, and even view their location on Google Maps from their Galaxy Watch.

The features should work with any Galaxy Watch with LTE connectivity, regardless of ultra-expensive Galaxy Watch Ultra or last year Watch 7.

The watch function complements the existing one Google Family Link app, rent Parents set screen time limits and location alerts for their children’s phones. If your child uses one of the Galaxy Watch 7 lines with Wear OS 5 and LTE, you can now use the app to control who your kids can call or text while using the watch itself. You can monitor their location through the watch, approve apps, and limit usage at certain times of the day, such as when you want a child to be up to their necks in a book instead of scrolling through the watch.

Google Family Link allows parents to block apps even after they’ve been installed. The watch-centric features will roll out in the coming weeks. Google also promotes a selection of teen-friendly apps, including a Rubik’s Cube game and Marvel HQ: Groove with Groot. There are a few other kid-friendly watch face apps, like Unicorn Academy and Rebel Girls Watch Faces. Children can still install the full range of apps in the Play Store with parental consent.

These watch functions are all tied to the Galaxy Watches, at least at launch. We wouldn’t be surprised if they made it Google’s own pixel watches soon with LTE connectivity.

It is, of course, another way to limit screen time for children. Other options for Kid-oriented wearables, like the Fitbit Ace, focus more on step tracking and a mix of kid-friendly games. The Apple Watch has it too “For children” functionThis allows you to pair your child’s devices with a single iPhone. This allows adults to manage who their children can call, track their location, and restrict apps during school hours.