Five Safety Devices for Kids -- and their Pros & Cons

Children are among the most vulnerable when it comes to crimes and calamities. They may be taught how to fend for themselves when a situation calls for it, but the risks and dangers can get too serious for them to handle alone. 

In this article, we’ll take about five safety devices that are great for kids. Some of them are also suitable for differently-abled children as well as those who have serious illnesses and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time.    

Smartwatch

A smartwatch comes in various designs and built-in safety and communication features. A great design for kids would be one that has a GPS tracker, programmable emergency contact storage, and a call and messaging feature. 

Some designs also have a programmable GPS boundary system that, when crossed, automatically sends alert to the wearer’s emergency contacts.  

Some of the best pros of a smartwatch are that it’s very handy and it can be disguised as an ordinary step tracker. Plus, its communication features give it some mobile phone functions--minus the distractions from apps and games. As for cons, some smartwatch designs have a very flimsy wristband, so do consider the band material before purchasing a smartwatch.

Smart Jewelry

If your child loves wearing jewelry, then this might be the perfect safety device for them. This kind of device comes in the form of a necklace, a bracelet, or even a ring. If your child truly loves adornments, then they most likely wouldn’t forget wearing one!

Smart jewelry typically comes with these basic features: a GPS locator and a pushbutton that sends alerts to saved emergency contacts. Some designs also have a special feature that allows you to contact 911.

However, the disadvantage of this jewelry is that it can attract attention. In a worst-case scenario, it might be one of the first things that robbers would be interested in.

Personal Alarm Keychain

This one is one of the most affordable wearable safety devices out there. It’s designed as a keychain that your kids can put on their bag, attach onto their belt loop, or carry in one hand. The pros of this personal alarm include its ability to create a loud noise when activated. This noise can be used to scare away suspicious people or attackers as well as call for attention and help from people who are nearby. 

The disadvantage is that this alarm has no GPS tracking or any messaging feature. It’s a simple and straightforward alarm that’s handy during times of crisis.

Two-Way Voice, Listen-In GPS Tracker

This type of device is specially designed for children with learning disabilities or serious illnesses. It has a GPS tracker, and it allows parents to listen to how their child’s day is going throughout the whole day. Plus, when needed, it can be used by both the wearer and listener to talk to each other.

This device is highly helpful for children with a history of being mistreated or bullied. However, a disadvantage is that it might not be allowed in some places, like inside classrooms during class hours. It also comes with a monthly subscription fee--the price varying from brand to brand.

Screenless Phone

This device looks more like a walkie-talkie than a phone, but its name is so because it works like a smartphone minus the screen, games, and apps. 

The benefit of this device is that it allows GPS tracking as well as individual and group chats via a press on a button (note that the contacts have to be pre-programmed). The disadvantage is that it’s not wearable and children might sometimes forget bringing it along with them.

In choosing the best device for your child, you must take into consideration your child’s preferences as well as his or her capacity to quickly learn how to use a new device. 

You may also equip your choice with more than one device for better security, like an alarm keychain for the bag he/she always uses plus a smartwatch or smart jewelry that can be worn on the body.