If theres one recent technological trend that has captured the imaginations of innovators and entrepreneurs like nothing else, its wearable technology. Many view wearables as the next great frontier for technological advancement, creating connected and convenient lives with the help of big data analytics.
As exciting as the possibilities of wearable devices are, others are taking a different approach with a nobler goal. They see wearable technology as being one of the key tools used to protect children. Having a child go missing or be involved in an accident is every parents worst nightmare, and wearables may help prevent these tragic scenarios from ever occurring. There are already a wide variety of devices available for purchase.
SAFE Kids Paxie Band
The SAFE Kids Paxie Band is a highly versatile wearable device that is GPS-enabled. Besides being able to track a childs location, it also measures a number of different statistics. For example, the band can measure ambient temperature, which can alert parents if the child is at risk of heatstroke.
It also measures a childs heart rate, which may indicate if the child is suffering from an allergic reaction. Parents can also keep track of a childs activity rate to make sure theyre getting enough exercise. All of this is handled through an easy-to-use mobile app that can be downloaded from most app stores.
Tinitell
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, the Sweden-based company Tinitell has released their own wearable device — a wrist phone for kids. The device has several functions. First, it acts as a simple phone, with kids being able to call from a selected list of numbers using voice recognition capabilities.
Its second function is to help parents know where the child is at all times. With the help of a mobile app, parents can track their child with GPS technology. While some children may not be enthusiastic about wearing tracking technology, if that device also works as a phone, they will likely be more interested.
FiLip 2
The creators of the FiLip 2 wrist watch designed it so that it would be comfortable for children to wear. In other words, its kid-friendly and can easily adjust to fit a childs wrist. Like some of the other wearable devices on this list, Filip 2 acts as a cell phone and a GPS locator, giving parents peace of mind by knowing where their children are. One unique aspect of the device is its texting feature, allowing for two-way messaging.
Guardian Angel
The Guardian Angel device was created specifically to prevent child disappearances. The device works as a radio proximity system, where parents can set up a specified perimeter. If the child wearing the device breaches the perimeter, parents are alerted via an alarm.
All the parent needs to do is sweep the receiver around until the light flashes green, then theyll know in what direction their child ran off. The simple device is also relatively cheap compared to the other options on this list, making it a good purchase for parents with young kids.
HereO
Some parents may want to take advantage of GPS location features but dont want their kids to have a phone. The HereO watch solves this problem, providing a simple watch that acts as a GPS locator and only that. Children using the device can also report their location through an app that can be used by the whole family. This helps parents know if their children are visiting any questionable places. The HereO watch also comes with a tamper alarm, warning parents when the device is removed without authorization.
Parents now have a lot of options when it comes to keeping their children safe. Modern technology is paving the way for kids to still be kids while staying out of harms way. With wearable devices becoming more common, it will likely get to the point where they are just a way of life for most people.
