myFirst Fone S3

As much as I’m conflicted around kids and smart devices the fact is the tech isn’t going anywhere so hoping to keep them separate is like putting a kid in the bath and hoping they don’t get wet. The S3 smart watch from myFirst Fone aims to allow children to stay in touch and enjoy some features without committing to a full-blown smartphone. This smartwatch has been designed with kids in mind, its recommended for ages 5-12 but you’d be doing well to get a tween to wear something a 5-year-old can wear.

Starting with the basics the S3 allows your child to make and receive calls from a safe contact list that you control via the companion app. No strangers, no spam calls – just family and trusted friends. There’s also a simple chat feature, which works a bit like a kids-only WhatsApp however there isn’t a keyboard but list of handy and common phrases, and voice messages too.

The soft silicone strap makes it’s light and comfy to wear with a large range of size adjustments. It features a bright 1.4-inch screen that’s splash-resistant, so it can handle day-to-day mess but we would prefer full waterproofing just to be on the safe side. The touchscreen is surprisingly responsive for a kids’ watch, and the interface is simple enough for little ones to navigate on their own.

Something we often joke about being useful on a child is the GPS tracking. You can see your child’s real-time location and even set up geofencing alerts, so you’ll get a notification if they wander out of a designated safe zone, like school or the park. It offers real peace of mind, especially for working parents.

There’s also a step counter and some basic fitness goals built in, which is a fun way to encourage kids to be active. And yes, there’s even a camera, nothing too fancy, but good enough for silly selfies and video calls with grandma.
Battery life is decent – about a day’s use with moderate activity. You’ll likely need to charge it overnight, just like your phone.

Overall, the myFirst Fone S3 strikes a great balance between fun and safety. It gives kids a bit of independence, while keeping parents firmly in the loop. However it is pricey when children will quickly outgrow the limitations and the app whilst functional is a little clunky. It’s not a toy, but it’s also not a full smartphone – and for a lot of families, that’s exactly the sweet spot. RRP £169

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