My oldest of 4 kiddos is turning 13 next month, entering 8th grade and she is finally getting a phone (a refurb iphone 6.) I think it is ridiculous to give 10 year olds new $800 phones with data plans with no restrictions or instructions. Kids are exposed to all kinds of things the parents have no idea what the kids are watching and posting. Why do you feel the need to track your kids, aren't they somewhere supervised at all times in 5th grade? My kids have ipads, they can snapchat and facetime their friends with WIFI at home. I like rules too, but after all the chores are done spend quality time with them and have fun. The kids always say their favorite time is when we are all laughing together. :)

There's an awful lot of research that shows the addictive qualities of screens like smart phones and ipads. Good for you for caring about your child's brain enough to limit it until they're older. They don't need it. I never did. We are going to have the same rule in our house. Our kids are 5 and 6 and already our 1st grader said kids in her class have phones. It will be tough but I'm sticking to my guns on this one. Will also check out a watch!

I love the watch idea and in todays world you need to track your children to many disappear in the world today at and alarming rate with Human trafficking if you children fall victim to anything have a tracking device on there wrist could save their life. Just something to think about.

Getting a phone is one of the incremental steps in the increasedresponsibility process. It’s hard to turn 16, get a DL, get a job, get a phone and suddenly know where everything is. Use the track my phone feature when you need to. There’s also a certain amount on technology experience they get and will use as they enter the workforce. I think kids start to be on their own more in 6th grade and the phone is their lifeline to you. Set rules, make a contract.

Which tracking watch do you recommend? We have tried a couple off amazon and didn’t have good experiences.

My kids are in 4th and 6th. I have a no phone policy until they are driving. I have been looking into different options and like the watch idea. I believe it gives the kids a level of freedom to know they can get out of situations if they are uncomfortable and feel like they can’t say anything in the moment. After reading previous comments I asked my kids if they thought me tracking their location was creepy and they said “a little, but I kind of like it”. My sister, daughter and BFF can track my location with find my friends and I love it. If anything were to happen I know someone could locate at least my last location. Good for you mom for allowing your kids the freedom to be kids and good for you for caring enough to keep tabs on them. I’m sure you will loosen the reigns as they get older and need to spread their wings.

I think the smart watch is a fabulous idea. Tough cookies if the kids think it’s creepy. They’re your kids. What’s creepy are all of the pedophiles out there looking to snatch your kid at any chance.

Everyone is different with parenting. I think most of us, including kids, are starring at screens way too often everyday. It can't be healthy. I totally get why you'd want to refrain from your kid having that kind of screen. The GPS tracking thing is tricky... If your kids are young, I think it makes sense. Once they hit their teenage years though, tracking gets creepy.

Your kids are just going to rebel because they know that you know where they are. Let them live a little.

I never thought of opting for a watch instead! Thanks for the idea.