Childhood development experts have serious concerns about the growing practice of tracking children with smartwatches, according to broadcaster NOS. 

“If you want children to become strong and resilient, it is important that they can do things outside without supervision,” says Freek Zwanenberg of Bureau Jeugd & Media, a media education organisation. 

There is a wide variety of smartwatches on the market for children. Functionality differs greatly, with some just allowing parents to track location via GPS and others with internet access and the ability to place calls. 

Zwanenberg estimates that half of school children in the Netherlands are now being monitored. 

Having a constant view on your child can restrict their independence and prevent them from developing resilience, the experts say. 

“Many parents think that something serious could happen to their child tomorrow,” childhood development expert Martin van Rooijen told NOS. But in reality, the world has become significantly safer for children, he said. 

Concerns about tracking children with devices have been on the rise for years. A 2019 survey by the Platform for the Information Society found that one in five children was tracked via a smart device. 

Maike Kooijmans, a researcher in childhood development, told the NOS in 2019 that children needed to learn to “colour outside the lines.” Kooijmans said that it is important part of development for children to fail and learn how to deal with consequences. 

The use of smartwatches has increased substantially in the six years since that survey. 

Media educator Zwanenberg argues that while parents may have more contact with their children, they are failing to protect their children online. “Real danger lies there,” he told NOS. 

Do you track your children with a smart device and would you like to share your experiences? Email editor@dutchnews.nl.