Are Kids’ Smartwatches Safe? GPS, Privacy & Security Guide | Singapore

Kids’ smartwatches have become increasingly popular among parents in Singapore. For younger children who may not be ready for a smartphone, a smartwatch can provide a practical way to stay connected while giving parents features such as GPS tracking, SOS alerts, calling and parental controls.

But there is another question parents should ask before buying one:

How safe is the technology behind the watch?

A kids’ smartwatch is more than a small computer on your child's wrist. Depending on the model, it may collect location information, contact details, device information and communication data. Because it is used by a child, parents should understand what information is collected, how the watch connects to its app and what security measures are in place.

This guide explains the key things Singapore parents should know when choosing and using a GPS kids smartwatch.

What Information Does a Kids’ Smartwatch Collect?

The exact information varies depending on the watch and its software, but a connected kids’ smartwatch may handle information such as:

• GPS or other location information
• Device identifiers
• Parent or guardian account information
• Trusted contact information
• Call or messaging information
• Usage and diagnostic information
• Information generated when using features such as geofencing or SOS alerts

Location information deserves particular attention.

Singapore's Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) considers geolocation data to be personal data when it can be used together with other information to identify an individual. Its guidance specifically notes that the ability to determine or monitor the precise location of a child can create risks that may compromise the child's safety.

That does not mean GPS tracking is inherently unsafe.

In fact, knowing a child's location is one of the main reasons parents choose a GPS smartwatch in the first place.

The important question is how that information is collected, transmitted, stored and protected.

How Does a GPS Kids’ Smartwatch Work?

A typical GPS smartwatch works through several technologies working together.

GPS

GPS can determine the watch's location, particularly when the child is outdoors.

Wi-Fi Positioning

Wi-Fi can help determine location in environments where GPS reception may be weaker, such as buildings, malls or schools.

Mobile Network / LBS

Location-Based Services (LBS) can estimate a device's location using nearby mobile network towers.

Many kids’ smartwatches combine these technologies rather than relying on GPS alone.

For parents in Singapore, this can be useful because children move between homes, schools, shopping malls, enrichment centres and other indoor and outdoor environments throughout the day.

But there is an important distinction:

GPS accuracy and data security are two different things.

A watch can provide accurate location information while the security of the system depends on what happens to that information after it is collected.

Where Does Your Child’s Location Data Go?

This is one of the most overlooked questions when buying a kids’ smartwatch.

The basic process may look something like this:

Watch → Mobile network/Wi-Fi → Cloud platform → Parent's app

This means the watch itself is only one part of the overall system.

The cloud platform is responsible for functions such as communicating with the watch, processing location information and allowing parents to access information through the companion app.

This is also why two completely different-looking smartwatch brands may sometimes use the same underlying technology platform.

Some brands develop their own software and backend infrastructure. Others use third-party technology platforms and customise the hardware, software or branding around them.

Neither approach automatically means a product is safe or unsafe.

For parents, the important thing is to understand which technology platform the watch uses and what information the provider makes available about its privacy and security practices.

Is SeTracker2 Secure?

SeTracker2 is one example of a third-party platform used with GPS-enabled smartwatches.

GizmoKids watches use the SeTracker2 platform for functions such as GPS tracking and parental controls.

The current SeTracker2 listing on Google Play states that the developer reports data is encrypted in transit and that users can request deletion of their data. The listing also states that the app may collect location, personal information and other data.

The SeTracker website also states that the platform uses encryption measures and describes a global server infrastructure, including an Asia server located in Singapore.

At the same time, parents should understand an important distinction:

A platform stating that data is encrypted does not mean that every aspect of the system has been independently certified or audited.

For example, encryption in transit tells us that information is protected while being transmitted. It does not, by itself, tell parents everything about:

• The exact encryption standard
• Server architecture
• Data retention periods
• Access controls
• Vulnerability testing
• Independent penetration testing
• How every individual smartwatch model is configured

These are separate aspects of cybersecurity.

This is why it is better to look at security as an ongoing process rather than a simple "safe" or "unsafe" label.

What About Security Vulnerabilities?

No internet-connected device should be described as completely risk-free.

Smartphones, computers, smart home devices, cameras and wearables can all contain vulnerabilities. The important question is how manufacturers and technology providers respond when security weaknesses are identified.

There has been recent security research involving GPS-enabled devices using shared technology platforms, including SeTracker-related systems. Researchers reported vulnerabilities affecting some devices and platforms, although they did not establish that every individual branded product using the platform was vulnerable. The research also reported that some techniques targeting SeTracker-based systems stopped working after the provider was contacted.

This highlights an important point for parents:

Security is not a one-time feature. It requires ongoing updates, monitoring and maintenance.

A responsible technology provider should continue improving its platform, addressing identified weaknesses and updating older components where necessary.

Parents should therefore be cautious of claims such as:

"This smartwatch is 100% secure."

No connected product can realistically make that guarantee.

A more useful question is:

Does the company have a process for maintaining and improving the security of the product?

What Should Parents Look For in a Kids’ Smartwatch?

Security should be considered alongside the features that make the watch useful.

Here are some areas parents can check before purchasing.

1. Secure Parent Account Access

The parent's account is effectively the gateway to the child's smartwatch.

Look for a system where only authorised parents or guardians can control the device and access its information.

Use a strong, unique password for the parent account and avoid sharing login details.

2. Trusted Contacts

A good kids’ smartwatch should give parents control over who can contact the child.

Features such as trusted contacts and unknown-number rejection can reduce unwanted calls and communications.

3. Parental Controls

Parents should be able to manage important functions from their own phone.

Depending on the watch, this may include:

• Contact management
• Classroom or Do Not Disturb mode
• Geo-fencing
• Location history
• SOS contacts
• App permissions
• Usage restrictions

4. Regular Software Updates

Security doesn't end when the watch is purchased.

Software updates can improve stability, fix bugs and address security issues.

When comparing products, consider whether the manufacturer or technology provider continues to maintain the software.

5. Clear Privacy Information

Look for information explaining what data the app collects and why.

For example, the current SeTracker2 app listings disclose that the app can handle location, contact information, identifiers, usage information and diagnostics.

Transparency is important because parents should understand what information is involved before activating a connected device for their child.

6. Account and Device Management

Check what happens if the watch is lost, sold or passed to another child.

A good system should provide a way to manage authorised users and prevent a previous owner from retaining unnecessary access.

7. Don't Install More Than Your Child Needs

Some Android-based children's smartwatches can install additional apps.

While this can make a watch more versatile, it can also increase the number of apps and services interacting with the device.

For younger children, a simpler watch with controlled functions may be more appropriate.

How Can Parents Make a Kids’ Smartwatch Safer?

Parents can also take simple steps to reduce potential risks.

Use a strong password

Avoid simple passwords that your child or others can easily guess.

Keep the app updated

Install updates for the companion app when they become available.

Keep the watch updated

If the manufacturer provides firmware or system updates, install them where appropriate.

Review authorised contacts

Remove people who no longer need access to the watch.

Don't share registration information

Device registration codes, QR codes and account credentials should not be posted publicly or shared unnecessarily.

Be careful with screenshots

Avoid posting screenshots of your child's live location, school route or home location on social media.

Review privacy settings

Check what information the companion app requests and which functions are enabled.

Think about how much tracking is actually necessary

GPS tracking can be useful for safety, but parents should also consider their child's age and growing independence.

The goal should be appropriate protection rather than unnecessary monitoring.

What Does Singapore’s PDPA Say About Children’s Location Data?

Singapore's PDPC has issued specific guidance relating to children's personal data in the digital environment.

The guidance recognises that children's data can require additional consideration. In particular, PDPC notes that precise geolocation can create safety risks for children and recommends that organisations consider data minimisation and appropriate safeguards.

More broadly, Singapore's PDPA requires organisations to put in place reasonable security arrangements to protect personal data in their possession or under their control.

For parents, this is a useful reminder that privacy is not simply about whether a smartwatch has GPS.

It is about the entire data journey — from the child's wrist to the app and the systems supporting it.

Are Kids’ Smartwatches Safer Than Giving a Child a Smartphone?

There isn't a universal answer.

It depends on the child's age, maturity and what the family wants the device to do.

A smartwatch can provide some useful communication and safety functions without giving a child access to a full smartphone ecosystem.

For younger children, parents may prefer a watch that focuses on:

• Calling
• GPS tracking
• SOS
• Trusted contacts
• Geo-fencing
• Classroom mode

Older children may benefit from additional functions such as messaging, video calling or selected apps.

The important thing is to choose a device that provides the right level of functionality for the child, rather than simply choosing the device with the most features.

How GizmoKids Approaches Kids’ Smartwatch Safety

At GizmoKids, we believe parents should understand not just what a kids’ smartwatch can do, but also what sits behind the technology.

Our GPS-enabled watches use the SeTracker2 platform for functions such as location tracking and parental controls. As an OEM brand, GizmoKids does not operate the underlying GPS cloud infrastructure ourselves.

The SeTracker2 platform currently states that it uses encrypted data transmission, while its app listings provide information about the types of data that may be collected. The platform provider also continues to release software and security updates.

We believe the best approach is to be transparent with parents rather than make unrealistic claims that any connected device is completely risk-free.

For us, child safety involves more than GPS.

It includes trusted contacts, unknown-call rejection, SOS functions, geo-fencing, classroom controls and responsible use of connected technology.

Ultimately, parents should choose a kids’ smartwatch based not only on its features and price, but also on the technology behind it, the company's transparency and how the device is maintained over time.

Final Thoughts

So, are kids’ smartwatches safe?

They can be a useful and practical tool for communication, location tracking and parental peace of mind, but they should be treated like any other connected device.

The most important things to consider are:

• What information does the watch collect?
• Where does that information go?
• Who can access it?
• Is data protected during transmission?
• Can parents control who communicates with the child?
• Does the platform receive ongoing software and security updates?
• Does the company provide clear information about privacy and data handling?

For Singapore parents, the goal isn't to find a device that promises to be "100% secure."

Instead, look for a smartwatch with appropriate features, sensible parental controls, transparent data practices and an actively maintained technology platform.

A little research before buying can go a long way towards giving your child the benefits of connected technology while keeping privacy and safety in mind.