As an overprotective mom, I’m treading carefully when it comes to giving my 12-year-old daughter, J, a smartphone. In today's world, where the internet is omnipresent, handing her a device feels like sending her into the wild without a map.

Recent insights, particularly from Netflix’s gripping docuseries 'Adolescence,' showcase the dark realities of unregulated online access. It follows a teenager whose life spirals out of control, underscoring the urgent need for parental vigilance in the digital age.

With J's busy after-school schedule, staying connected is a necessity, not just a convenience. Enter the myFirst Fone R2 smartwatch, which offers a sweet spot between being connected and staying safe.

The Smartwatch Solution: A New Era in Communication

For the last two months, we’ve been using a smartwatch designed for kids aged five to twelve – the myFirst Fone R2. It boasts an eSIM, allowing for voice and video calls, GPS tracking, and even a camera function, all without the distractions of typical smartphones.

This device is equipped with features like enhanced visuals, water resistance, and an MP3 player that plays for hours. With health monitoring features, I can keep tabs on her well-being and receive alerts if her heart rate spikes.

Navigating Connectivity with Safety in Mind

To stay in touch, I downloaded the myFirst Circle app, establishing a secure communication network. This app restricts contacts to just trusted individuals, meaning J can interact without fear of unsolicited attention. Plus, she can't install third-party apps, further mitigating risks of inappropriate content.

Thanks to features like set responses and customizable messages, communication is streamlined but still personal. Plus, the GPS function allows for easy location tracking, although I’ve experienced some signal lag at times.

Features Designed for Peace of Mind

An SOS button is a reassuring addition; a long press immediately notifies me of J's location and records her surroundings. While there have been amusing hiccups—like when she accidentally triggered it during a seminar—it provides essential safety.

Although the smartwatch's connectivity can be spotty, I've noticed significant improvements after updates.

Balancing Modern Communication and Safety

Most schools have rules against smartwatches, ensuring J uses the device responsibly. By activating Class Mode, her watch goes silent during lessons, keeping distractions at bay.

J has shown no signs of addiction; she can set it aside when needed. Interestingly, she’s not feeling pressured about peers' WhatsApp groups, preferring to avoid their 'sus' conversations – slang for suspicious behavior.

The Dangers of Early Smartphone Use

Research reveals a concerning trend: early smartphone exposure can detrimentally affect children's development and mental health. In Singapore, kids are getting their first internet-connected devices as young as eight, and the impact can be severe.

Growing evidence shows that problematic smartphone usage is linked to anxiety, depression, and physical ailments from excessive screen time. Concerns aren't just about exposure; they're about the quality of the content.

The Ministry of Communications and Information recently advised limiting screen time for young children, emphasizing the importance of controlled access to avoid harmful content.

Smartwatch: The Training Wheels for Digital Life

G-Jay Yong, founder of myFirst, believes in preparing kids before they dive into the smartphone world. His vision is to offer a tech ‘internship,’ allowing children to learn digital navigation safely before facing full social media exposure.

With myFirst Circle, Yong aims for children to manage their online experiences, helping them tackle challenges like negative feedback before they encounter these situations in the real digital landscape.

The myFirst Fone R2 retails for S$299, offering a thoughtful blend of communication and safety features. A new model, the S4, is slated for release in July 2025.