Samsung just launched a kid-friendly smartwatch mode for the Galaxy Watch 7 — and parents can try it now

4 hours ago 1

A colorful graphic showing screenshots of the new Galaxy Watch for Kids feature on both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and parental controls within the smartphone app

(Image credit: Samsung)

It’s been a big week for Samsung. In addition to unveiling the new Samsung Galaxy S25 and S25 Edge, the company also announced a new kid-friendly smartwatch mode for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 called Galaxy Watch for Kids.

Developed in collaboration with Google, the mode turns the Galaxy Watch 7 — one of the best smartwatches in 2025 — into something more like the Fitbit Ace LTE, a cellular-connected wearable built specifically for kids with guardrails that can be remotely set by parents.

The mode uses Google Family Link to give trusted adults total control over their youngster’s smartwatch, including which apps can be accessed and who can contact the device via text or call.

You’ll need the LTE version of the Galaxy Watch 7, which starts at $349, though is currently on sale for $289 via Amazon. Google says that the mode will work on Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T networks.

Other features include an emergency SOS mode that can be triggered by tapping the side button on the Galaxy Watch 7 five times. Parents can also keep tabs on their kids’ location at any time via GPS. Similar to other kid-friendly smartwatches, a school mode disables certain features, as set by parents, during designated school hours.

Galaxy Watch for Kids also offers 20 ‘teacher-approved’ apps and watch faces that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store’s kid section, with parental permission, of course. The apps include both educational content and games.

This new kid-friendly smartwatch mode is available for parents to try now. Setting it up requires only your existing smartphone, with no need to buy an additional device.

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

Of course, Samsung and Fitbit aren’t the only shows in town when it comes to child-friendly wearables. I just got my hands on the new Pinwheel smartwatch for kids at CES 2025, which seemingly has even more onboard safety features than Samsung, including geofencing and arrival/departure notifications.

More from Tom's Guide:

The Samsung Galaxy Ring just crashed to its lowest price ever — get one for 30% off right now
I wore the Garmin Instinct 3 for over a week — here's 5 things I like and 2 I hate
These Fitbit models are overheating — see if yours is on the list to get $50 from Google

Dan Bracaglia is the Tom’s Guide editorial lead for all things smartwatches, fitness trackers and outdoor gear. With 15 years of experience as a consumer technology journalist testing everything from Oura Rings to instant cameras, Dan is deeply passionate about helping readers save money and make informed purchasing decisions. In the past year alone, Dan has assessed major product releases from the likes of Apple, Garmin, Google, Samsung, Polar and many others.

An avid outdoor adventurer, Dan is based in the U.S. Pacific Northwest where he takes advantage of the beautiful surroundings every chance he gets. A lover of kayaking, hiking, swimming, biking, snowboarding and exploring, he also makes every effort to combine his day job with his passions. When not assessing the sleep tracking and heart rate accuracy of the latest tach gadgets, you can find him photographing Seattle’s vibrant underground music community.

Read Entire Article