A kid-friendly version of the pedometer is helping young children stay physically fit. The Kidizoom Smartwatch DX from electronic toy company VTech displays how much walking, skipping or jumping a child is doing.
The multi-functional Kidizoom Smartwatch DX is offered to children aged four years old and above. The touch-screen device worth £43 ($53) comes in a variety of vibrant colors: pink, red flame, floral swirl, vivid violet, royal blue, sky blue and camouflage.
Kidizoom Smartwatch DX comes with three fun, action challenges such as the "Super Run" sprinting test and the "Funky Jump," where children can set a time and jump as many times as they can before it runs out. Aside from these, the Kidizoom Smartwatch DX is capable of taking photos and videos with built-in photo effects, filters and frames. There are new clock faces as well, which makes something as simple as telling time exciting.
Children can switch between analog and digital displays with more than 50 clock face designs to choose from. In addition, the Kidizoom Smartwatch DX has 3D clock faces that give an illusion of depth with eye-catching animated designs.
Other tools the Kidizoom Smartwatch DX is equipped with are a calendar feature, a rechargeable battery, and a splash proof capability. There are eight new games, too, which can be downloaded from the Learning Lodge.
Despite the gadget's good intentions, other people aren't sold in its functionality. Linda Blair, a psychologist, said that gadgets similar to the Kidizoom Smartwatch DX are "taking the wrong approach" when it comes to inspiring kids to be more physically active, The Telegraph reported.
"If it's all about counting and competing, this is taking the wrong approach. How many people like counting? It's no fun," Blair explained, as quoted by the news outlet. "Counting and competing with yourself takes the fun out of it and it won't sustain a child's interest."
According to Blair, it's better for parents to encourage their kids to take on an enjoyable form of exercise such as tennis. The sport is all about hanging out with other people instead of interacting with a machine. Parents should take note of the activities -- whether it's swimming or dancing -- that their child is interested in and encourage him/her to do it more.
Annie O'Leary, editor-in-chief of parenting website Netmums, acknowledged that the Kidizoom Smartwatch DX's pedometer aspect raises concerned parents' eyebrows. The gadget, however, can be helpful now that more children are leading sedentary lives. Of course, parental supervision should be practiced when youngsters use the Kidizoom Smartwatch DX.
