Fitness Trackers for Kids

These days, it seems like adults everywhere want to measure every step they take and every wink of sleep they get. From wristband fitness trackers to other wearables such as smartwatches, rings, biometric clothing and earpieces, there are a variety of devices available to track sleep, heart rate, calories burned, steps and more. With the popularity of these devices, you may be wondering if you should get your kids one, too.

It’s better to focus on making physical activity fun for kids rather than analyzing their activity. However, some kids and teens may want to know and track their activity metrics. Before your child begins using a fitness tracker, be sure to discuss appropriate use and beware signs of compulsive exercise, such as preoccupation with weight and exercise, skipping social activities to exercise, and feeling anxious or guilty when not able to exercise.

Motivating Movement

While some are more efficient than others in capturing activity, all fitness trackers have one thing in common: They motivate and encourage movement. Kids might even see it as a game to track their progress throughout the day and compare it with friends. The video game industry also has been working on ways to incorporate fitness trackers into their products. For instance, kids might gain extra powers or rewards for physical activity done in real life.

Age Matters

Older kids tend to do better with fitness trackers. Younger children have a tendency to lose or forget things, such as passwords. Older children and teenagers are starting to take more responsibility for their health and well-being and may be more likely to keep up with devices.

Tracking Food

Most fitness trackers come with a mobile or web app to view progress and track foods eaten. Tracking intake requires effort and may be too much to ask of a child. It also could lead to disordered eating.

If your child expresses interest in tracking their food intake, explore their motivations. Do they have body image concerns or do they have a genuine interest in nutrition? Help them learn about balanced eating by serving a variety of nutritious and tasty foods. Encourage them to rely on their internal hunger cues and taste preferences to guide their food choices rather than using a tracking device.

Potential Barriers

Most devices use software to share real-time progress via a mobile or web app. Because kids don't always have access to their own cell phone or tablet for syncing, they may lose interest in tracking their progress. Though many trackers are now designed with fashion and comfort in mind, some kids won't wear the device because they don't like the way the tracker looks or feels. Plus, younger children may lose the charger, forget to recharge the device or forget to put it on.

Getting Started

If your kids have shown an interest in fitness trackers and you're interested in letting them use one, make it a family affair. Encourage the entire family to join in and challenge each other to meet personal goals or see who can rack up the most steps in a week. Though 10,000 steps may be a standard step goal for adults, it's OK to start small.

To reap the benefits, you don't have to invest in an expensive tracker. Download a free pedometer-style app to a mobile device or buy a wearable device that fits your family's budget and lifestyle.