Across China, children’s smartwatches have undergone a remarkable transformation from basic safety devices to sophisticated social platforms, creating a complex digital ecosystem for young users. This evolution presents both unprecedented connectivity opportunities and serious challenges regarding digital addiction and social pressure among children.
Eleven-year-old Yu Zexi from Changzhou represents the tech-savvy generation that has embraced these devices. With over three years of experience and more than 70 contacts on her watch, she actively engages in social functions resembling WeChat, sharing life updates and photos with peers. Despite her proficiency, Yu demonstrates self-awareness about the addictive nature of these devices, having attempted to bypass parental controls when her father restricted functionality.
The social dynamics created by these watches reveal concerning patterns. Huang Lei, Yu’s classmate, observes that some children treat social interactions on these platforms as transactional, with friendships becoming conditional on digital engagement. “Some classmates will delete you from their friends list if you don’t like their posts,” Huang noted, describing the phenomenon as “a threat to your friendship.”
For parents like Zhu Yuyan from Hangzhou, the journey with smartwatches began with safety considerations. Her son received his first device as a birthday gift in first grade, later upgrading to a more advanced model in fourth grade primarily to match what classmates were using. Like many parents, Zhu maintains strict boundaries, allowing usage only during outdoor activities or interest classes rather than regular school days.
Educators and child development experts are calling for increased supervision and awareness of how these devices function as miniature smartphones on children’s wrists. The social features—including photo sharing, voice messaging, and liking systems—create digital environments where peer pressure and exclusion can manifest in new forms. The very devices intended to provide parents with peace of mind regarding physical safety are now raising concerns about psychological and emotional well-being in digital spaces.
This technological shift requires balanced approaches that acknowledge both the benefits of connectivity and the potential risks of early digital addiction. As these devices continue to evolve, families, schools, and manufacturers must collaborate to establish healthy usage patterns that prioritize children’s overall development while navigating the complexities of digital socialization.