Garmin Bounce

Our kid is 7 y.o. and we bought that for her, mainly for three reasons:1. To be able to track her location when she is at school or on a field trips2. Stay connected and give her means to communicate with us on her own when one of us parents is not around (i.e. on a business trip out of town)3. To have a communication device for emergencies, when she needs our helpWe were choosing between different options, but stopped on Garmin, mainly because both of us already are using Garmin watches and other devices.Overall, we are happy with this purchase, however there are some caveats and things that I wish would be done differently.First of all, let's see how goals above are achieved:1. Location tracking: no issues here, Garmin is true leader in GPS systems for a reason. We found location tracking to be accurate and fast-responding enough. There is a feature that allows you to establish a geo-boundaries (e.g. school or neighborhood) and get notified with live tracking each time when kid leaves it.2. Stay connected with family: In general it's achieved, but with some caveats: - Kid can send voice messages (short voice recordings) or preset texts. You cannot type custom text from watches which maybe ok for 7-8 y.o., but probably won't be sufficient for older kids - all the communications work via Garmin Jr app. First, that is not convenient because I don't want another message app. I would prefer it was using at least Garmin Messenger, that I'm already use for InReach (I'm often outdoors with no cell coverage and staying connected with my wife). Second that it requires other family members (e.g. grandparents) to install the app and register to communicate with kid.3. Emergency communications: In general, it's better than nothing (and much more than we had when were kids). However, communications require app, meaning that you won't get kid's texts if you have cell coverage with no good LTE/5G.Other noticeable features:1. Battery lasts for 2 days. Builds a good habit to be responsible and recharge her device. The charging time is a couple of hours and could be better2. There is a "School restrictions" mode that will block most of the features on watch to help kid not be distracted. Which is great, with one huge caveat: it will block messages, including emergency. So, e.g. in case of earthquake and evacuation, kid will not be able to reach out to us until end of school time. That's the reason why we don't use it.3. The screen is big enough, bright and easy to use4. There are some games and additional features but not too much, enough for a kid5. We liked that there is no full internet access or uncontrolled communications with random people (all contacts must be set by parents through the app).6. Kid likes the watch and likes to use them. She also started to track her activities (e.g. hiking, bicycling and etc.) and even joining the family steps competition. I think it's a good help to build healthy life habits7. The communication plan (which is required for messages) costs $99 for a year, which is lower than competitors (but also provides less capabilities - only voice and preset text messages)8. The watch uses its own Garmin Jr. app for everything which leaves a feeling of some disconnect from the rest of Garmin infrastructure. I would love to see kids account in Connect and use Garmin Messenger instead of Garmin Jr.9. We installed a protective screen on the watch to protect from scratches (hence bubbles on the photo)Overall, if you are ok with what mentioned above, I think it's a good watch. But I can see that in the next couple of years it might require an upgrade or some alternative.

We are so glad we bought this gps watch for our son. It's a great alternative to giving him a phone. Has a great range and we can see where he is in the neighborhood at all times. Holds a charge longer than my cell. Very happy with this purchase.

im not ready to give my child a phone. this is perfect. allows me to communicate to him and see his location. he's at the age he's going around the neighborhood. I like that I am able to keep tabs and have him check in! this is perfect for any parent not ready to commit to a phone but ready to give their child some more independence

They can even earn rewards! This thing also counts steps too. 100 for a year of live tracking but just remember to charge every night

Absolutely LOVE this watch!Wanted something my 7 year old could wear and get ahold of me if needed! Also wanted to be able to track him when he goes and plays at friends houses.You buy a year plan of $99 or pay monthly $9.99Gives me access to txt, voice txt, location, send alerts, track activity, time and more! It can get wet and is very durable!100% recommended if someone wants a close eye on their child while out playing with friends