Wearables

Wearable devices or wearable tech such as smart watches, fitness trackers, GPS locators and body-mounted action cameras are designed to be worn and track personal data. There are several wearables available for kids and even pets — some just for fun and some that allow you to keep track of them.

Wearables often link to apps which collect information. Many have sensors to collect physical and biological information, as well as location tracking. Fitness trackers or ‘smart collars’ for pets are examples of where a location tracker is used to map where you or your pets go.

Smart watches

Smart watches are designed to be worn around the wrist and can track personal data including exercise and sleep patterns. Most smart watches can also send and receive messages, track location, control music, and provide real-time updates on weather, news, sports scores, and other personalised information.

Fitness trackers

Lots of people use fitness trackers to help them stay active. Fitness trackers can collect information including exercise and sleep patterns. They can also include location tracking, which may be used to map the places you have been while doing your exercise routine.  

GPS trackers 

GPS trackers come with many wearable devices, and you can even buy GPS trackers for pets and luggage. 

Body-mounted action camera

These are designed for the user to record footage and can also track personal data. 

Age guide

Wearables have traditionally been marketed to adults, however there is now a range of products specifically designed for children and pets. For kids, these are typically variations of adult devices like a Go Pro or FitBit.

What to look out for

• Most wearables are linked to apps or software programs that collect tracking data. This may be personal information such as steps taken, or GPS data that pinpoints your location.
• Some apps collect information for marketing purposes, and you may agree to this when you agree to the app’s terms and conditions.
• Any data that is collected and stored in the Cloud may not be stored securely.
• If the information storage is inadequately secured, the data may be accessed by other people and shared without consent, and may allow outsiders to contact your child online without you knowing.

How to stay safe

• Keep track of your devices and associated accounts. Losing a device can allow third-party access to any information stored on it.
• Secure your device, accounts and apps with strong passcodes and passwords.
• Only pair via Bluetooth with another device you are aware of and can control.
• Manage your device even when it is not in use — store it in a safe place, where someone else cannot access it, whenever you take it off.
• Limit the amount of information that is shared with the software and third parties.
• Be mindful about over-sharing. Most fitness trackers and smart watches allow users to link with friends, giving them access to sleep patterns, exercise times and locations, and other health information.