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7-minute read
Let’s be honest. Raising Black children in America means parenting with heightened awareness.
We’re not just sending our kids to school each day and hoping for the best. We are worrying about school shootings. We’re bracing for racist incidents with Karens and Kens who feel entitled to question our children’s presence in public spaces. And we’re watching in horror as missing Black children continue to be ignored by the media and law enforcement.
We don’t get to parent casually. We must parent intentionally. That means staying connected, even when schools are banning smartphones.
But where schools try to cut off communication, smartwatches and family-focused tech step in. They let us know where our children are, who they’re communicating with, and how to reach them in case of emergency. These tools aren’t luxuries. They’re necessities.
“Black children are at higher risk in nearly every public system, and when they go missing, no one looks for them. Black parents cannot afford to be disconnected from their children!”
Here are the top tech tools every Black parent should consider this school year:
TickTalk 5: A Serious Smartwatch for Serious Parenting
The TickTalk 5 is not your average kids’ smartwatch. It’s one of the most feature-rich devices available today for school-age children, designed specifically with parental peace of mind in mind.
What makes the TickTalk 5 stand out isn’t just its sleek, durable design—it’s the powerful technology under the hood that gives parents full visibility and kids the independence they crave in a world that doesn’t always protect them.
What It Offers:
- Two-way video and voice calling
- Encrypted text, voice, photo, and emoji messaging with parent-approved contacts
- Real-time GPS, Wi-Fi, and GSM location tracking with location history
- Emergency SOS and 911 calling
- Customizable reminders for daily routines
- Fitness and step tracking
- Strict firewall and unknown-caller blocking
- No social media, no open web browsing
And now with TickTalk’s exclusive Data Sync, families no longer have to start from scratch if a device is lost, broken, or upgraded. This cloud-based data migration tool is a first in the U.S. for children’s smartwatches.
TickTalk didn’t just listen to what families needed—they built a product that meets real-world demands for safety and communication, especially in marginalized communities.
Why It Matters to Black Parents:
The ability to see where your child is at all times. The power to connect with them if something feels off. A secure device that won’t allow strangers or harmful content in. In a world where Black children are over-policed and under-protected, the TickTalk 5 gives parents a sense of agency—and that is priceless.
Xplora X6 Play: Movement, Messaging, and Peace of Mind in One
The Xplora X6 Play combines smartwatch functionality with gamified fitness and strong parental controls, all wrapped in a lightweight, colorful design kids actually want to wear.
What sets the X6 Play apart is that it doesn’t just connect your child to you—it encourages them to engage with the real world and rewards them for it.
Features That Deliver:
- Secure voice and text messaging with only parent-approved contacts
- Real-time GPS tracking and geofencing alerts
- No access to the open internet or social media
- Step-based reward system tied to the kid-friendly Goplay platform
- Built-in camera for creative fun
- Customizable watch faces and bands
- Class Mode to disable distractions during school hours
- Long battery life and strong durability
The Xplora app allows you to manage all of this from your own smartphone, giving you control without invading your child’s independence. This balance makes the X6 Play a great fit for kids who are ready for responsibility but not quite ready for a phone.
Why It Works for Our Community:
For Black parents working long shifts, managing multiple children, or co-parenting across households, the X6 Play provides a reliable way to know your child’s location, activities, and emergency status—without handing over too much tech too soon.
Google Fitbit Ace LTE: Fun Meets Function
We reviewed the Google Fitbit Ace LTE earlier this year and found it to be one of the best options for parents looking to encourage movement while staying connected.
The Fitbit Ace LTE allows location tracking, call and message capabilities, and interactive games that reward physical activity. There’s no web browsing or app downloads, which gives parents peace of mind about safety and screen time.
It’s fun enough to make kids want to wear it and functional enough to keep you informed.
Read the full review here: Google Fitbit Ace LTE
Pixel 9a: A First Phone with Built-In Protection
If your child’s school still allows phones, the Google Pixel 9a is one of the best starter phones available. It’s budget-friendly, durable, and designed to work seamlessly with Google Family Link.
This makes it easy for you to monitor screen time, set app limits, approve downloads, and filter content.
The Pixel 9a also comes with AI features that help with photography, school research, and digital creativity. It gives kids a safe space to learn and express themselves while you stay in the loop.
Google Family Link: Set Boundaries Without Hovering
The Family Link app gives you full control over your child’s connected devices. You can manage screen time, track their location, control app permissions, and see which websites they’re visiting.
Whether they are using a Pixel 9a, a tablet, or a Chromebook, you’re able to create digital boundaries that support your family’s values and your child’s safety.
Google Wallet: Teaching Financial Responsibility Early
With Google Wallet, your child can carry gift cards, school IDs, transportation passes, and even lunch money securely on their device. When paired with Family Link, parents remain in control of how funds are used and when.
This is especially helpful for kids heading to summer camps, after-school programs, or navigating public transportation.
Why This Technology Matters for Black Families
Black children are at higher risk in nearly every public system—education, law enforcement, and health care included. When our children go missing, they are not always searched for. When something goes wrong at school, they are often the ones punished most harshly. And when a crisis occurs, we’re not always the first to be called.
We cannot afford to be disconnected.
Tech like TickTalk, Xplora, and Fitbit Ace LTE offers more than just convenience. They give Black parents tools to stay engaged, alert, and empowered in environments where our children are often under-protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these devices if my child’s school bans phones?
Many schools allow GPS watches with limited functions, especially if they don’t access the internet or social media. Always check your school’s device policy before purchasing.
Do these watches require a phone plan?
Yes, most of them work with kid-friendly cellular plans from providers like T-Mobile or AT&T. Plans are typically affordable and prepaid.
What happens if my child loses their smartwatch?
TickTalk’s new Data Sync feature lets you restore everything to a new watch. No starting over.
How do I teach my child to use these responsibly?
Start by setting clear expectations. Use Family Link or the watch’s built-in controls to gradually increase freedom as your child shows responsibility.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about being overprotective. It’s about being proactive.
In a world that often fails to protect our children, smart tech is one way we can protect them ourselves. Use it to stay in touch, teach responsibility, and empower your child with freedom backed by safety.
Because for Black parents, staying connected is more than a luxury. It’s a necessity.
Disclosure: We received complimentary smartwatches for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed are our own and reflect our honest assessment of the products.
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