To delay the age at which kids get their first smartphone, Bouygues Telecom has introduced the Kids Watch. This is the first child-focused smartwatch offered by a carrier in France, specifically designed with limited functionality, lacking internet access and social media capabilities.
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A “Wrist Phone” to Comfort Parents
In a somewhat surprising move for a telecom provider, amid growing concerns about screen time for young children (ranging from 13 to 24 hours per week for 9-11 year-olds), Bouygues Telecom is offering an alternative to the first smartphone. The concept is to provide a “digital decompression chamber” before they take the plunge.
The Kids Watch, available starting Monday, June 23, serves as a secure communication tool. It empowers children with greater independence, especially as they begin middle school, while keeping parents reassured about online dangers.
Calls, Messages, and GPS, All Under Control
Although the watch is connected, it is intentionally restricted. There’s no web browser, no YouTube, no TikTok. All features are designed with safety in mind and can be remotely managed by parents through a dedicated app.
Parents can create a list of approved contacts, the only ones the child can call or receive messages from. The watch also includes GPS for location tracking, a “safety zone” feature that alerts if the child leaves a predefined area, a “school mode” that silences the watch during classes, and an SOS button for emergencies.
What’s the Cost? An All-Inclusive Offer
To market this watch, Bouygues has chosen a “turnkey” pricing model. The watch itself is sold for 1€, followed by a monthly fee of 4€ for 24 months (totaling 97€).
In addition, there is a dedicated plan, fixed and without commitment. It’s priced at 4.99€ per month for customers who already have a Bbox and a mobile plan with the carrier, or 9.99€ per month for others. The advantage is that no additional charges are possible.
What’s the Verdict?
Bouygues Telecom’s approach makes sense. On one hand, it’s a strong PR move. In an era where tech giants are often criticized, positioning themselves as a “responsible” operator that cares about children’s wellbeing is a plus. It’s also a clever way to build long-term loyalty among families: a child equipped with this watch today could be a teenage