Keeping in touch with your kids with safe technology

The study, 'Freedom for Fun', looked at families attitudes towards technology and devices such as tablets, mobile phones and smartwatches, along with the way they use them.

The findings included 53 per cent of parents found it difficult to get their children off a smartphone, 59 per cent gave their primary aged children a smartphone for safety reasons, and almost two-thirds or parents were worried about their child getting addicted to social media

Happy Families expert, Dr Justin Coulson, said the study demonstrated the issues parents face through every stage of school life - be that starting out or moving into a new year level.

"As school kicks off in 2021, it will be an opportunity for many Aussie parents to go back to some kind of new normal, without home-learning, but is also expected to bring up concerns around separation," he said.

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"Mobile phones can seem like the more immediate option to give your child, with nearly two-thirds admitting they give a phone to their primary aged kids due to safety, but there are other options out there for parents looking for an even safer alternative to keep track of their kids and stay connected without losing them to social media and gaming apps before they're ready."

More than a quarter of parents have revealed they were concerned about separation anxiety in 2021, especially those with new children just starting school, and 48 per cent agreed that they would feel better if they could track their child's movements.

Bathurst resident, Rachel Fenwick, said that while she was a bit nervous about her Sophie starting school, she wouldn't be giving her any smart devices just yet.

"We don't need to supply any tablets or laptops which is great, and we'll take Sophie to and from school so she doesn't need any devices just yet," she said.

"Certainly when she is older we would consider a smartwatch because we can limit access to the internet and social media.

"A smart watch where we could call or message her especially when she starts extra activities after school would be good, but for now it's just not necessary."

Dr Coulson, a Spacetalk advocate, said that devices like smartwatches were a safe and reliable way for parents and kids to stay connected while allowing teachers to teach their classes uninterrupted.

"I've been using the Spacetalk Adventurer device and I'm pleased that it has features in place to alleviate concerns from parents and teachers," he said.

"It doesn't give children access to social media, apps or any other internet services and has a 'school mode' inbuilt so my daughter can learn distraction free but still get my messages when it's appropriate."