Samsung has launched a new kid-friendly mode for its Galaxy Watch 7, enabling parents to use the smartwatch as a tracking device for their children. This feature, which starts rolling out today, allows kids to make calls and send texts to trusted contacts, while parents can monitor their location via GPS.

The Galaxy Watch for Kids mode is enabled through Wear OS and Google Family Link, a setup similar to Apple's Family Setup. Parents can pair and set up the smartwatch using their phone, then configure guardrails through the Google Family Link app. This includes controlling which apps can be downloaded, locating misplaced watches, and specifying contacts for texting and calling.

In addition to these features, the Galaxy Watch for Kids mode includes an emergency SOS feature, which can be accessed by pressing the side button five times. There's also a School Time mode that limits device features during school hours. Furthermore, kids can download 20 "teacher-approved" apps and watchfaces from the kids section of the Google Play store, including educational games and themed watchfaces from popular brands like Barbie and Marvel.

This move by Samsung is seen as a catch-up to Apple's Family Setup, which was introduced in 2020. Google also launched the Fitbit Ace LTE last year, a kids GPS tracker with a focus on educational gaming. Samsung's new feature has been a long-standing request from parents, who previously had to set up Galaxy Watches as standalone devices with cellular service, requiring more technical expertise.

The Galaxy Watch for Kids mode is currently limited to the Watch 7, and it's unclear whether Samsung plans to introduce the feature to other devices, such as the budget-friendly Galaxy Watch FE. We've reached out to Samsung for comment, but have yet to receive a response.

Despite being a late entrant to the market, Samsung's kid-friendly mode for the Galaxy Watch 7 is a significant development in the wearables space. As parents increasingly seek ways to monitor and manage their children's digital lives, this feature is likely to be a major selling point for the device. It will be interesting to see how Samsung's offering compares to Apple's Family Setup and Google's Fitbit Ace LTE in terms of adoption and user experience.