Over the last few years, kids’ use of tech has skyrocketed. From gaming consoles to smartphones, a majority of children now have access to digital technology. Chances are good that trend won’t be slowing down anytime soon. According to a Logitech survey, over 92% of kids from ages 2 to 7 are using tablets and cell phones. If there was ever an industry to invest in, it’s kids tech.
In this article, we discuss three popular types of kids tech you should consider investing in this year:
1. Cell Phones
Smartphones were once considered a luxury; now they’re considered a necessity for both adults and children. Thanks to geo-tracking apps, smartphones help parents keep track of their children. They can also facilitate conversation between kids and their friends, teachers, and family members.
While there’s no denying too much smartphone usage can be a bad thing, the right kind of phone can improve a child’s life. According to Common Sense Media, the ideal phone for kids offers simple controls and extremely limited features. In the last few years, we’ve seen more companies launching phones that fit this mold, and that’s because they’re in high demand.
Parents want to be able to keep in touch with their kids, but they also want to keep their children safe. That’s where kid-specific phones play an important role. If you want to get in on the action in the kids phone space, here are a few examples:
Gabb Wireless
This company offers a phone for kids with no internet access, no social media, and no games. With this phone, parents don’t have to spend a great deal of time monitoring their kid’s tech use. They can stay in touch with their kids with none of the worry.
Relay Screenless
This phone looks more like a walkie-talkie than a smartphone — because it is. The Relay is GPS-enabled, so parents always know where their children are. Even better, parents can create geo-fenced areas. If their child wanders off, they’ll be notified immediately.
Jitterbug Flip
This simple and intuitive phone is targeted at seniors, but it works equally well for children. The display screen is clear, and there’s an emergency button so kids are never too far from help. Another reason why this phone is good for kids is that it doesn’t connect to the internet. Users can text, call, and even snap photos, but there’s zero internet access.
2. Tablets
As noted above, more than 90% of kids use smartphones and tablets. From this percentage, it’s clear an overwhelming majority of parents don’t mind their children using this type of technology. Why? Because of the many benefits a child’s tablet can provide.
Tablets allow children the opportunity to grow their knowledge. By downloading appropriate apps, kids can learn everything from their numbers to the periodic table. For example, the app Elmo Loves ABCs is an engaging way for kids to learn the alphabet. In the game, children choose a letter, trace it, and then listen to a video detailing words that start with that letter.
While parents don’t want their children to become addicted to their tablets, they also know times have changed. Technology isn’t going anywhere, which is why companies have launched tablets specifically designed for children.
According to Dr. Carolyn James, learning designer at LeapFrog Enterprises, children can benefit from digital learning content by age 3. Not only do devices like tablets offer educational games and kid-friendly shows, but they come with security features. Screen time limits and parental controls ensure that children don’t gain access to inappropriate sites.
If you’re looking to invest in kids tech, tablets are a good option because they’re constantly evolving. Here are a few examples:
The Fire 10 Kids tablet
Amazon recently announced its plan to upgrade The Fire 10 Kids tablet with a childproof case to keep it safe from spills and drops. Kids tablets provide a simple and interactive way for children to learn and engage with others. It’s no wonder they’re so popular.
LeapFrog LeapPad Academy Tablet
This tablet offers games and apps that help children learn problem-solving skills as well as improve their reading, math, and writing. The tablet comes pre-loaded with many activities, but for $8 a month, parents can unlock even more content.
Peppy Pals
Peppy Pals isn’t exactly a device. Rather, this series of apps and electronic books is designed to teach kids to deal with their emotions and communicate better. Peppy Pals can be downloaded onto a child’s tablet for easy access.
3. Gadgets
From flying a drone to learning how to code, today’s gadgets for kids offer a wealth of educational activities. Tech innovators have found a way to create devices kids love and parents don’t feel guilty about buying.
For young children, gadgets have been known to be incredibly beneficial. They can stimulate their senses, enhance their learning of sounds and speech, and increase listening skills. Other gadgets encourage creativity and analytical skills. If you’re seeking to invest in this highly diverse sector of the kids tech universe, here are a few examples:
The VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2
This durable, waterproof smartwatch is a great gadget for kids. It allows kids to play games, take photos and videos, and … learn how to tell time. (It is a watch, after all.) There’s also a calculator app so children can practice their math skills.
Mini Drone
Drones have become a highly sought-after tech toy for some kids. Not only are these gadgets cool to play with, but they can help children develop their hand-eye coordination. To use a drone, kids have to use a remote control and throttle stick to make it fly, do tricks, and land. It’s through these movements they improve their coordination.
Dash Coding Robot
Coding robots have all the appeal of a tech toy, but they introduce children to the world of coding in a simple way. The Dash robot offers a learning platform that helps kids bring their visions to life. Dash responds to voice commands and can even move around and talk. The robot can transform into an animal or even Lego blocks, depending on what’s requested.
Every parent wants the best for their children, and every investor wants in on the next big thing. If you’re looking to invest in kids tech, the examples above will show you where opportunities lie. From tablets to gadgets, kids tech is booming — now’s a great time to jump in.
