The concept of adults tracking their fitness with wearable technology is not new but fitness trackers for kids is a more recent development -and one that seems to have taken off around the world. While many parents have bought their kids one with the best of intentions, you may be wondering whether it’s a good idea. Maybe you feel vaguely uncomfortable about the idea. Yes, the argument that companies producing fitness trackers for kids use -that technology is a way to motivate them to move- sounds reasonable. But there are a number of very good reasons why -if you’re still thinking about buying your child one – you shouldn’t.
1. Fitness trackers take all the intrinsic pleasure and delight and curiosity out of play
We know that the physical activity children engage in is very different to adults – both in the nature of the activity, as well as the factors that influence whether or not they participate in physical activity. Children for example, are highly motivated by having fun, but encouraging them to track their fitness takes all the fun and enjoyment out of being physically active. Instead of simply moving for pleasure, it becomes all about reaching certain numbers. Guilt and pressure are used to increase physical activity and change behaviour. Instead of moving for intrinsic reasons like having fun, the motivation becomes extrinsic. Encouraging your child to track their fitness disconnects them from the intrinsic value of play and being physically active: having fun. This can lead to them becoming less interested in doing what they previously had fun doing. If they start to see it as a chore, they can lose their motivation for playing and moving entirely.
2. The efficacy of fitness trackers is questionable
A 2019 meta-analysis found no evidence that wearing fitness trackers increased physical activity in healthy children and adolescents. One reason why fitness trackers are unlikely to lead to long-term changes in in physical activity is because they use external mechanisms, such as guilt and pressure, to increase physical activity and change behaviour. Kids and young people need to be motivated by intrinsic reasons like having fun being active. Riding bikes, climbing on things, playing in the pool or playing tag are inherently fun activities for kids. When the motivation becomes external — like a gold star or some other reward – kids can become less interested in doing what they previously had fun doing and they can lose their motivation for playing and moving entirely.
3. Using fitness trackers may lead to unhealthy behaviours
Not only is their efficacy questionable, but fitness trackers may lead to unhealthy, dangerous behaviours such as over-exercising, disordered eating, anorexia and bulimia. Just like adults who obsessively track their weight on a scale, a child can become preoccupied with tracking their steps on a fitness tracker. Which begs the question: would you buy your 8-year-old a scale and encourage her to weigh herself daily? Probably not. In fact concern about the use of fitness trackers in young people has been raised around the world including New Zealand, the UK, and Canada
While research has demonstrated a link between fitness tracker use and obsessive calorie counting or exercise tracking, most of it has been done in young adults and because most of it is observational research, we cannot say that fitness trackers cause eating disorders. It’s possible that participants in these studies with disordered eating and tendencies towards excessive exercise were more likely to want to track their food and exercise. But it is also possible monitoring of activity and food intake encourages or validates some of the features of disordered eating and exercise among those who are vulnerable. Either way, we do know that dieting in teens is a risk factor for developing an eating disorder, so anything that encourages dieting or tracking calories or exercise is best avoided. This is especially true for young people at risk, including those with a family history of eating disorders, trauma or other mental health struggles.
4. Calorie-counting functions aren’t suitable for children
The features these wearables offer differs from tracker to tracker. Some are focused solely on activity or steps. Others are like mini smartwatches, with lots of other features including sleep monitoring and calorie-counting. Some even have a “chores function”, which assigns kids tasks they need to carry out – yes, really! In any case, a calorie-counting feature is not appropriate for children or adolescents who are still growing and developing.
5. Kids + fitness trackers = missed opportunities
Becoming preoccupied with counting everything and anything, means we risk losing track of what really counts. Instead of delegating play and physical activity to a fitness tracker wouldn’t it be much more fun to spend time together as a family and go walk or bike ride, take a trip to the park and kick a ball or play hide-and-seek? As parents, the best thing you can do is to be a role model. And that means putting on your shoes and going out with your kids. I know that’s easier said than done. For many parents, it isn’t easy finding the time for everything. But rather than thinking about it as something you have to do with your child, think about it as something you get to do with them. It’s not about making your child get physically fit, it’s inspiring your child to do it -with added benefits for you too. So, why not head outside – without a fitness tracker and no goal in mind other than to enjoy each other’s company and see how much fun it is!
What to do if your child already has a fitness tracker
If your child already has a fitness tracker, you may like to consider the following:
- Switch off the calorie-counting function if it’s offered – this function is not suitable for children.
- Talk about the dangers of over-exercising with your kids.
- If they grow bored of their fitness tracker, consider putting it away.
- If your child doesn’t get bored of it, they may well outgrow it -in which case you can think about whether you want to buy another.
Bottom line:
There’s little reason for children to use a fitness tracker and a number of physiological, psychological and emotional reasons why you should think twice about giving your child or young teenager one. If your child or teenager really wants one, consider what is motivating their desire. Weight loss isn’t an appropriate goal for children or adolescents, who are still growing and developing. Be a role model and don’t use a fitness tracker – or if you must, try to use it when your kids are not around.
Tips for getting your kids moving (without the technology)
If you want your kids to be more active, check out these tips instead of looking to a fitness tracker for a solution.
- Find out what your child loves doing – and then foster your child’s love for this activity
- If they enjoy it, encourage your children to play tag, skip or throw a ball or a frisbee.
- Make play and physical activity fun by considering other options like skateboards, roller skates, bicycles, scooters, basketball hoops.
- Visit playgrounds, parks, nature reserves, ovals or beaches.
- Get children involved in a variety of different sports and activities they enjoy doing.
- Put portable electronic devices out of sight
Ready to take the next step? Contact me and request a complimentary call to find out more about Intuitive Eating and how to truly nourish yourself and your family without dieting, food deprivation and mealtime stress.
