When children are at school, they need an environment that supports concentration and learning. At the same time, parents want a simple way for their child to reach them before and after school hours. A kids smartwatch can be that middle ground. With School Mode on Xplora smartwatches, families get a practical tool that protects focus during lessons while still keeping communication open when it matters.
In todays classrooms, smartphones are usually more restricted because they pull attention away from teachers and classmates. A children’s smartwatch offers a calmer alternative. It keeps parents and kids connected without introducing the distractions that come with apps, social media or open internet access.
A Smartwatch Designed for the School Day
With GPS, Safe Zones, SOS, calling and messaging, Xplora smartwatches support a child’s independence while giving parents peace of mind. Children can walk to school, move between activities and explore their neighbourhood with confidence. Parents know their child is only a tap away if something unexpected happens.
During school hours, however, uninterrupted learning matters. School Mode ensures the smartwatch functions as a simple watch while class is in session. This helps children stay present, reduces classroom disruptions and supports school policies that limit device use.
Explore our kids smartwatches for school
How School Mode Works
School Mode turns off all interactive features during the hours you choose. When it is active, your child cannot make calls, send messages or use the camera. The smartwatch simply displays the time, just like a regular watch. The SOS button remains available, and the step counter continues to track activity throughout the day.
This protects classroom focus and removes the temptation to check or play with a device.
Parents remain fully in control through the Xplora app. You can still see your child's location, receive Safe Zone alerts and adjust schedules whenever needed. When the school day ends, the smartwatch automatically returns to full function.
How to Set Up School Mode
Open the Xplora app on your phone
Select your child’s profile
Choose School Mode
Create a new schedule
Set the start and end times
Select the days it should apply
Save your settings
You can create up to fifteen different schedules. This makes it easy to set separate quiet hours for school, after-school programs, bedtime or weekend routines.
Why Internet-Free Devices Matter in the Classroom
Schools across Canada and internationally are moving toward more structured digital environments. Schools have started banning smartphones because they draw students into notifications, group chats, videos and social media. Banning phones during class has also proven to improve the academic performance within the classroom supporting the movement.
Teachers consistently report that the most difficult part of device use is not the hardware itself but the constant digital pull behind it.
A Kids smartwatch without internet access avoids these challenges. It offers communication without distractions and independence without exposure to content children are not ready for. This type of technology supports:
• focus during lessons
• calmer classrooms with fewer interruptions
• safe communication before and after school
• healthier early digital habits
• independence that matches a child’s developmental stage
As Canadian schools explore better boundaries around technology, simple and purpose-built devices provide a helpful alternative to giving children a smartphone too early.
Supporting the Child’s Growing Independence
Independence develops in small steps. A child walks into the classroom alone, tries a new route home or speaks up during group work. These moments build confidence over time.
A kids smartwatch can support this growth. Children know they can reach a parent if needed, but they also experience the freedom of navigating their own day. Parents stay informed without hovering, and children feel trusted. This sense of trust is a key ingredient in developing healthy self-confidence.
Reducing Distractions Helps the Whole Classroom
Distractions affect more than one child. A vibrating phone, a notification or a pop-up message can break focus not only for the wearer but for the students around them. School Mode prevents this by turning the smartwatch into a quiet, passive device during lessons. Teachers experience fewer interruptions, and students stay more engaged socially and academically.
Building Healthier Digital Habits Early
Children form their digital habits long before they get a smartphone. A smartwatch without apps, internet or social media teaches a different kind of relationship with technology. It introduces communication without overstimulation and helps children understand that being reachable does not require being online all day.
This early foundation often prevents struggles with excessive screen time later in childhood.
Why a Smartwatch Can Be Safer Than a Smartphone in Elementary School
Smartphones introduce challenges children are not always ready for: group chats, social comparison, viral trends, online strangers, constant notifications and pressure to stay connected. A smartwatch removes these risks and focuses only on what children need.
For this reason, many families use a smartwatch as the first step before considering a smartphone. If you want to learn more about choosing age-appropriate devices, you can explore our guide on choosing the right first device for your child.
A Balanced Choice for Families and Schools
For children, an Xplora smartwatch provides confidence and growing independence.
For parents, it offers reassurance and healthy boundaries.
For teachers, it supports a distraction-free environment.
School Mode brings structure to the school day and helps families stay connected without interrupting learning.
Explore our kids smartwatches designed for school and everyday safety.
