Preschool hours 3 year old: How Long is Preschool? – MOM News Daily

How Long is Preschool? – MOM News Daily

As a parent, you might be wondering how long preschool is. Well, the answer depends on where your child attending preschool and what type of school they are in. For example, if your child goes to a public school that offers free pre-K, then their preschool experience will last 4 or 5 years total. If you have chosen to send your child to an early childhood education center for private pre-K, then their preschool experience may only last 2 years total before it’s time for elementary school! The best thing about choosing the right type of preschool setting for your little one is that all types offer some sort of developmental focus that prepares young children for elementary schooling.

Preschool programs provide care and education for young children between the ages of three (3) to five (5) . Preschool has been around since the 1950s when they were only half-day preschool programs. Nowadays it can last anywhere from 2-4 hours per day depending on what state you live in.

Most schools start at 8:30 am or 9 am, with a one-hour lunch break between 12 pm and 1 pm. Most preschools demand children 5 days a week. The total day usually lasts six hours per day, but some schools have half days on Fridays where they only go for three hours instead of six. The term “preschool” is often used interchangeably with “pre-kindergarten.” A typical day at preschool may include learning about letters, numbers, shapes, colors, art, music, and stories.

Preschool is a valuable educational experience for children. A child learns important skills that are necessary for success in school and life! Preschool helps kids develop skills they need later on in life while also teaching them all sorts of practical academic skills like letter recognition or counting to ten.

It is a stage of education that occurs before children start kindergarten. It’s also known as nursery school, pre-kindergarten, playgroup, or kindergarten prep. Preschools are typically private institutions but they can also be public ones. Preschools provide an environment where kids learn the basics of language and math with fun games and activities to keep them interested in learning!

The length of preschool varies depending on the preschool programs. Some preschool programs are for less than a year, while others run up to 4 years. Different states have different compulsory education laws that dictate how long your child should be enrolled in preschool.

Why should I send my child to preschool?

Preschool is an opportunity for children learn social skills and how to work cooperatively with others, which will help them later in life. It also helps children gain knowledge about how to follow directions and control their impulses. If that wasn’t enough, research has shown that those who attend high quality preschool have better physical skills, higher test scores in math, literacy, science, and pre reading skills when they get to elementary school!

Many parents are unsure of the benefits of sending their child to preschool. Here are 5 reasons why it is an invaluable experience.

1) The social and emotional development aspects:

Preschool environment is a safe and nurturing one where children can explore new ideas and make friends with other kids. This helps them develop important skills such as empathy, sharing, taking turns, etc. Going to preschool allows them to learn how to interact appropriately with other children and set limits for themselves.

2) The cognitive development aspect:

Children learn best through play such as puzzles, blocks, drawing, etc., which also help them develop problem-solving skills like planning or sequencing events. Preschools provide children with a variety of stimulating learning activities that they would otherwise not experience at home until they are older. Activities such as puzzles, blocks, and dress-up help kids develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This is essential when it comes time to learn how to write!

3) The academic achievement aspect:

Studies have shown that students who attend preschool have significantly higher rates of reading proficiency by the time they enter kindergarten than those who don’t go to school, or who go to center-based care. The more time a child spends in preschool, the higher his reading comprehension levels will be. They learn skills through play and interaction with other kids. Preschools create an environment where kids learn how to share, take turns, cooperate and resolve issues.

4)Language development:

From singing songs and listening to the teacher read books aloud, preschool helps kids develop language skills that will help them later on in elementary school. They will be able to understand new words and concepts, as well as learn how to spell them. It also helps kids learn numbers, shapes, and colors which are all necessary for later math skills.

5) The emotional development aspect:

Preschools can help kids who may be shy and less self-confident, allowing them to build their self-esteem and fine-tune their skills. Kids who attend preschool develop higher levels of confidence than those who don’t. They have a positive experience in a safe, nurturing environment that makes them eager to learn.

There are many benefits to sending your child to preschool. The skills that they learn prepared them for elementary school and helped them excel in academics. By sending your child to preschool, you are making a great investment into their future that will open up many opportunities for them as they get older. It is truly a valuable experience that will help shape your child into an adult.

How long will my child be at preschool each day?

Preschools typically offer 5-6 hours of instructional time each week. While this might seem like a lot, it’s important for children to play and explore too! The hours and days that your child spends at preschool depend on the preschool age. Typically, 3-4 year olds attend school for half a day, while 5-6 year olds spend full days in school.

Half-day schools offer a variety of programs that meet for just four hours per day, while full-day schools typically offer five or six hours to their students. One benefit of choosing a school that offers only two-morning sessions is knowing exactly what time they’ll head home. On the other hand, it can be difficult for parents who work during those same hours to keep track of when their children are dismissed from class. Whatever type you decide on, you must take into account your schedule.

When can I start looking for a preschool near me?

If you’re a parent and your child is about to enter preschool, you may be wondering when it’s appropriate to start looking for one near you. The answer depends on how old your child is and what type of school they’ll be attending. For example, if your child will be three years old in September and needs a daycare or preschool that can accommodate their age group, then now would be the time to start looking! If they’re only 18 months old though or need childcare for infants, then there’s no rush as those places usually have waiting lists before enrolling other children. But make sure you make child potty trained. There are many factors that go into deciding which school would be best for your children such as location, curriculum, and cost.

Tips on how to choose the best preschool program

Choosing a preschool program is a daunting task. It’s hard to know what the best one is for your child. The right preschool will prepare your toddler or young child for kindergarten with plenty of playtimes, socialization opportunities, and an enriching curriculum.

Choosing the right preschool program for your child is both exciting and nerve-wracking. There are so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know which one would be best for your family. But how do you find the perfect fit? Here are some things you should consider when choosing a preschool program:

-Do they have a convenient location? Some may be farther away from home which can impact both transportation costs and time spent away from work/home responsibilities.

-Is there enough space in the classrooms?

-What about their curriculum?

-Do they offer before or after care services?

-Visit the school during its open house hours to see if it’s a good environment for your child.

-It’s important to consider cost when choosing a program. Many offer scholarships based on need so it’s worth contacting them directly before making any final decisions!

-Start talking to friends and family about their experiences with local preschools. Ask for recommendations, visit places that you’re interested in, and stay open-minded when choosing a program.

-Finally, speak with your child about their preferences before making any final decisions! All children are different so it’s important to explore all options before settling on one.

Conclusion

It’s no secret that kids start preschool at a very young age. It helps them prepare for the challenges of elementary school, which can be difficult to navigate without early preparation. Preschool also allows kids to learn social skills and develop confidence in their abilities. So, decide the right preschool for your child.

About Preschool Programs – Topeka Public Schools

If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected]g.

PRESCHOOL INTERVENTION PROGRAM:

The Preschool Intervention Program (PIP) offers a half day (3 hours) of preschool for three and four year old children that have a current Individualized Education Program (IEP).

There is a morning session and an afternoon session. Students receive specially designed instruction by a special education teacher. The program offers a continuum of appropriate, individualized services to enhance the development of children with special needs.

To be in the half-day PIP, students must either have an IEP or have passed a development screener to serve as a Peer Model.

PIP PEER MODEL PROGRAM:

The PIP classrooms provide special education services to students with a disability. Each classroom has some students placed in the room that display typically developing skills in order to serve as a peer model for the students with a disability.

The program is a half-day (3 hours), with one session in the morning and one session in the afternoon. In order to qualify, the student must pass a developmental screening to ensure they are a candidate to be a peer model.

HEAD START PROGRAM:

Sheldon Head Start Child Development Center provides full day preschool for three and four year old children daily from 9:15 AM – 4:00 PM (10:15 AM – 4:00 PM on Fridays). As a Head Start program, we provide a model of services that is designed to meet the whole child’s needs.

Services include: on-site medical, nutrition, family advocacy, home visitation, mental health, disability, and education services. There are certain qualifying factors for students to be accepted into the program.

STATE PRE-K PROGRAM:

The State Pre-K programs are located within the elementary schools, as well as at Shaner Early Learning Academy. State Pre-K provides full day preschool for four year old children daily from 8:40 AM – 3:40 PM (9:30 AM – 3:40 PM on Fridays).

We offer a rigorous, research-based curriculum that prepares students for kindergarten. Our classrooms are taught by certified teachers and each classroom has a paraprofessional to assist. There are certain qualifying factors for students to be accepted into the program.

TUITION PROGRAM:

Shaner is a tuition based Early Learning Academy that provides educational opportunities for children for the Topeka area. Our program is available to three and four year olds.

We offer a rigorous play based curriculum that prepares our students for kindergarten. Our classrooms are taught by certified teachers and each classroom has a paraprofessional to assist.

We also provide special education services for our students that might need them and work with Family Service & Guidance Center for additional opportunities.

Our doors are open from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM through our partnership through the YWCA. Class time runs from 8:40 AM – 3:40 PM. Included in the tuition is breakfast, lunch, and snack.

PINE RIDGE PREP:

Pine Ridge Prep is an Early Learning Community. This means we provide educational opportunities for children from Head Start, Special Education, State Preschool Program, and the Pine Ridge community.

Children will learn, play, and grow together in one of three classrooms with certified teaching staff utilizing the research based curriculum. Pine Ridge Prep is comprised of three and four year old students. Each classroom is lead by an early childhood licensed teacher and assisted by two paraprofessionals.

Pine Ridge Prep offers many on-site services to the children and families that we serve. Some of those services are: Special education services, social work services, family service workers, and parenting classes.

characteristics of the main functions and a list of models for different ages |DEKA.ua

Before learning how to choose a smart watch for children, decide on the necessary functions. The functionality of devices affects their price and purpose. Pay attention to durability: the materials of the case, dial and strap. It is better for small children of preschool age to buy shock-resistant watches, for teenagers a variety of options are suitable.

Why do children need a watch when a child has a smartphone

If we talk about what is better – a smart watch or a phone – then the latter loses in some respects.

The main advantages of a smart watch compared to a phone:

• Quickly send a signal for help in case of a dangerous situation.
• The watch is constantly on the wrist, it is more difficult to lose or break it.
• The gadget is always in sight, the child will not miss your call.
• Limited choice of entertainment so that the student is not distracted in the classroom. The most common entertainment apps for kids’ smartwatches are learning apps, math puzzles, and apps to encourage physical activity.
• The absence of distracting programs also affects the battery charge – smart watches do not run out as quickly as a phone.

How children’s smart watches work

More often than not, parents are looking for gadgets that determine the location of their child. This feature is available in all children’s smart watches, but in many models it works differently.

The main principle is to determine the geolocation using the GPS module and send it to parents. Data is sent to the parents’ phone via cellular communication. It is worth considering the different ways to read the location in order to understand how to choose a children’s watch with GPS.

The most accurate method for determining geolocation is the already mentioned GPS. It reads data with an error of only 5-50 meters in the open air. The disadvantage of this method is the low accuracy indoors – the error is up to 500 meters. To make the received coordinates more reliable, an LBS scanner and Wi-Fi are also built into the best children’s smart watches.

Wi-Fi updates indoor and outdoor coordinates. It picks up communication even from password-protected networks, so it will accurately determine the location in a big city. If there is little or no Wi-Fi network in the room, the data error increases significantly.

LBS (Location-based service) contacts the nearest cell tower and determines the location from it. The efficiency of this method of reading geodata is affected by the telephone operator: the more towers in the city, the more accurate the coordinates. Without Wi-Fi and GPS LBS data is inaccurate.

Smart watch for small children works via 2G network. They have built-in only geolocation tracking and calls, there is no Internet access.

If you choose not just a watch to track your child, but a full-fledged gadget, then the ability to connect to a 3G network will come in handy. The amount of Internet and voice traffic required depends on the needs.

Functions of smart watches for children

All functions can be divided into two groups: basic and additional. The former are present in almost every model and are needed for its efficient operation, the latter expand the functionality of smart watches. Their presence is worth paying attention to.

Main Functions

Location Reading

Real-time location tracking using GPS or other satellites. The data is displayed on the parent’s linked smartphone – you can even follow the movements of children on the map.

You can set the time interval for updating satellite data from 1 minute to 1 hour. The smaller the interval, the more accurate geolocation monitoring. A low interval discharges the smart watch faster, so it is better to choose average values. Another option is to set a maximum interval and check the location in the app as needed.

Two way calls

Parents will be able to call their child and vice versa. Moreover, you can choose the type of notification: sound + vibration or only one mode.

When studying how to choose a watch-phone for a child, note the possibility of restricting incoming calls from unknown numbers. You can enter from three to ten numbers of the closest people and thus protect children from calls from intruders. The smartwatch will automatically reject incoming calls from unknown numbers.

Voice and text messages

Text messages are sent only one way – from the smartphone to the watch. Voice notifications can be sent in both directions and listen to them at a convenient time. You don’t have to constantly check the student’s lesson schedule – he will listen to the message in his free time. The same principle works in reverse: you will not be distracted during a meeting or while driving.

SOS signal

In an emergency, the child can press the SOS button for a few seconds and send out an alarm signal. It will work and send a signal to pre-set phone numbers. The watch will ring until the recipient receives a notification.

With the enhanced function, other options may also be activated. For example, rapid data transfer from a GPS tracker after pressing the SOS button. The location on the parent smartphone is updated every 10 seconds instead of 15. Another option is to automatically turn on the voice recorder when sending a signal for help.

After buying a smartwatch, practice activating the SOS button. It is important that the child can easily, quickly and discreetly press it.

Reading the time

We must not forget about the usual watch function – reading the time. Extended version – indication of the day of the week and date.

Additional functions

Flashlight

Modern smart watches have a built-in LED flashlight. He has a beam of light concentrated in one place, the glow is weak, but pinpoint. The LED flashlight practically does not affect the battery charge and does not heat up.

It will be useful for children who have to return late from extra classes or sections. It will also be needed in everyday situations, children’s games.

Alarm clock

No more being late for school! Program the desired rise time on your smartphone and send the data to the smart watch. It is convenient if you need to set an alarm while being far from the child.

Pedometer

Tracks the number of steps taken per day. Excellent ability to control physical activity. To improve performance, a reward system is also built in. For example, the built-in variation of the Tamagotchi. An electronic pet can only be fed after completing the planned number of steps.

Video call

Makes it easier to communicate with peers and adults. In addition, it is also a good monitoring tool – at any time you can check the whereabouts of the child.

Camera

Smart watch with camera takes photos. So the child will be able to share his impressions of the day. True, the quality of the photo is not very good, because a primitive camera from 0.3 to 2 megapixels is built into children’s smart watches.

Watch finder

If your watch is lost somewhere at home, you can activate watch finder. The gadget will start beeping, and it will be much easier to find the loss. If you haven’t found the houses, you can try to find them using GPS data.

At what age should a child buy a smart watch?

Children’s smartwatch can be used by children from 3 years old. They have simple, intuitive controls that even the smallest will understand.

From 3 to 9 years old, children become more active, and for them the risk of getting lost or getting into a dangerous situation becomes even higher. Quite often, children at this age do not know their address or phone number of their parents by heart. Children’s smart watch will ensure your peace of mind.

From the age of 9 to 12, children begin to travel by themselves in transport, go for walks without supervision, and get to school on their own.

Adolescents may return home late or not contact their parents on time. It is good if the children are independent, but it is better to be sure that they are safe.

Features of selection by age

The characteristics of the watch must be age appropriate. Accessories with basic functionality are suitable for preschoolers. In this case, the fewer features, the better. It will be easier for the child to deal with the controls, and you do not have to spend money on functions that are incomprehensible to the baby.

For children under 5 years old, models with a built-in GPS beacon, an SOS button, wiretapping, a function for sending messages or calls, and a pick-up sensor are suitable.

A smart watch for a child aged 7 and over should have more advanced functionality. In the first-grader’s watch, the reading of GPS coordinates should already be improved, it would be good if Wi-Fi positioning and geo-fence are added. So you will know at any time where your son or daughter is.

For schoolchildren, it is important to have a vibrating alert – parents will be able to dial silently if necessary. Kids will love the bright design and touch screen. Make sure that there are no games, then the watch will become a useful gadget, and not just another entertainment device.

A teenager from 11 years old needs not just a watch, but a simplified version of an adult gadget. Active guys will like physical activity tracking sensors, sociable teenagers will like the ability to respond to messages through the clock, music lovers will like player control on a smartphone. Talk to your child about which features they would like.

It’s good if you can set parental controls or limit incoming calls to the list of available contacts. So your child will always be safe.

How to choose the right smart watch for children by material and design

All offers can be roughly divided into 3 categories:

• Sports watches are made in bright colors, resistant to damage, with a silicone or plastic strap;
• Traditional, on the contrary, with a strict design and neutral shades. Pairs well with school uniforms. The high-quality case and glass are comparable to those in adult specimens.
• Universal smartwatches are often made with unusual designs and features of other styles.

To choose the right smart watch for a boy and a girl, pay attention to their individual interests. Consider what colors and style you like.

Appearance usually corresponds to the recommended age. For children under 10 years old, models are offered in bright colors, although there are also restrained tones: black, white, metallic. For teenagers, there are models of different shades.

Cases in children’s watches are usually square or rectangular with rounded edges, which makes it easier to read information. It is most often made of durable plastic, metal, rubber, silicone, or a combination of both. These materials are pleasant to the touch, do not cause allergies, are not afraid of falling and scratches. If we talk about which children’s smart watch is better to buy, then pay attention to the combination of stainless steel and plastic – a fairly light and at the same time strong combination.

Straps in children’s smartwatches are usually made of silicone. Silicone stretches well, so the accessory is securely fixed. Other materials are sometimes used – rubber, nylon, polymer, plastic or genuine leather. They can be of any color, the main thing is to choose the right size. The watch should sit comfortably on the hand, not put pressure on the wrist, but not hang out. Consider also the fact that small children often tear even the most durable straps, so take a closer look at watches in which the strap can be replaced.

How to choose a smart watch for children by type of display

Budget smart watches for the little ones can boast only a monochrome display with push-button control. Models for older children already have a color touch screen. The middle position between these two options is occupied by an OLED screen. It is also colored, thin and gives a bright picture. True, such a screen is worse perceived in the sun than monochrome, and is more expensive. But it consumes less energy and lasts longer than touch.

The touch screen is more fun to use – allows you to chat on social networks, play simple games or exchange emoji. Children also like the colorfulness of the touch screen, its rich bright colors.

How to choose by battery size

Battery life depends more on battery size. The optimal battery capacity is from 400 to 600 mAh. This indicator is indicated in the characteristics of each model.

The longer the battery life, the better. On average, the device works from 6 hours to 2 days with GPS on and up to 7 days in standby mode. Increase your geo-fence, turn off extra features you don’t use, send messages or calls less often, and listen to voice messages less often to extend your battery life.

How to choose a waterproof smartwatch for kids?

Waterproof watch is the best choice for young children who have not yet learned how to properly care for their gadgets. The accessory will not have to be thrown away after playing in the pool or washing hands. An additional plus is that the speakers and the microcircuit are protected from dust.

Water protection is specified in the format of two letters and numbers, eg IP54 or IP67. The letters stand for “Ingress Protection” – a classification standard for the degree of protection of gadgets from the penetration of foreign objects and moisture. The first digit indicates the level of protection against dust, the second – against water.

Basic dust and water resistance will come in handy so you don’t have to take your smartwatch off every time you wash your face or wash your hands. IP54 level protection is sufficient for such tasks. Watches with water protection “4” are not afraid of splashes and drops of water, but you should not take a shower or swim with them in the pool – they will not withstand and will fail. Dust protection level “5” ensures that the device does not break even after falling on it with small particles less than 1 mm.

Higher values ​​will be useful for children who often come into contact with water or swim. In this case, look for a smart watch with IP67 protection. Dust protection degree “6” means that the device is absolutely not afraid of dust. With water resistance “7”, the watch can be submerged to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Remember that regardless of the level of moisture protection under water, it is better not to press the buttons. They are considered the weakest point in the watch and can leak moisture.

How do I select a parental control watch?

Parental control includes several functions at once:

• wiretapping;
• hand-held sensor;
• movement history;
• geo-fence;
• prohibition to turn off the gadget.

It is the presence of such opportunities that often determines which model to choose for children of different ages.

Wiretapping

Children’s wiretapping watch is needed so that you can discreetly ring the clock and hear what is happening around. The function is useful when the device is lost, if the teenager does not answer the call or the SOS button is triggered. In addition, wiretapping will also insure when GPS data is inaccurate. If you are not sure that the child is really at school, turn on the wiretap and do not distract the student from class.

Different manufacturers have other names: “back/silent call”, “audio monitoring”, “feedback function”.

Watch removal sensor

Suitable for parents of restless kids or freedom-loving teenagers. If you remove the device, you will receive a notification on your phone within 10 minutes. Understanding how to set your kid’s smartwatch to enable this feature is easy enough. In the main menu, go to the “Settings” application and enable the function in the corresponding section.

The sensor is not present in all models, its presence and quality of work can be checked according to the information in the instructions and reviews for children’s smart watches. The sensor is also noticeable externally – on the back of the case, look for a rectangle under transparent glass.

Movement history

The watch shows the route traveled for different periods of time. Depending on the functionality of a particular model, data is stored for one day or even a month. Based on the data obtained, it is convenient to build a geo-fence.

Geo-fence

Also called “electronic fence”. First, outline the boundaries of a safe area: school, sections, houses of relatives and friends. If the children leave the specified area, you will receive a notification on your phone.

Clock Turn Off Prohibition

Useful for young children who may turn off the clock by accident, and free-spirited teenagers trying to get out of parental control. Like the hand-held sensor, it is configured on the gadget itself.

Best smartwatches for kids aged 3 to 16 (2021)

Now let’s move on to the ranking of the best smartwatches for kids. They are grouped into 3 groups: for 3-8 years old, 8-12 years old and teenagers.

Top 5 models for young children:

• GARMIN VIVOFIT JR3, DISNEY PRINCESS
• GARMIN VIVOFIT JR3, MARVEL IRON MAN
• GARMIN VIVOFIT JR3, BLUE STARS
• GARMIN VIVOFIT JR3, MARVEL BLACK PANTHER
• GARMIN VIVOFIT JR3, DISNEY THE LITTLE MERMAID

Top 5 smart watches for teenagers:

• GARMIN INSTINCT (FLAME RED) 010-02064-02
• APPLE WATCH SERIES 3 38MM
• SAMSUNG ACTIVE2 40 SILV ALUM
• SAMSUNG GALAXYWATCH 42M BLACK
• NOMI W20 BLACK

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To find the right device, try comparing children’s smartwatches by features. Make a list of the most important features for yourself and focus on the models where they are presented. Another important point is the ease of use and control of the clock using the application. Learn which smartphones the devices are compatible with, how they connect, and what features they track.

Listening watches for children: is it legal to use them at school and kindergarten

Very often we are asked how legal it is to use a GPS watch and the Find My Kids app because they have a wiretapping function. This is largely due to high-profile criminal cases due to various equipment with the functions of audio and video recording, which the FSB qualifies as “devices for secretly obtaining information.”

Since not everyone knows the laws well and does not follow their changes very carefully, there are not only questions regarding the legality of using children’s GPS-watches with wiretapping, but also conflict situations. Teachers or parents of other children report a violation of privacy, so the child is prohibited from wearing “bug devices” in school or kindergarten. As a result, children’s safety suffers.

Together with a qualified lawyer Daria Yugova, we analyze the main issues related to the legality of the use of smart watches and give comprehensive answers to them.

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

Content:

• Children’s GPS watch and spy device – what’s the difference?
  • Listening watches for children – is it legal to buy and use them?
  • What information is classified as privacy and protected by law?
  • Do I need any special permissions to wear a smart watch and use the wiretapping function?
  • Listening outside of educational institutions and public places – is it against the law?
  • While listening to the sound background around the child, I accidentally heard his secret conversation with those who are nearby at that moment, he touched on personal information about other people. What to do?
• Children’s GPS watch at school or kindergarten
  • Can the GPS watch be used at school or kindergarten?
  • Caregivers and parents of other children say the watch’s recording function violates their privacy rights. This is true?
  • The child was required to take off his watch at school or kindergarten. Do educational or other institutions have the right to prohibit children from wearing such gadgets, limit their use?
  • The smart watch was taken away from the child, because the wiretapping function is “spyware” and can record conversations. It is legal?
  • During the wiretapping, violations were recorded on the part of the teacher (rudeness, shouting, insults) against my or another child. What to do?
  • When listening, the fact of bullying was revealed. What to do?
• Mobile application for managing smart watches with wiretapping function
• Legislation and jurisprudence on a self-study topic
• Terminals

Children’s GPS watch and spy device – what’s the difference?

Prostock-studio/Shutterstock.com

Using the Find My Kids app, a parent can activate the microphone on their child’s phone or GPS watch and listen to everything that is happening around. This helps to control the behavior of children and identify conflicts with teachers or peers, but many parents have a question: is the wiretapping function legal at all? In short, yes. Let’s take a closer look at the main issues together with a lawyer.

Listening watches for children – is it legal to buy and use them?

Watches connected to the GPS location application “Where are my children” can be used in kindergarten, at school, in any public place, as they are not spyware or prohibited, which is confirmed by the relevant certificates and FSB notification.

However, there are many fakes sold on the Internet that are not protected by certificates, and you may be held liable for the purchase of such devices. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a smart watch on the Internet, based not only on their functionality and favorable price, but also taking into account the availability of documentation on the legality of use in our country.

In accordance with recent changes in art. 138.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, spy devices do NOT include freely available devices with the functions of audio recording, photo-video recording and (or) geolocation with controls for such functionality openly located on them. In general, if the gadget has signs of spyware, it is better that it has certification documents.

It is important to understand that the GPS watch is used only to determine the location of the child and ensure his safety, and not as a means to secretly obtain information about a third party or, for example, commercial activities.

Only when deliberately used for other purposes, with the intention of violating privacy, infringing on state secrets or personal data, the device can be recognized as spyware by law enforcement agencies, and the owner will be held liable, including criminal liability,

What information is classified as a secret of private life and protected by law?

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The concept of “private life” includes information relating to an individual, which concerns only him and is not subject to control by society and the state, unless they are illegal.

The Constitution of the Russian Federation also guarantees the right of everyone to the inviolability of personal and family secrets (part 1 of article 23), to the secrecy of correspondence, telephone conversations (part 2 of article 23). Again, if we are not talking about some kind of crime.

Everything else is not protected by law.

You need to notify about the recording if the conversation is personal, is a trade secret, and you know about it. Also, the law allows you not to notify about the recording in public places, which are schools and kindergartens, so you can generally not inform the child and teachers that at any time you can listen to the sound around through any device,

Listening outside of educational institutions and public places – is it against the law?

According to paragraph 3 of the Decree of the Plenum of the Supreme Court No. 46 of December 25, 2018, wiretapping is a separate method of collecting information about the private life of a person, regardless of whether the recording was made or not. When using the recording or listening function, it is the goal that matters – personal safety, the safety of a child or family member, the safety of property, surveillance of animals and nothing more. It will not be a violation to listen to a conversation, the topic of which concerns business relations, but does not carry a commercial secret.

Recording may violate copyright and/or related rights. For example, a concert was accidentally recorded without the permission of the record company or the artist. If it was conducted for the purpose of locating and ensuring the safety of a child or family member, then this is permissible.

But when the gadget is used to secretly record the conversation of people near it and the owner of the device cannot prove that this was necessary for legal purposes, then law enforcement agencies will consider the situation as a violation of the law. Here, for the qualification of the crime, it will not matter whether the gadgets allowed by the FSB or the so-called “spyware” were used.

Do I need any special permission to wear a smart watch and use the wiretapping function?

No, they are not, especially if they do not have a recording function, like the SmartBaby Watch Q50 for children from 4 years old. In fact, eavesdropping in this situation is a telephone conversation in which a person acts as an interlocutor, therefore, even if there was a call, he would also hear the same sounds surrounding the child.

If the gadget has all the documents necessary for Russia, is worn on the hand or is clearly visible, then it can be used, but, as already mentioned, only for certain purposes.

Here the line runs in the presence of a personal, family secret on the record and the intent of the recorder to obtain this information. If a personal or family secret is recorded on the recording, there is a violation of Art. 23 of the Constitution, but if this information was brought to the general knowledge of an unlimited circle of persons, it cannot be considered personal or family,

Listening to the sound background around the child, I accidentally overheard his secret conversation with those who are nearby at that moment. It concerned personal information about other persons. What to do?

If this happens, then any information received cannot be recorded and distributed without the consent of the person whose constitutional rights may be violated, or his legal representatives if the person is a minor. Also, this information cannot be used as evidence. Just delete the audio file if you recorded and keep the resulting data private.

Children’s GPS watch at school or kindergarten

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So, we found out that the watch with a GPS tracker is not a spy or illegal device. However, educational institutions often have their own vision of what is possible and what is not within their walls. Let’s consider whether educational institutions or any other authorities have the right to prohibit children from wearing smart gadgets or somehow restrict their use, and what to do if you unwittingly witness a conflict situation or unprofessional behavior of a teacher.

Can the GPS watch be used at school or kindergarten?

Yes. These are public places, and the purpose of using a watch with a listening function is the safety of the child. During the educational process, family or commercial secrets, other information protected by law are not disclosed, therefore it is allowed not only to listen, but also to record.

It is necessary to explain to teachers that GPS watches are needed for children’s safety. This is especially true for older children who already go to school alone and return from lessons. In general, now almost everyone knows about such devices and treats them calmly, even if they do not use them themselves.
If the teacher is against the fact that at some point the parent can listen to what is happening in the class or in the group, questions arise about his methods of work,

Educators and parents of other children say the smartwatch’s listening and recording features violate their privacy rights.

This is true?

We have already found out that it is not. Preschool and other educational institutions are a workplace for educators, teachers and all other employees. Listening or recording is carried out in a public place, at the workplace, during working hours. The information provided there is not protected by law, and the casual conversation of other children around your child is not the end in itself of wiretapping.

Read also How to choose children’s watches with GPS – the best models of 2021 for any age and budget.

The child was required to take off his watch at school or kindergarten. Educational or some other institutions have the right to prohibit children from wearing such gadgets, limit their use?

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Theoretically, the rules of residence, internal regulations or other local document of the school or kindergarten may contain a ban on the use of technical equipment in the classroom and an indication that other devices must be turned off and removed from the table. A ban on the use of hidden audio and video recording tools without the knowledge of the administration and parents (legal representatives) of students may also be prescribed. In this case, the teacher and parent are required to comply with the local acts of the school, but not everything is so simple.

Ideally, the internal rules of an educational institution should not contradict the constitution of the country and federal and regional laws, but this sometimes happens. An example of such violations: children are required to look a certain way, hair color is regulated, etc., and in case of violation they are suspended from school.

An internal ban on children wearing GPS watches in educational institutions can also not be legal under any reservations, so if you are ready for a bureaucratic struggle, you can appeal it by contacting the prosecutor’s office or in court.

The child’s smart watch was taken away because the eavesdropping function is “spyware” and can record conversations.

It is legal?

No, such actions are illegal. At least, because the watch is the property of the child, and no one has the right to take someone else’s property without court decisions. A gadget purchased in Russia and having an FSB notification, which fully confirms the legality of its use, is not “spyware”. Only law enforcement agencies, competent experts, and not teachers who do not have the necessary skills can give such a status to the device. In addition, the purpose of using the watch is child safety.

Thanks to the device, you know exactly where your child is, so taking away his watch means putting him at risk. If this happened, first of all, it is necessary to complain to the administration of the educational institution, if there is no effect – to the department of education of the district, city. In parallel, you can contact the prosecutor’s office,

During the wiretapping, violations were recorded on the part of the teacher (rudeness, shouting, insults) against my or another child.

What to do?

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Talk directly to the offending teacher first, find out what happened, understand the situation, and be clear about your position on the incident. Then you can contact the administration of the educational institution. If, however, not only your child, but the entire children’s team or part of it, is subject to humiliation or other illegal actions, you should think about a collective complaint from parents to the prosecutor’s office.

When listening to the sound, the fact of bullying was revealed. What to do?

Again, talk to the class teacher, school principal, school psychologist. Usually they see all these processes and are interested in solving them on their own, without attracting the attention of the prosecutor’s office and the public. If it turned out that the victim of bullying is someone else’s child, you need to correctly notify his parents or legal representatives about what is happening, because. they are primarily authorized to represent the best interests of the child.

Mobile application for smart watch control with wiretapping function

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The Find My Kids app can activate the microphone on your child’s phone or GPS watch so you can listen in on everything that’s going on around them. This function does not violate the law, the purpose of its use is, as in the case of a GPS watch, the safety of the child. In addition, when the microphone installed by the manufacturer is activated on the child’s phone, a telephone conversation actually takes place. There is no fact of eavesdropping using a mobile application, and not a phone call, as well as grounds for holding you accountable. You are just a responsible parent.

The smartphone itself is not something illegal, it can be considered a “spy gadget” only if it has been intentionally modified or reprogrammed so that it has acquired new qualities and properties for non-obvious applications. Dangerous software in such cases, as a rule, collects data about the owner, and not about unauthorized persons, and lies in the phone’s firmware, it just won’t work to install or remove it.

Legislation and jurisprudence on a self-study topic

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For those who want to immerse themselves in the legality of children wearing a GPS watch with the ability to listen and record before choosing and buying, as well as installing and using the Find My Kids app on smartphone, we have prepared an overview of regulations. It also contains links to recent bills related to changes in some interpretations and wording.

1. Constitution of the Russian Federation, Art. 23 paragraphs 1 and 2; https://constrf.ru/section-1/glava-2/st-23-krf
2. Federal Law “On Information, Information Technologies and Information Protection”; https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_61798/
3. Federal Law “On Personal Data”; https://www. consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_61801/
4. Federal Law “On trade secrets”; https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_48699/
5. Article 137 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “Violation of privacy”; https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_10699/4234a27af714cc608ea71b7bae9400f3613c8f60/
6. Article 138 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “Violation of the secrecy of correspondence, telephone conversations, postal, telegraphic or other messages”; https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_10699/cad87fb351934e731be49cb6ee1b17de00c25d46/
7. Article 138.1. Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “Illegal circulation of special technical means intended for the secret obtaining of information”; https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_10699/0a8607713c152645dfeebca43023e52d36b6bb0a/
8. Decisions of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation of December 25, 2018 No. 46, paragraph 8 and paragraph 9; https://rg. ru/2019/01/09/vs-rf-46-dok.html
9. Article 183 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “Illegal receipt and disclosure of information constituting a commercial, tax or banking secret”; https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_10699/696074503229a6bf1978651f48895bf3a8831bd8/
10. Ruling of the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation of June 28, 2012 N 1253-O; https://legalacts.ru/doc/opredelenie-konstitutsionnogo-suda-rf-ot-28062012-n-1253-o-ob/
11. Ruling of the Judicial Collegium for Civil Cases of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation dated 06.12.2016 N 35-KG16-18; https://legalacts.ru/sud/opredelenie-verkhovnogo-suda-rf-ot-06122016-n-35-kg16-18/
12. Article 13.11 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation “Violation of the legislation of the Russian Federation in the field of personal data”; https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_34661/1f421640c6775ff67079ebde06a7d2f6d17b96db/
13. Article 13. 14. Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation “Disclosure of information with limited access”. https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_34661/835dca84f369ce440288da07465dbbf24791784a/

Conclusions

Despite the fact that the GPS watches of the company “Where are my children” have a certificate of conformity in the Russian Federation and are included in the Unified Register of notifications about the characteristics of encryption (cryptographic) means and goods, parents and teachers often have questions about the legality their use. This is due to the presence of the function of listening and recording sound.

Together we found out that all devices, like the application in a smartphone, are legal. Legally, your child can attend school, kindergarten and any other place in them if the purpose of using the gadget is to control the safety of a minor family member.

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