I know what you mean. It can of course be used this way as well.

But also remember that there are many factors involved.
How “responsible” your child is (depending on their age). What neighborhood do you live in? And so on and so on.

Novels:
My daughter (about 10 years old now ) He also had such a watch for a number of years. It gave her a lot of freedom at that time. When she first got it (age 6-7), she wore it when she went to the playground “alone” (a few blocks in the neighborhood). If something goes wrong, or if she gets lost in the park behind the playground, she can always reach us easily if necessary.
She could go to her friend who lives across the “main road.” And so on and so on. It felt so big then.

She felt more comfortable knowing she could reach us if needed, and vice versa. For example, she once went to “explore” a campsite while on vacation. She got lost, called us and was able to see where she was at the campsite. Don’t panic/stress.

It’s also practical for her to come out at 5pm with her food, and I can send her a message that we’re about to eat. She doesn’t have to keep track of time. She can just do her social things. I know she’ll be home in time for dinner.

At the same time, all of that is no longer necessary and you no longer wear it for that reason. (Because they are not fashionable )
She now only wears it when we go to the zoo/Efteling or something like that. If we lose each other, they can easily reach us. I can also let her walk in with a piece of paper/bracelet with my phone number on it of course. Nothing wrong with that either. We chose this at the time.

It is also a matter of making agreements. I’ve agreed with my daughter that I won’t watch what she does all day when she wears this thing (I don’t do that either, because an agreement is an agreement), but I can check if I think it’s necessary. He is. After all, I am a responsible parent. So she also trusts that I will stick to this. If you start taking advantage of it, it will probably leave that watch somewhere and start causing harm. (She/was that shrewd one )
By the way, I don’t remember checking where she was without having to. (She even got lost in the camp one time, I looked at where she was and walked towards her). Maybe at first to see how it all works and such, but no further.

I’m very good at parenting, making agreements where possible, and enforcing rules when necessary (although there’s always a gray area between agreement and rule, of course with kids). ). and implementation (with agreed consequences) when necessary.

Every parent does it differently. Every child is different. Your “helicopter mom” comment certainly applies to some parents (probably more than I care to admit), but everyone in the end does what that person thinks is best. Sometimes you don’t even know. My general advice to other parents/younger parents is: “Do whatever works for you. These other parents also do whatever!” ”