为儿童手表立规,只是守卫成长的第一步
经济观察报·2026-01-08 14:18

Core Viewpoint - The recent approval of the mandatory national standard "Safety Technical Requirements for Children's Watches" marks a significant regulatory step for the children's smartwatch industry, aiming to break the closed social ecosystem and reshape market dynamics [2][3]. Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The new standard requires that products allow the exchange of phone numbers and nicknames between different brands, which is expected to dismantle the existing brand loyalty that has forced parents to choose devices based on peer usage rather than functionality [2][3]. - The introduction of this standard reflects a policy commitment to prevent excessive commercial influence on children's social environments, indicating a shift towards prioritizing basic functionalities like communication and positioning in product offerings [3]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The children's smartwatch market is projected to reach a penetration rate of approximately 35% by 2025, with nearly half of urban children expected to own such devices, highlighting the deep integration of this technology into children's growth [3]. - As social barriers between different brands are removed, parents will regain the ability to choose products based on their merits rather than social pressures, leading to a more competitive market focused on core functionalities [3]. Group 3: Social Implications - The article emphasizes that the issue of children being drawn to virtual social interactions is not solely the fault of smartwatches; it calls for a broader societal reflection on why digital interactions can be more appealing than real-life connections [4][5]. - The shift towards digital communication has resulted in a decline in traditional play experiences, with children spending less time engaging in physical activities with peers, which raises concerns about the loss of a "playful childhood" [5]. Group 4: Future Considerations - The new regulations are just the beginning; a collective societal effort is needed to preserve the valuable aspects of childhood that are not tied to technology or consumerism, emphasizing the importance of providing children with time and space for real-world interactions [5].