Raising kids comes with all kinds of challenges — but raising neurodivergent kids can take “challenging” to a whole different level. In our household, daily life is a mix of structure, surprises and sensory overload. Like many families, we’re always looking for tools that make things feel a little more manageable, especially when it comes to independence and communication.
My 11-year-old son has been using the Cosmo JrTrack 4 for a while now. It’s been a game-changer — giving him a safe way to check in after school or during soccer practice, without the distractions or risks of a phone. So, when I heard about the updated JrTrack 5, I decided to try it with my younger daughter, who’s not only navigating the world at age 8 but also living with ADHD, OCD and autism.
Letting her have the same kind of smartwatch felt like a natural step, one that might help ease her anxiety when she’s away from me while still keeping boundaries in place. Smartwatches for kids walk a fine line. They need to give children some freedom without overwhelming them (or us) with too much tech. The JrTrack 5 promises that balance, with simple calling, location tracking and strong parental controls in a device designed specifically for kids and tweens.
After months of testing — from camp drop-offs to classroom routines — I’ve seen exactly what this watch can (and can’t) do. Here’s my honest take as a mom, tech editor and reluctant member of the “letting go,” club.
What we love
Excellent GPS performance. The JrTrack 5’s new HaloGPS and Active Tracking system makes location updates refresh faster and more accurately than its predecessor — and better than most competitors I’ve tested. It made school pickups and walk-home check-ins a breeze.
Parent-first design. Everything from call permissions to app downloads runs through the parent dashboard. You can approve contacts, review messages and manage features all from your phone.
Kid-friendly. My daughter loved the fun watch face designs, games and curated apps like Calm and Spotify Kids, but wasn’t constantly playing or glued to it like with other watches.
Pre-written texts and voice mode. With pre-written texts like “I’m coming home,” my daughter can get the message to me faster. Plus, there is voice mode so she can send me a voice text.
School mode that actually works. There is a “Focus Mode” that parents can set for any period of time, such as 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. when school is in session. This ensures limited distractions. During that period, the games are inaccessible, leaving just the time and SOS button.
What could be better
Battery life is just okay. On lighter days, we got through school and dinner with 30–40% remaining. But if GPS tracking and voice calls were used heavily, I had to recharge before bedtime.
No BYO plan. You’re locked into COSMO’s cellular service. While coverage was fine in our area, that may not be the case for everyone. Depending on your area, you may want to check reception before fully committing.
Chunky design. It’s cute and colorful, like I said, she loves the variety of face designs, but the JrTrack 5 is noticeably thicker than a Fitbit or kids’ activity band. My daughter didn’t mind even on her petite wrist with sensory issue, but other kids might feel the difference.
How it compares
Watch On
Compared to its predecessor, the JrTrack 4, the JrTrack 5 feels like a meaningful upgrade. GPS is faster and more accurate, the new Active Tracking mode is more responsive, and the app experience is smoother. If you already have the 4, it’s not essential, but if you’re buying for the first time, the 5 is the clear winner.
I would suggest the JrTrack5 if your child is between 6–12 and you want basic GPS, calling and texting. If you’re looking for strong parental control without the risk of full internet and you’re okay with daily charging (honestly, just plug it in at night), you’ll love it.
The only reason I would not recommend it is if you live in a rural area without COSMO coverage, but even then, I’m sure the company could help direct you to a solution. The customer service is human and accomodating.
Bottom line
Smartwatches for kids are getting smarter, but what makes the Cosmo JrTrack 5 stand out for us is knowing where our child is and being able to communicate, all without giving them access to the full internet.
The Cosmo JrTrack 5 gets the essentials right: safety, communication and control. For parents looking for a trusted first device, especially for elementary and middle school-aged kids, it’s one of the best choices on the market.
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