Potential family policies to consider:

CHECKING IN

Check-In Frequency:

Parents and teens can set a policy for the smartwatch’s check-in intervals, such as every few hours or at designated times.

Flexibility is crucial: Check-in frequency should be adjustable according to the teen’s activities or specific times.

Customized Check-In Times:

Set check-ins to align with the teen’s routine, e.g., before school, after school, and at bedtime.

FAMILY RESPONSE

Handling False Alarms:

Policies need to address false alarms or misunderstandings.

Strategies may include verifying the teen’s safety through other means.

Response Time:

Set a policy for the teen’s response time when the alarm is triggered.

For instance, responses might be required within a specific time frame (e.g., 10 minutes).

Parental Response Time:

Determine expected response times for parents/caregivers following an alert.

Sharing Responsibilities:

Clarify roles if multiple caregivers/family members are involved.

Specify who monitors check-ins and handles alerts.

PRIVACY BOUNDARIES

Check-In Limitations:

Set boundaries on when the smartwatch shouldn’t check in, e.g., school hours, bedtime, or private family events.

Rationale: To honor the teen’s privacy and avoid undue disruptions.

Privacy and Consent:

Consent Agreement: Parents and teens should be clear on:

• Purpose of the smartwatch.
• Monitoring capabilities.
• Data privacy concerns.

Opt-Out Option:

Teens can temporarily turn off the check-in feature in certain situations.

However, they must reactivate it after a specified time, ensuring safety during critical periods.

Teen Autonomy:

1. Uphold the teen’s independence by giving them some control over the device.
2. Discuss instances and methods for pausing or disabling check-ins without compromising safety.

EMERGENCY

Emergency Procedures:

Formulate clear steps for parents, caregivers, or emergency responders when alerted: contact the teen, assess the situation, and act accordingly.

Emergency Contacts:

Define a precise list of contacts, including parents, caregivers, and others to notify for a non-response alert.

Keep a current list of contacts to reach during grave alerts, such as healthcare providers, therapists, or trusted friends.

Emergency Services:

Train the teen on when and how to directly reach out to emergency services if needed.

Non-Responsive Alerts:

Establish a policy detailing actions if the teen doesn’t answer the watch’s prompt. Non-responses within a set time frame will auto-alert parents or caregivers.

Emergency Contact Information:

Parents must configure the portal with accurate emergency contacts, including phone numbers and medical specifics.

Use of Other Communication Channels:

If the watch alerts due to non-response/distress, parents should try other communication methods (e.g., calls or texts) before escalating actions.

DEVICE & TRAINING

Charging and Maintenance:

Establish rules for device charging and upkeep to guarantee the smartwatch’s consistent functionality.

Emergency Battery Life:

Detail the smartwatch’s expected battery lifespan and procedures during low battery scenarios at check-in times.

Testing and Training:

Recommend regular testing and acclimatization with the smartwatch’s functionalities. Ensure the teen is adept at using it, especially during emergencies.

Each family’s needs and circumstances may vary, It’s crucial to involve both parents and teens These policies should be discussed openly and agreed upon collaboratively between parents and teens to strike a balance between safety and autonomy, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the well-being and independence of special needs teens while providing peace of mind to their caregivers.