myFirst Fone R2: The Smartwatch That Lets You Give Your Kids Freedom (and Keep Your Peace of Mind)

Let’s be honest, parenting in 2025 is a tech balancing act. You want your kids to explore, learn, and connect… but you also want to keep them safe without turning into a helicopter parent. Enter the myFirst Fone R2, the newest kid-friendly smartwatch from Singapore-based tech brand myFirst, and quite possibly one of the smartest “first gadgets” you could gift a child today.

The R2 is the successor to the popular myFirst Fone R1s, and it brings thoughtful upgrades across the board: from a sharper AMOLED screen and improved water resistance to faster performance and smarter GPS tracking. It’s sleek, sturdy, and surprisingly capable for a kids’ device, yet simple enough for a 5-year-old to figure out on their own.

If you’ve ever wished your child could stay connected without needing a full-on smartphone, this might be your perfect middle ground.

Built for Kids, Designed for Parents

The first thing you’ll notice is how light the R2 feels. At only 46 grams, it’s 7 grams lighter than its predecessor, which might sound minor to us adults, but for a small wrist, that difference means comfort all day. The strap design has also been improved: softer, more flexible, and finally snug without being stiff. Kids can wear it from breakfast to bedtime without complaining.

The 1.3-inch AMOLED display is bright, colorful, and power-efficient thanks to a clever ambient light sensor. The visuals pop, whether your child is checking messages, taking selfies, or learning to tell time. The front camera has been upgraded to 5MP with an 84-degree wide lens, so video calls feel more natural and less like looking through a keyhole.

There’s even a new “Magic Button” on top that you can customize, maybe a quick SOS press for emergencies, or a shortcut to call Mom. It’s small touches like these that show how much thought went into the design.

The Perfect Safety Net

Let’s talk about what parents actually care about: safety and control.

The myFirst Fone R2 connects to the myFirst Circle app, where parents manage everything. You can see your child’s location in real time, set GeoFence zones (like school, home, or grandma’s house), and get instant alerts if they wander too far. The upgraded Smart Location Tracking combines GPS, Wi-Fi, and motion sensors to give ultra-precise updates, not just “they’re nearby,” but “they’re on the seventh floor of the mall.”

It’s also equipped with a heart rate monitor and fitness tracker. Parents get notified if the heart rate spikes above a set level, handy for spotting when your kid’s running around too much or maybe feeling unwell. It’s like having a pocket-sized health monitor that quietly looks out for them.

The built-in eSIM means your child can make voice or video calls directly to approved contacts, without needing an external phone. The connection is secure, and parents have full control over who’s on their contact list.

And yes, the eSIM works in 85+ countries: a blessing for families who travel. You can activate it instantly, with basic plans starting at $5 per month, and the first month is free.

Staying Connected, Safely

This isn’t just a watch. It’s a communication hub designed for the real world of modern families.

Kids can call, text, and even video chat through the myFirst Circle app, but only with contacts approved by parents. There’s no open internet browser or random number access: no spam calls, no strangers. You stay connected without opening the floodgates.

The myFirst Circle 2.0 social platform adds a fun twist: a mini family-only social media space. Kids can post pictures or status updates, and parents (or grandparents) can see them instantly. It’s like a private version of Instagram built just for your inner circle: adorable and safe.

One parent who tested it described the joy of receiving her daughter’s photos during work hours through the myFirst Frame display. “It’s like getting little love notes throughout the day,” she said.

And really, that’s the heart of the device. It doesn’t isolate kids with tech. It connects families in small, meaningful ways.

Everyday Fun Meets Practical Tech

The myFirst Fone R2 doubles as a music player, a camera, and a fitness tracker. Kids can dance, take photos, and record short videos: all in one wearable. There’s enough onboard storage for playlists and a built-in speaker for singalongs.

Battery life is solid too. On light use, it easily lasts a full day, though if your little one loves video calling (and let’s face it, they will), you’ll likely charge it nightly. Charging is simple through the magnetic dock, and it goes from zero to full in under two hours.

Water resistance has been improved to handle splashes and short water play sessions (up to 3 meters for 5 minutes). So yes, you’ll still want them to take it off before diving into the pool, but it’ll survive surprise rain showers or clumsy sink moments.

The Tech That Grows With Your Child

One of the smartest things about myFirst’s approach is how it blends freedom with supervision.

You’re not handing your child a smartphone that opens up the entire internet. You’re giving them controlled independence: a way to communicate, learn responsibility, and get a sense of digital ownership, while you stay in control of what matters.

As they grow, you can gradually introduce new features or contacts. The platform scales, so the same watch that helps a six-year-old stay connected can still suit a pre-teen managing after-school meetups.

It’s also a gentle introduction to social media etiquette. Through the private Circle app, kids learn to share updates and interact online safely, without exposure to algorithms, likes, or outside influence.

Value That Makes Sense

At £189, the myFirst Fone R2 sits comfortably in the “premium but practical” zone. For what you get, phone, GPS tracker, camera, fitness band, music player, and smartwatch, it’s excellent value.

It’s not just a gadget. It’s peace of mind wrapped in pastel colors like Acai Purple, Macaron Pink, and Cotton Candy Mix.

Parents will love the simplicity of setup, the durability, and the comprehensive control via the app. Kids will love the bright display, the camera, the sense of independence, and the fact that it’s actually fun to use.

It’s also a perfect gift idea. The kind that makes parents feel good about giving tech, not guilty.

Final Verdict

If you’ve been looking for a way to introduce your child to technology safely, the myFirst Fone R2 gets nearly everything right. It’s intuitive enough for a 5-year-old, secure enough for a cautious parent, and packed with just the right amount of smart features.

It bridges that tricky gap between total independence and constant supervision. It lets your child explore the world while keeping you connected to theirs.

In a market full of kids’ gadgets that either overcomplicate or oversimplify, the myFirst Fone R2 hits the sweet spot. It’s reliable, well-built, and designed with real families in mind.

So if you’re planning a meaningful gift that combines safety, connection, and fun, this smartwatch deserves a spot on your list.