[ad_1]
A CALORIE-counting smart watch aimed at children as young as six encourages eating disorders, campaigners are warning.
The pink gadget, covered in pictures of unicorns or rainbows, has a built-in step counter and works out calories burned.
Tom Quinn, of eating disorder charity Beat, said: “Unless a tracker has been recommended by their doctor, there is no need for the average child to know how many calories they eat or steps they take.
“While using a tracker wouldn’t be the sole and direct cause of developing an eating disorder, it could encourage unhealthy behaviours.”
The £19.99 Kids Unicorn Tikkers Activity Watch comes with a one-size-fits-all strap in a box stating it is for children aged 6-plus.
It is stocked by Argos and Matalan. The Matalan product description notes: “This watch comes with a cute unicorn print strap that your little one is sure to love.”
Londoner Natasha Seymour, whose six-year-old daughter received one as a gift, branded it dangerous.
Most read in The Sun
Natasha, 38, said: “Why would you want a six-year-old counting calories? I dread to think where it could lead.”
But Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said: “Children are eating too much and not exercising enough. It’s a major problem.
[ad_2]
Source link