Fitbit Ace activity tracker for kids is now available to purchase in Australia

After announcing their kid focused activity tracker, the Fitbit Ace, back in March, Fitbit has today advised that the tracker is now available to purchase in Australia.

The tracker is just as capable as the trackers you’d purchase for yourself, tracking steps, active minutes and sleep but with a focus on control from parents through the Fitbit apps family account. The Fitbit family account lets parents view their kid’s activity, and manage what stats they see in the app. Through the app, parents can add motivation, and kids can see their stats, badges earned, progress toward their goals, and more.

The Fitbit Ace was developed after Fitbit found that parents were handing down their older trackers to their kids, but this isn’t the best idea with the trackers designed for larger wrists, and there’s also no family controls in the app. Fitbit found that 75% of parents said they were interested in the use of fitness trackers to help them keep their kids active – and so the Fitbit Ace was born.

The tracker is designed for kids 8 years and older, the tracker uses fun methods including badges to encourage kids to move more and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Ryan Rhodes, exercise psychologist, Director of the Behavioural Medicine Lab (BMED) at the University of Victoria, and member of the Fitbit Advisory Panel said

Fitbit Ace opens up a direct line of communication across the family to help parents and their children understand how physical activity impacts overall wellbeing and health. When parents have insight into their kids’ activity, they are better positioned to then promote less screen-time and more physical activity in a fun and motivating way.

The tracker is adjustable to a childs wrist, showerproof and is priced at $129.95 in power purple and electric blue colour options from retailers including Harvey Norman, Myer, JB Hifi and Officeworks as well as it being available online through the Fitbit store.