Joanna Fortune: Will a fitness tracker make my child anxious if they don't reach their step target?

"Not all schools have adequate physical space to enable children to engage in physical activity during school hours, so we tend to rely on extra-curricular activities to ensure children are getting enough movement."

Dr Joanna Fortune: We should also be modelling and creating opportunities for our children to move with joy, move spontaneously and move in play as opposed to moving when a device they wear tells them to do so. We want our children to tune into their bodies and experience pleasure in physical activity rather than feel it is something they have to do to reach their statistical quota as directed by a fitness tracker

My seven-year-old child was given a fitness tracker watch in school. The school says it is part of encouraging fitness, but my child could become anxious if they don’t reach enough steps or if their heart rate speeds up. Surely, there are other ways of encouraging fitness in young children without relying on a device, or am I overreacting to this?

It is important we strike a balance between encouraging activity in young children and pushing statistical analysis via devices on them.

Most children need more physical activity in their days. For example, a seven-year-old child should get at least one hour of moderate to high physical activity each day (think of running or playing football). 

Not all schools have adequate physical space to enable children to engage safely in what would constitute a moderate-high level of physical activity during school hours, so as a society, we tend to rely on extra-curricular activities to ensure children are getting enough movement. 

Ideally, we should invest in developing adequate play spaces around our schools for our children to play and move freely at the levels they require.

We should also be modelling and creating opportunities for our children to move with joy, move spontaneously and move in play as opposed to moving when a device they wear tells them to do so. We want our children to tune into their bodies and experience pleasure in physical activity rather than feel it is something they have to do to reach their statistical quota as directed by a fitness tracker. Make it fun to get it done.

Dr Joanna Fortune: Most children need more physical activity in their days. For example, a seven-year-old child should get at least one hour of moderate to high physical activity each day (think of running or playing football). 

Anxious children can become hyper-vigilant with these devices and worry excessively if their heart rate increases or their steps are down. Keep in mind that a young child’s gait is still developing, so fitness trackers can underestimate their level of movement, resulting in unnecessary prompts. 

However, some children with a medical condition can benefit from tracking heart rate, sleep, or movement, but this is generally arranged by medical advice and is a parent’s choice.

We need to be careful about giving our children mixed messages. We tell them not to spend too much time on digital devices, but if we strap a 24-hour digital device onto their wrists, it can confuse them. 

It can be problematic when a school believes they are doing something positive and in the children's interest, but parents do not agree or want their young child to participate. 

I believe it's vital and mutually beneficial for a school and parent community to work collaboratively with open communication about events happening in school, perhaps utilising the parent community more so they become more actively involved. 

I do not think that you are overreacting. Your response is valid, and I suggest you contact your school to share your concerns and return the device to them.

• If you have a question for child psychotherapist Dr Joanna Fortune, please send it to [e-mail]