In recent years, wearable technology has moved far beyond fitness trackers for adults and into the realm of education – with a growing number of primary schools exploring wearables as a tool to support children’s health, wellbeing, and learning outcomes.
But what are the benefits, risks, and real-world uses of wearables in primary schools?
What Are Wearables in the School Context?
Wearables are digital devices worn on the body – like wristbands, watches, or badges – that collect and transmit data. In schools, these are often used to track physical activity, encourage movement, and monitor behaviours that affect student wellbeing.
Unlike general-purpose fitness trackers, wearables designed for schools (like Moki Bands) are screen-free, distraction-free, and tailored to the classroom environment.
Why Are Schools Using Wearables?
1. Boosting Physical Activity
Many schools are turning to wearables to promote daily movement. By tracking steps or activity levels, teachers can set collective goals, run challenges, and identify pupils who might benefit from additional support.
2. Motivating Pupils Through Data
Real-time feedback and visible progress can be incredibly motivating for children. Wearables give them a sense of achievement – especially when activity targets are linked to rewards, class charts, or friendly inter-school competitions.
3. Supporting Evidence-Based Teaching
Wearables give educators hard data to back up their initiatives – for example, proving the impact of a new PE programme or demonstrating improvement in activity levels after an intervention.
4. Encouraging Healthy Habits
At a time when many children are spending more hours sitting and on screens, movement-based wearables are a positive force for change. They help create a culture of active living right from the early years.
Are There Downsides?
Some concerns around wearables in schools include data privacy, device misuse, and the risk of over-emphasising competition. That’s why it’s important that devices are:
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Secure and anonymous (no personal tracking)
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Designed for school use (screen-free, robust, affordable)
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Used inclusively – to support rather than single out
Real-World Example: Moki Bands in Primary Schools
Moki Bands are one of the few wearable devices designed specifically for use in education. They're screen-free wristbands that measure daily physical activity during school hours.
Over 1,600 schools have used Moki to:
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Run whole-school step challenges
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Monitor PE engagement
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Identify pupils needing extra support
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Celebrate group achievement without comparing individuals
Because Moki Bands don’t display any data to the wearer, they avoid the distractions and social pressures that some fitness trackers can cause.
Are Wearables the Future of Primary PE?
The use of wearables in primary schools is likely to keep growing – especially as schools look for measurable, affordable, and engaging ways to meet national guidelines for physical activity and wellbeing.
By integrating wearables into the school day, educators can gain valuable insights while making movement fun, visible, and part of everyday school culture.
Final Thoughts
When thoughtfully implemented, wearables in primary schools can be a powerful tool for encouraging healthy behaviours, improving engagement in PE, and collecting meaningful data. As technology continues to evolve, it’s clear that wearables are no longer just a trend – they’re becoming a part of the toolkit for forward-thinking schools.
Interested in screen-free wearables for your school? Learn more about Moki Bands here.