We’ve only just got our heads around smartphones in our children’s lives — now another piece of technology is on the horizon: smart glasses.
They look stylish, even fashionable. Unlike clunky headsets or obvious screens, these glasses are discreet. They can take photos, record video, stream live, translate languages, or call up information — all while looking like a simple pair of Ray-Bans.
But that’s exactly the issue.
Why Parents Should Pay Attention
Smart glasses raise big questions for families:
- Privacy: Could your child be filmed in the park, classroom, or even at a party without anyone knowing?
- Normalising Surveillance: If young people grow up wearing glasses that can record anyone, anywhere, what does that do to their understanding of consent and trust?
- Parental Boundaries: Will some parents be tempted to use them to check in on children — crossing the line between safety and surveillance?
These are not “future” questions. They are here now.
What About Schools?
Schools are already wrestling with smartphones. Many have banned them or brought in strict usage rules. But how will schools respond to smart glasses?
- Will they be banned outright, like phones in exams?
- Will some schools experiment with them as teaching tools?
- How will teachers feel about the possibility of being filmed without consent during lessons?
If you’re a parent, now is the time to ask your child’s school:
“Do you have a policy on smart glasses yet?”
Even if they’re not in the classroom today, they soon could be — and schools will need clarity before they suddenly appear.
Raising Awareness at Home
As parents, we don’t need to panic — but we do need to stay alert. Here are some first steps:
- Talk to your child about what these devices are and the risks they pose.
- Ask their school if smart glasses are on their radar.
- Model awareness — if we’re cautious about recording others without consent, our children will learn to respect those boundaries too.
The Bigger Picture
Smart glasses could be incredible tools for accessibility, learning, or connection. But unless families and schools set clear boundaries, they risk slipping into our lives in ways we don’t fully see until it’s too late.
The question for all of us is this:
Do we want our children to grow up in a world where being filmed without realising it is normal?
Now is the moment for open discussion — before the glasses are as common as smartphones.
Take Control of Family Tech Today
Raising children in a world of screens can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Navigating the Digital Jungle: Scripts to Start Family Tech Conversations gives you practical, ready-to-use scripts to:
- Start meaningful conversations about screen time, social media, and online safety.
- Set healthy boundaries without power struggles.
- Build trust and understanding around technology in your home.
Empower your family to make tech work for you, rather than the other way around. Grab your copy today and take the first step toward confident, calm, and connected parenting in the digital age.
