Healthcare Wearable Technologies for Primary School Children: Current Devices and Validation Challenges

Wearable health technologies are increasingly being explored for primary school students as part of preventive and personalized pediatric healthcare models.This paper examines current healthcare-oriented wearable devices designed or adapted for children aged 6-12 years, with emphasis on physiological monitoring and inertial measurement unit (IMU)-based motion sensing.Contemporary systems integrate biosensors such as photoplethysmography for heart rate tracking, electrocardiogram modules, respiratory and temperature sensors, pulse oximetry, and continuous glucose monitoring for chronic disease management.IMU sensors, incorporating accelerometers and gyroscopes, enable objective assessment of physical activity, gait, posture, and sleep patterns, supporting early identification of sedentary behavior, motor irregularities, and other health-related indicators.Integration within connected digital health platforms allows longitudinal data analysis and remote supervision.However, challenges remain regarding pediatric-specific validation, measurement accuracy, and data governance.This paper analyzes the clinical potential and limitations of wearable technologies in supporting child health during foundational developmental years.