Would you give a 4-year-old a fitness tracker? Loose Women left fierecely divided over whether sports watches for children encourage an unhealthy focus on weight or could help tackle obesity

Loose Women today debated whether children as young as four should be given fitness tracking watches.

While some members of the group felt that young children shouldn’t be introduced to things like counting steps, others said it could be a smart way to use children’s love of technology to get them moving.

“At four years old, they shouldn’t know about exercise and tracking and how many steps they’ve taken in a day,” argues Linda Robson, as demand for the devices continues to grow in the UK.

She was supported by Janet Street Porter, who said she “hates” fitness tracking and instead said the focus should be on getting children into team sports amid increased interest due to the success of the Lionesses because it forces them exercise and socialize at the same time.

However, Ruth Langsford and Colin Nolan were not against the idea and thought that as childhood obesity was on the rise, it could be a good way to combine children’s love, computers and exercise.

“At four years old, they shouldn’t know about exercise and tracking and how many steps they’ve taken in a day,” says Linda Robson.

Linda started the debate by saying, “Both of my granddaughters are in good shape because one of them does gymnastics and the other plays soccer, so they don’t have to worry about exercise.

“And I think because of the lionesses, more young children are now playing football and are more attentive to all this sort of thing. But at four years old they shouldn’t know about it.”

– What if this is entertainment? Ruth asked, to which Linda replied: “Funny thing is, it’s normal if they don’t count how many steps they took in a day at the age of four.” They shouldn’t know about this, right?

Speaking to Coleen, Ruth said there was a “huge problem” with childhood obesity as children became “much more sedentary” and didn’t play outside “as much as we used to.” She suggested using a tucker as it could be useful for the game.

Coleen said: “I think they do it without thinking about what it is, then it’s normal.

“And also remember that most children need the latest gadgets and the latest toys, and many children now spend their entire lives online, playing computer games or watching TV.” As you said, this is no longer the case.

Colleen Nolan wasn’t against the idea, saying it could be a good way to encourage children to play sports by tapping into their love of technology.

Janet Street Porter agreed with Linda that kids shouldn’t have to track their step counts and said she doesn’t like being bothered by trackers.

She added: “So if it’s some kind of game and maybe they could use their favorite cartoon character that says, ‘Oh, let’s go and run around the house a little bit’ and it gets your child moving, then I think that’s it.” Fine”.

But Janet wasn’t convinced and said: “I just think they like the monitor, they’re picking on you and won’t necessarily do you any good.”

“What Linda said is true: the success of the Lionesses has fueled the interest of very young girls, especially in team sports. So, why I advocate for a fitness app on your wrist is because it promotes socialization.

“It means you have to talk to other kids, you have to be on a team. This is much better for you than leaving and leaving.