Best Emergency Phones for Kids

So, how do you escape the dilemma of wanting your kid to be easily reachable without exposing them to such dangers? The answer is simple: emergency phones for kids.

What is a child emergency cell phone?

An emergency cell phone is a straightforward device specifically designed for emergency occasions. Its main purpose is to allow kids to contact their parents, guardians, or emergency services when in danger.

This type of phone only allows communication via text or calls to pre-saved contacts and emergency services, and has significantly fewer functionalities than a regular smartphone, mainly due to limited or no access to the internet.

Another advantage of emergency phones for kids is that since they’re designed for young children to use, they have a simplistic interface and design. Plus, they’re made of durable materials and have longer battery life.

The cherry on top is that usually, they’re more affordable than real smartphones, and the market is filled with different options for choosing the best fit for your child.

Why does a child need an emergency phone?

Being reachable when taking a detour after school isn’t the only reason children need an emergency phone.

In fact, as kids grow up and naturally become more independent, social engagements like extracurricular activities and gatherings with friends happen more often. Consequently, the need to be easily reached and communicate with authorized contacts increases.

However, this isn’t the only reason kids should have an emergency phone. The device can also be vital in natural disaster incidents like earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornados.

In addition, we can’t shy away from the fact that gun violence is an ever-present danger in schools in the U.S. Shockingly, more than 356,000 students have witnessed or been injured during school shootings in schools since the Columbine high school massacre in 1999.

These odds show that safety measures are never over the top. Equipping a child with an emergency phone can be a vital safety measure in lockdown and lockout situations.

What features does a child emergency phone have?

A child emergency phone is built to serve as a safety device. So, its features are typically designed to comply with this requirement and may vary from model to model. The following can be found in almost all emergency phones:

• Built-in parental control is essential for parents and guardians to manage phone usage by setting app blocks, time limits, and call restrictions. This feature may have limitations in regular smartphones or be only available as a third-party app.
• Enhanced GPS tracking usually provides more accurate information about the kid’s real-time location when compared to normal smartphones. What’s more, geofencing allows parents or guardians to set a specific area, and if the phone enters that location, it sends them an alert.
• A dedicated SOS button is often available in emergency phones and rarely in regular smartphones. Having this button is essential for instantly calling 911 in emergencies.
• A durable and waterproof design is another crucial feature of emergency phones for kids, as they’re constantly active and more likely to drop or expose the phone to water.

4 tips for introducing an emergency phone to your child

1. Explain the purpose of the phone and how to act during emergency situations. Raise your child’s awareness about being able to communicate with trusted individuals or help services in case of a crisis.
2. Speak about the importance of protecting their privacy by not sharing personal information with strangers. In addition, express how vital it is to immediately tell you if they receive inappropriate content from unknown contacts.
3. Practice emergency scenarios and show how to use the phone’s call-for-help features. A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics indicates that most primary-school-age children lack the knowledge and skills to call 911. So, it’s essential to show your kid which apps to use or buttons to press in an emergency.
4. Teach responsible phone usage and establish clear rules. Define any restrictions that align with your beliefs regarding phone usage and explain them clearly to your child. Let them know when and where it’s appropriate to use the device, and most importantly, make sure they understand it isn’t a toy but a security instrument.

All things considered, it’s worth investing time to find the appropriate emergency phone that best suits your family dynamic.

Emergency phones for children can give you the peace of mind of knowing your kid is reachable without being exposed to the risks of the internet. It also empowers kids with the independence to do their daily activities by themselves knowing they’re able to call for help whenever needed.