Close
Pricing Support Center
Home>Topics >Parental Control > Emergency Phone for Kids: A Complete Guide for Parents

Emergency Phone for Kids: A Complete Guide for Parents

Cody Walsh Cody Walsh

Feb 13, 2025 08:24 pm

Smartphones can be a great way to stay in contact with your kids while giving them a sense of freedom. Most parents in the country do so when their kids mature. However, social media can be a home to bullies and explicit content, which your child might not be able to handle. So, to strike a balance between needs and safety, there are emergency phones for kids.

emergency phone for kids

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of emergency phones, including the top choices for you to look at. So, read through the reviews and select what’s best for them.

Part 1. Why Kids Need an Emergency Phone

The importance of an emergency phone for kids goes beyond simple communication. It is a way for parents to keep their kids safe and provide a sense of responsibility, security, and independence. Features like location tracking provide real-time information on where your kids are. There are many other reasons as well, which are as follows:

  • Instant Communication: This is the primary benefit of a kids' emergency phone. You can reach out to your kids anytime to inform them of anything important. It can be an issue with a pickup, a forgotten lunch, or other important things. Kids can contact you if they need anything or are in trouble.
  • Location Tracking: Many emergency kid phones have a GPS tracking feature that provides a live location of your child. If you can’t watch it in real-time, it sends periodic updates. This is essential in emergencies if your child is lost or needs help. Many phones also let you create a safe zone and provide alerts if a child crosses that zone.
  • Parental Controls: Not only location but many emergency phones provide details on your kids' online activities. It also alerts you when they’re using the device irresponsibly. That is if they’re on social media for too long or accessing inappropriate websites. You can block these websites or limit their screen time.
  • Builds Confidence: Allowing your kids to use a phone gives them a sense of independence and confidence. It also shows that you trust them, which can strengthen your bond and help with personality development.

Part 2. Features to Look for in an Emergency Phone

Selecting a good emergency phone can be overwhelming, especially with many available options. Here is what the best emergency cell phone for kids must have:

1Safety Features

Depending on the individual needs of your kids, you might look for features like:

  • Calling, texting, and voice messages
  • Internet access and WiFi connectivity
  • Emergency button or built-in emergency services
  • Safe Zones
  • GPS location tracking

These features are more suitable for teenagers who need to be kept an eye on. However, older kids with a sense of maturity, freedom, and responsibility might prefer a full-blown smartphone.

2Compatibility

If you want to connect with your kids through calls and messages, ensure the emergency phone is compatible with the service provider. Also, ensure they can access an internet connection anytime they want. Certain devices offer independent memberships and cellular options that don’t require you to connect with major service providers. Thus, you can always connect with kids without a cellular connection.

3Durability and Design

The best emergency phone for kids can withstand everyday wear and tear. Look for features like scratch-resistant screens, waterproofing, and shock-resistant casings. Then, ensure the phone’s battery is powerful enough to ease through a day of use. It keeps the phone active whenever needed. You can also opt for a phone with a large screen for your children.

4Ease of Use

If this is your child’s first time using a phone, ensure they can use it easily. The interface should be simple, contacts should be easily accessible, and an SOS button should be easy to find. You can also think about GPS-enabled smartwatches. These, typically, have a simple interface, have calling features, and are tied on your child’s wrist, so they are not easily lost.

5Parental Controls

These features are pivotal when looking for the best kids' emergency cell phones. They are designed to give you total control over the device and ensure your kids' safety. The smartphone must allow you to view location history, limit screen time, manage contact lists, restrict third-party apps, and more.

Some cell phones have a unique feature that disables all functions in a device, including time and SOS mode. This way, you can be sure that kids aren’t distracted by their phones when in school or studying.

Part 3. Best 6 Emergency Phones for Kids

Now that you know what to look for in the best cell phones for kids' emergencies, it’s time to acquire one. Select from the top six options available:

1Samsung Galaxy S24- Best Android

samsung galaxy s24 for kids

Priced at around $760 on Amazon, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is a full-blown premium smartphone typically suited for teenagers. They will love its top-drawer features, such as an excellent camera, hardware, user-friendly interface, and exceptional audio quality. It’s also scratch-resistant, waterproof, and has a durable build quality.

However, its whole host of parental control features makes it suitable even for younger users. Its features are accessible via a Google app on your phone, which is easy to navigate. You can filter content, monitor contacts, restrict app and browser usage, and set a time limit.

What parents love most about this phone is that they can lock it using the app. So, you can stop the kids from using it at any time. Aside from that, there are typical locating tracking, app usage time, and phone tracking features.

    Pros

  • Robust parental controls

  • Emergency model lets you make emergency calls

  • Location tracking

  • Powerful hardware and camera

  • Durable

    Cons

  • Options like viewing messages are unavailable

  • It can get hot when used much

2Bark Phone- Best for Kids

bark phone for kids

The Bark Phone, priced at around $70, ticks all the boxes to become the best emergency phone for kids. As per the users, it was easy to use, with a receptive touch screen and easily distinguishable buttons. Besides, its parental controls are fine-tuned; overall, you have no problem tracking your kids.

It has an in-built web browser, and its powerful content filter prevents kids from accessing inappropriate content — a feature atypical in most phones. It lets you look into the kids’ texts, is durable, supports carrier services, and offers enough storage. Also, you get to approve the apps downloaded on the kids’ phones and if kids have internet access.

    Pros

  • Remote internet shutdown

  • Built-in web browser with content filters

  • Parents approve app downloads

  • Monitoring text and messages

  • Screen time schedules

    Cons

  • Not compatible with carriers other than Bank Wireless

  • Relatively short warranty

3Gabb Phone 4 Pro- Most User Friendly

gabb phone 4 pro for kids

If you’re looking for a cell phone that combines ease of use with safety features, few are better than the Gabb Phone 4 Pro. It’s primarily designed for teens (14-18 years) and is available at a price ($199) that fits well within the family budget. If you want a phone for 9-13-year-olds, opt for Gabb Phone 4.

Most users were fans of how easy the location tracking is, and they can view the location at any time when needed. The camera is impressive, so you can expect Samsung-quality photos. You have ample storage to keep your photos and videos. There’s also a feature to play an alarm sound, get notifications about their whereabouts, create safe zones, and call or text them.

    Pros

  • User-friendly features

  • GPS tracking

  • Flexible parental controls

  • Upgraded hardware

    Cons

  • No waterproof and water-resistant

4Pinwheel Plus 4- Most Options

pinwheel plus 4 for kids

The Pinwheel Plus 4, like its predecessor, offers a set of features most parents might look for. For example, you can track social media apps, web browsing, location, and anything your kids do on the phone.

There’s no access to the app store, so there’s peace of mind that your child isn’t downloading anything dangerous. Also, its safe zone provides alerts whenever your kid moves away from a designated location. The cell phone is durable, has a larger screen for educational purposes, and has a long battery life.

    Pros

  • No access to app store

  • Track social media, website, location, and more

  • Customizable parental controls

    Cons

  • Doesn’t have a mobile service

  • Cameras and design don’t look great

5Nokia 2780 Flip- Best to Restrict Phone Use

nokia 2780 flip for kids

Flip phones are great first phones for your kids, whether in terms of usage or ensuring safety. Although the Nokia 2780 Flip supports cellular connection and the internet, it cannot run social media apps. Also, the experience isn’t similar to other smartphones, so streaming videos won’t be great either.

Calling and texting are simple, and a few handy features are available. It can access apps like cameras and Google apps, and there’s an emergency SOS button on the side, programmed with the caregiver’s number. Simply put, a child isn’t exposed to online threats, and you have peace of mind that they are safe. It is a great deal with the price ($50) it comes in.

    Pros

  • Long-lasting batteries

  • Durable

  • Emergency SOS button

  • Camera is decent

    Cons

  • You cannot track the location

  • No built-in parental controls

6Troomi Phone Pro

troomi phone pro for kids

Troomi Phone Pro is another decent emergency phone for kids with a user-friendly design. It costs around $200 and has the most features a parent needs to keep their kids on the tab. These include screen protectors, 5G compatibility, GPS location services, and advanced cameras. The family plan ranges between $20 and $30 and includes features like text monitoring and the KidSafe browser and apps.

    Pros

  • Unlimited calls and text

  • Optional internet access

  • Comprehensive text monitoring

  • Call blocking and app time limits

    Cons

  • Higher upfront cost

  • WiFi is needed for most apps

Part 4. Alternative: Try the Parental Control App

Emergency phones can get expensive and might not offer enough. Also, many won’t be willing to use phones that only call and text as their first. So, an alternate way would be to get a basic smartphone and install a comprehensive parental control software, KidsGuard Pro.

kidsguard pro app

Buy Now View Demo

KidsGuard Pro is an excellent phone tracker app that lets you monitor your child's activities without their knowledge. It’s compatible on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. Once installed, you can remotely view their Facebook messenger conversations, WhatsApp messages, text messages, and call logs and track their location. With it installed, you have peace of mind that your child is safe. The best part is that it doesn’t need any rooting or jailbreaking.

  • Phone Call Tracking: You can track all incoming and outgoing calls on your kids’ devices. This helps ensure that your child isn’t talking to strangers.
  • GPS Tracking: This feature allows you to monitor your child's location in real-time and alerts you if they leave a set zone.
  • Record Screen: It can record your kids’ phone screen for 15s, 30s, or 1 minute.
  • Track Keywords: You can set a few keywords and receive alerts when kids input information containing any of them.

FAQ about Emergency Phones for Kids

Do kids need phones for emergencies?

Yes, depending on their age and circumstances, kids might benefit from a phone for emergencies. It allows them to contact their parents and authorities quickly if needed. It also provides a sense of safety and confidence for personal development.

What is a good first phone for a kid?

Amongst the available options, Bark Phone is a good first phone for a kid. It has everything a parent needs from a first phone: a straightforward interface, plenty of parental control features, and durability.

What is the emergency call app for kids?

The emergency call app, an SOS or panic button app, allows kids to quickly reach their parents or caregivers in an emergency. Just press a button, and a pre-set message is sent to the designated person.

What is the app for kids to call 911?

You can download the Kid’s Practice 911 dialer app on your child’s smartphone to practice or get step-by-step instructions to call the number. There’s, however, no app to call the number.

Is there a phone safe for kids?

Yes, smartphones like Bark Phone, Pinwheel, Gabb Phone 4 Pro, and others are safe for kids. They are built for emergencies, have a simple interface, and allow parents to monitor their children.

Final Thoughts

While emergency phones for kids aren’t especially common, the models reviewed in the guide are high-quality. The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a wise choice if you need a feature-packed smartphone with parental controls. But if safety is your only priority, you can opt for the Bark Phone. If your child is mature and doesn’t want to compromise on features, provide them with a basic smartphone with KidsGuard Pro installed. It is the ultimate parental control app for parents who wish to keep their kids safe and secure.

user

By Cody Walsh

An experienced technology blogger and editor who has spent more than a decade writing about software, gadgets, and computing etc all over the Internet.

Generally rated 4.5 (170 participated)

success

Rated Successfully!

tips

You have already rated this article!

0 Comment(s)

Join the discussion!

Thank you for your feedback!

KidsGuard for WhatsApp

Best WhatsApp Monitoring App

Download