An Emergency Phone for Your Kid Matters: Here’s Why

Updated – Originally published April 12, 2022

Drop off Kim for soccer practice. Pick up George from swimming lessons. Squeeze in groceries somewhere between. As a parent, you’re constantly on the move. And sometimes, it feels like you need to be in two places at once. 

That’s impossible, obviously, but Gabb’s the next best thing.

In the middle of all that hustle, one of your kids might need to be home for 15 minutes by themselves while you run a quick errand, or need to hold tight after practice for you to get there. That is when an emergency phone for kids becomes more than just helpful — it becomes a necessity.

Emergency phones like Gabb Phone are made for kids to stay connected with family and friends. If they need to call or text you, they can. If there’s an emergency, they have a way to reach out. And for you? That peace of mind is everything.

Why Gabb Phone Makes the Perfect Kid’s Emergency Phone

Gabb Phone gives kids everything they need to stay in touch — like calling and texting — and nothing they don’t. 

It’s a kid-friendly phone with no internet browser, no app store, and no addictive games. That means no rabbit holes, no distractions, and no access to sketchy or inappropriate content. Just simple, safe communication.

It also includes built-for-safety apps like Gabb Messenger.

Plus, built-in GPS tracking and customizable safe zones let you keep tabs on where they are — and get notified if they stray too far from where they should be. 

Here are a few ways Gabb devices help keep your kids protected and your family connected.

Built to Protect 

No internet browser. No app store. No social media. No access to unwanted calls or sketchy content.

Made to Connect

With kid-friendly features like GPS tracking, customizable safe zones, and an SOS/emergency contact button, your kid can reach you fast when it matters most. And with unlimited talk and text, they’ll always have a direct line to you.

By giving your kids a Gabb Phone for their first phone, you’re giving them more responsibility, so it’s important to help them learn the basics. 

Teaching Your Kid How (and When) to Use Their Emergency Phone

Even though Gabb Phone is a great starter phone for kids, it’s important to teach them how and when to use it. Here are a few ways to show them the difference between an emergency and a regular need, and who to call in each scenario.

• Everyday Reasons to Call or Text You
  • They need a ride
  • They forgot something at school
  • They’re homesick at a friend’s house
  • Practice ended early and they’re waiting to be picked up
• When to Get Help From a Trusted Adult (911, etc.)
  • Someone is hurt and needs help
  • They see a car accident and aren’t sure what to do
  • There’s a fire, or they smell smoke
  • They feel unsafe and can’t get in touch with you

Let them know it’s always okay to ask for help from a trusted adult nearby — a teacher, coach, school nurse, a police officer, or even a parent with kids. Sometimes the best plan is simply: “Find a grown-up you trust.”

Can Gabb Devices Call 911?

Gabb Phones can call 911. Gabb Watches, however, do not have direct access to 911.

This distinction is intentional. The Gabb Watch is designed for younger kids, and removing 911 access helps prevent accidental emergency calls. Instead, kids using the Gabb watch can use the SOS button to immediately alert their emergency contact (like you), who can then assess the situation and contact 911 if needed.

Gabb Phones, on the other hand, are built for older kids and teens who are more ready for that level of responsibility—so they include 911 calling as a safety feature.

That’s why the Gabb Phone and Gabb Phone Pro, which are are built for older kids and teens who are more ready for that level of responsibility—so they include 911 calling as a safety feature. This is part of Gabb’s belief that kid-safe technology should grow with kids.

When Real Life Happens, Gabb Steps In: Real Gabb Emergency Stories

It’s one thing to talk about safety — it’s another to hear real stories from real families. Here are two examples of Gabb devices making a practical, positive difference.

Quick Connection on the Bike Trail

“Bike trails are my family’s thing, and here in Utah, we’ve got plenty. As soon as the snow melts, we hit the trails. But safety always comes first. Taking extra steps to keep my kids protected is really important to me.

Earlier this month, my kids headed out to join their friends for an evening ride. I have two kids but just one Gabb Watch, so my oldest wore it that day. While they were out, my daughter called to let me and her dad know she felt uncomfortable about someone else on the trail. Because of the watch, I was able to stay on the phone with her, pinpoint her exact location, and quickly head out to meet them. Meanwhile, her dad checked the surrounding area on his phone to see if he could spot the person she described.

Thankfully, everything ended exactly as we’d hoped: our kids were safe, and we got them home fast. Needless to say, we’ll be getting a second watch very soon.”

— Kristin Meacham

A Call When It Counted Most

“On December 30th, 2023, my 12-year-old son used his Gabb Watch to call us. He was panicked and hard to understand, but we heard enough to know his younger brother was injured. My wife and I immediately drove three blocks and found our 10-year-old son seriously hurt — he’d been crossing the street when a distracted driver ran over his foot.

Our son spent 24 hours in the hospital, where an orthopedic surgeon carefully repaired his injury. For the next couple months, he was on the couch recovering, unable to walk without assistance. During that time, his Gabb Watch became a lifeline, giving him a simple way to contact us whenever he needed anything: medication, food, water, or help getting around.

Thankfully, he’s back on his feet now, running around like normal. In fact, we’re planning some family hiking trips later this year.”

— Eric Dawson (name changed for privacy)

 You can’t always be in two places at once — but with the Gabb Phone, you’ll always be just a call or text away. It helps you stay connected, keep your kids safe, and give them just the right amount of freedom. Today, that kind of connection matters more than ever.

Has your kid used there Gabb device in an emergency? We would love to hear your story.