Sending Out an SOS (to Mom): Kids Watch SOS Feature

Updated – Originally published April 5, 2022

As parents, there are so many things to worry about when it comes to the safety of kids. 

According to Pew Research Center, 28% of parents are extremely concerned about their child being kidnapped, 25% are very worried their child will be attacked or beaten up, and 35% fear bullying.

That’s why many parents are turning to devices like Gabb Watch. Equipped with a GPS tracker and an SOS button that can dial an emergency contact at any time, kid-safe communication devices can protect kids physically, mentally, and digitally. 

How Do You Use the SOS Feature on a Gabb Watch?

Set up the SOS feature on Gabb Watch in three easy steps:

1. Parents download the MyGabb app on their smartphone and follow the instructions to set up the Gabb Watch
2. Choose an emergency contact
3. Teach kids how and when to use the SOS button (back button)

Setting Up a Gabb Watch With the MyGabb App

The MyGabb app is available for free on both Android and iOS.

Once the MyGabb app is downloaded on the parent’s smartphone, log in (or create an account) using the parent Gabb Account details. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.

Then, turn on the Gabb Watch to start the setup process. 

Click “Add Device” from the MyGabb app on the parent’s smartphone and follow the on-screen setup instructions.

On the Gabb Watch, select the preferred Wi-Fi network. Enter the Wi-Fi password on the MyGabb app.

Fill out the Child’s Profile information, and tap to accept Gabb’s Privacy Policy. The watch is now set up.

Here is a short video demonstrating the entire process. 

Choosing an Emergency Contact

Once the Gabb Watch has been set up, parents can use the MyGabb app to create Safe Zones, set a focus mode schedule, assign tasks to Gabb Go, add up to 100 parent-approved contacts, and choose an emergency contact. The primary contact is the default emergency contact.

Only one SOS contact can be added. Most people will either set themselves or a spouse as the assigned emergency contact (typically whoever is most available to respond to an emergency).

Choosing an emergency contact for your child’s watch is simple:

1. Log in to the MyGabb app from the parent’s smartphone.
2. Select the Devices tab.
3. Select Profile next to your child’s Gabb Watch.
4. Select SOS Contact.
5. Select the contact the watch can make SOS calls to, then select Change.

In case the SOS button is used, the emergency contact will receive a call from the child. Contacts set as guardians will receive a notification on the MyGabb app alerting them that the SOS button has been pushed.

Can Gabb Watches Call 911?

No, Gabb watches are not able to call 911. Gabb watches are designed for kids aged 5-12, so allowing it to call 911 could create more confusion than assistance in an emergency. Additionally, there’s a potential to overwhelm emergency services with unintended calls from young children.

However, if parents want their child to be able to contact the police through their watch, an easy solution is to look up the phone number to your local police dispatch (non-emergency number) and add it as an approved contact.

Teaching Kids How and When To Use the SOS Button

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, is teaching kids how and when to use the SOS button on their Gabb Watch.

Help Kids Understand What Constitutes an Emergency

Before teaching your kids how to use the SOS button, it’s important you teach them what an emergency is so that they know when to use the SOS button.

You can start by asking your child if they know what an “emergency” is and what they would do in different situations. 

Emergencies that you might consider discussing with your kids are:

• Fires
• Medical emergencies
• Car accidents
• Crimes
• Stranger danger

For example, you could ask your child, “Is it an emergency if…:

• a stranger tries to get you into their car?” YES
• our dog gets sick?” NO
• grandma falls down and doesn’t wake up?” YES
• there is a fire in our fireplace?” NO
• someone is choking and cannot breathe?” YES

Questions like these will help you understand what your child knows about emergencies and how they would react in different situations.

Show Kids How to Make an Emergency Phone Call

After your child understands what an emergency is, you can teach your child how to make an SOS emergency phone call on their Gabb Watch.

Making an SOS call on Gabb Watch is easy:

• Press and hold the SOS button (back button) for 4 seconds.
• The emergency contact is automatically dialed.
• Once the emergency contact picks up, the child can talk.

Make sure your child knows who their assigned emergency contact is.

Have Kids Practice Making Emergency Calls

Finally, you can solidify everything that your child has learned by role playing some scenarios and have your child actually use the SOS button to practice emergency making calls to their emergency contact.

Get a Gabb Watch Today

When it comes to smartwatches for kids, Gabb Watch is the perfect stepping stone to peace of mind — tripling as a cell phone, GPS tracker, and an interactive kids smart watch with a productivity and fitness tracker — Gabb Watch has everything parents need to be able to live more, and worry less.

Do you have any other questions about the SOS feature on Gabb Watch? Let us know in the comments below.