How Kids Can Call 911 or use SOS Smartwatch Button

When your child is out in the world—even just down the block—you want them to feel confident, prepared, and connected. That’s why we’re excited to share a major update to the myFirst Fone R2: kids can now dial 911 directly from their smartwatch in case of a real emergency.

Launched in April 2025, this new feature is part of our Fone OS 2.1.2 update and represents a big leap forward in giving kids agency, while keeping safety in the hands of parents.

🚨 What is Emergency 911 on a Kids Smartwatch?

With the latest update, myFirst Fone R2 now includes a dedicated “Emergency Call” contact in the watch’s phonebook. If your child faces an urgent situation—where they need help from police, fire, or medical professionals—they can open their contacts list, scroll to “Emergency Call,” and reach 911 help directly.

📱 Note: This feature requires cellular signal to work. If no cell service is available, the child cannot complete a 911 call—but they can still reach a parent via the SOS button over Wi-Fi.

🆘 What’s the Difference Between SOS Button and 911 on the Kids Smartwatch?

It’s important to explain the distinction to kids:

🔒 Can Parents Control or Disable 911 Calling?

For safety reasons, 911 calling is automatically included with any myFirst Fone running OS 2.1.2 or later. It cannot be disabled from the parent app.

This ensures children always have access to help when they truly need it—without delay or additional settings.

However, we strongly recommend that parents review when to call 911 vs. a non-emergency line with their kids. (According to KidsHealth.org, only call 911 if there’s danger to life or property.)

🧠 Talking to Your Kids About Using 911 Responsibly

Kids are naturally curious—and while a smartwatch can feel like a toy, 911 is not. Talk to your child about:

• What kind of situations require 911 (fire, injury, stranger danger)
• When to use the SOS button instead
• How to call 911 from the watch

Tools like 911 for Kids and this printable safety activity book can help younger children understand the seriousness of emergency calling in a fun, age-appropriate way.

🚦 What’s a Real Emergency? A Simple Checklist for Kids

Teaching your child what is and isn’t an emergency can make a real difference in how they respond.

✅ Call 911 if:

• You see fire or smell smoke
• A parent or caregiver is asleep and won’t wake up
• A stranger is trying to enter your home

🚫 Call a Parent (not 911) if:

• You lost your toy or backpack
• You’re locked out but safe
• You’re feeling nervous or unsure but not in danger
• 👨👩👧

Pro tip: Have reglar safety talks and role-play scenarios to help your child build confidence.

📶 Can You Still Call 911 Without Cell Service?

This is a common question: Can you still call 911 without cell service?
With the myFirst Fone R2, the answer is: no. 911 calling requires an active cellular plan and signal. Without it, kids can still:

• Connect to Wi-Fi (if available)
• Use the SOS button to contact parents with voice + location

So, while Wi-Fi-only mode is great for general communication, we recommend a cellular plan for full safety coverage starting with $0 for first month, and only $12 after with no additional hidden fees.

🏆 The Best Kids SOS Smartwatch Just Got Smarter

Already rated as one of the best kids smartwatches for safety, connectivity, and ease of use, the myFirst Fone R2 is now even more capable. It combines:

• Real-time GPS tracking
• 4G voice/video calls
• Step tracking and habit-building
• IPX8 water resistance
• And now: responsible 911 emergency calling

With SOS alerts, parental controls, and a growing community of safe, kid-friendly tech features, myFirst Fone R2 is helping kids explore more—while giving parents real peace of mind.

How Does myFirst Fone R2 Compare to Other Kids Devices?

Wondering how R2 stacks up against other kid tech? Take a look at this quick breakdown:

* Varies by model or carrier

✅ Final Thoughts

Technology should help kids grow, not overwhelm them. With thoughtful features like emergency calling, myFirst lets kids experience the best of tech while staying grounded in safety, simplicity, and trust.

Make sure your smartwatch is updated to Fone OS 2.1.2 or later to enable 911 emergency calling. And talk with your child about how to use it wisely—it’s a small conversation that could make a big difference.

🔄 Update Now to Enable 911 Calling

911 calling is available with Fone OS version 2.1.2 or later.
Update your child’s smartwatch today to activate this feature.

🔗 Shop myFirst Fone R2 →