Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

currently available emergency cell phone for kids

Jan 5, 2016 6:12AM PST

I know that this has been covered, but some of the top rated phones are not currently available. Since my son's home no longer has a land line, I am looking for a very basic emergency cell phone (no games) for a 6 year old to use. I want to preprogram 5 -6 emergency numbers that he can easily dial. This phone is to be used in place of a land line, and is not intended to be a toy. I am currently using AT&T and they have nothing other than a watch for kids, and even that is currently out of stock.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
My suggestion.....
Jan 5, 2016 7:09AM PST

Just buy a cheap prepaid phone and assign speed dial keys on the phone. Can be done with virtually all current handsets. If you buy a compatible device, you don't have to buy it from At&t. There are plenty of devices out there.

- Collapse -
Also
Jan 5, 2016 7:22AM PST

I think all cellphones now allow 911 and #77 phone calls even without any service time nor minutes remaining on them. When my wife updated her old Motorola C-130 to a newer LG Fuel Optimus, I pulled the SIM card from her old phone and tested it. Yes, dialed Emergency numbers, even though it was otherwise totally inactive.

"oops, sorry, hit the wrong speed dial" and hung up.

- Collapse -
kajeet
Jan 5, 2016 7:47AM PST
- Collapse -
Answer
basic easy to use, not necessarily cheap
Jan 5, 2016 9:53AM PST

While cheap is good, I really am looking for something that is basic and easy to use. I don't want to set up service with another carrier as I already have a family plan on AT&T that I could add to. I basically want an unlocked basic no frills phone. The firefly is highly recommended but not available new anywhere that I have found. LG Gizmo and Shrek only work on Verizon.

- Collapse -
that's because ATT
Jan 5, 2016 10:18AM PST

uses GSM and Verizon uses CDMA. GSM is used more worldwide. So, you need to look for "unlocked children's GSM cellphones".

- Collapse -
I also saw "**** Tracy" watch phones
Jan 5, 2016 10:58AM PST

with GPS tracking for children on EBay for sale, used for GSM (ATT).

- Collapse -
Wow, a whole name has been killed
Jan 5, 2016 12:12PM PST

by internet filtering methods. I wonder if that did away one with of the Apostles too?

- Collapse -
nursery rhyme time
Jan 5, 2016 10:21PM PST

word check.

" Peter, Peter pumpkin eater,
Had a wife but couldn't keep her;
He put her in a pumpkin shell
And there he kept her very well.

Peter, Peter pumpkin eater,
Had another and didn't love her;
Peter learned to read and spell,
And then he loved her very well.[1] "

- Collapse -
They sell them on the ATT site
Jan 5, 2016 12:04PM PST

No contract required. Just buy one (in an ATT corp store too), then add a line of service to your family plan. With local taxes though, you may be better off going prepaid w/ ATT. Top off might be as low as $25/90 days vs. $9.99/line + $10+ taxes per month x 12 mos (etc.).

https://www.att.com/cellphones/att/z-222-refurb-prepaid.html#sku=sku7140354

They offer a new one too for $5 more. A 6 year old doesn't need a Firefly when a flip is so easy for them to use. Just laminate the instructions on the fridge if you have worries(!)

cheers

- Collapse -
Answer
6 year old is kindergarten
Jan 5, 2016 1:57PM PST

Everyone seems to forget that a 6 year old is kindergarten and is basically a non reader. Written instructions to follow in an emergency situation is a lot to ask.