Are there any safety features built into iOS devices that can be enabled to help a child contact 911 quickly?
How to Teach a Child to Call 911 on iPhone
It’s important for parents to teach their children about emergency situations and how to handle them. One of the most important lessons is teaching them how to call 911 for help. With the prevalence of smartphones, it’s important to know how to call 911 on an iPhone. Here’s how you can teach your child to do it:
Step 1: Enable Emergency SOS
The first step is to make sure Emergency SOS is enabled on your child’s iPhone. This feature automatically calls emergency services and shares your child’s location when they press the power button five times in a row. To enable it:
- Open the Settings app on your child’s iPhone
- Tap on Emergency SOS
- Make sure the option to automatically call Emergency SOS is turned on
Step 2: Teach Them When to Call 911
Next, teach your child when to call 911. Explain that they should call 911 if:
- Someone is hurt or sick and needs medical attention
- There is a fire
- Someone is being attacked or threatened with violence
- There is a car accident
- There is a break-in or burglary
Make sure your child knows that 911 is only for real emergencies and that prank calls can waste the time of emergency services and put people in danger.
Step 3: Practice Making a Call
The best way to ensure your child knows how to call 911 on an iPhone is to practice doing it. Use a pretend emergency situation and have your child call 911 using Emergency SOS. Talk them through the steps and make sure they understand what they need to do.
Step 4: Reinforce the Lesson
Finally, reinforce the lesson by reminding your child of the steps and when to call 911. Repeat the lesson periodically and use real-world examples to show them the importance of knowing how to call for help in an emergency.
Teaching your child how to call 911 on an iPhone is an important lesson that could potentially save lives. Follow these steps to help your child learn this critical skill.
Teaching a child to use a smartphone can greatly assist them in emergency situations. Knowing how to call 911 on their iPhone may one day save their life or the lives of others. To ensure that your child is familiar and comfortable with this important function, here are some tips on teaching them how to call 911 on their iPhone.
1. Begin by explaining the importance of emergency services. Explain that emergency services should be contacted only in serious situations that involve danger to the child’s life, health, or safety.
2. Show your child how to add 911 to their contacts list. To accomplish this, open the Phone app, tap Contacts, then tap the add (+) button in the top right corner. Enter “911” as a name and “911” as a phone number.
3. Demonstrate how to dial 911. Open the Phone app and enter “911” into the keypad. Explain that the child should speak slowly and clearly when an operator answers. Show them how to use the speakerphone if it is needed.
4. Show your child how to text 911 if they need help but cannot make a call. Choose the Messages app, enter 911 in the To field, then tap Message. Explain that they should clearly state their problem and include their exact location.
5. Explain that they should not hang up until the call is complete. This allows the phone operator to stay connected in case crucial information needs to be relayed.
Explaining how to call 911 in an emergency can seem complicated, but with a detailed and clear explanation it will quickly become second nature to your child. Knowing how to contact emergency services is a key life lesson that everyone should understand.