With the new school year starting, it’s crucial for parents to equip their children with technology that enhances safety and security.

As the new school year begins, parents need to go beyond traditional school supplies and consider the safety of their children. This article outlines three essential tech tools to ensure your child’s safety during emergencies, such as school shootings or other critical situations.

1. FBI Child ID App: Your Child’s Emergency Information at Your Fingertips

In case your child goes missing, providing authorities with crucial information like height, weight, ethnicity, hair and eye color, names, and nicknames can be time-consuming. To streamline this process, consider using the FBI Child ID app. This app allows you to store all your child’s information, including photos, in one place. If the worst-case scenario unfolds, you can quickly share this information with law enforcement or security officials. The app offers features like image cropping and zooming, along with safety tips and guidance for the initial hours after a child’s disappearance. Importantly, the FBI states that it doesn’t collect or store any of the data you input; it remains on your phone until you choose to share it with authorities. The app is available for both iPhone and Android devices.

2. Secret Emoji Communication Method: A Discreet Way to Signal for Help

While most children carry phones, there may be situations where they cannot make a phone call or send a text discreetly. In such cases, having a secret emoji can be a valuable alternative to conventional communication methods. Choose an emoji that your family rarely uses, ensuring it’s not too obscure. Uncommon emojis, like exotic animals, are effective choices. Sit down with your children and discuss the plan, including the actions you’ll take if they ever need to use the secret emoji. For instance, you might agree as a family that if your child sends the emoji, you will call them immediately and instruct them to return home.

3. Leveraging Smartphone Emergency Features: Quick Access to Help

Today’s smartphones come equipped with built-in emergency features that can be lifesaving. Make sure your child’s device is set up to utilize these functions effectively. For iPhones, the Emergency SOS feature can be a vital tool. To initiate an SOS call on an iPhone 8 or later, press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons. The Emergency SOS slider will appear, allowing you to call emergency services quickly. Android phones offer similar features but may require setup in advance. Access the Emergency SOS settings through your phone’s settings app to customize how it works. On some Android phones, you can enable Emergency SOS by quickly pressing the power button five times. Samsung devices may have slightly different procedures. On Google Pixel and other Android versions, you can add emergency contacts by using the Safety app.

While these preparations may seem extensive, your family’s safety and peace of mind are worth the effort. Equipping your child with these tech tools can make a significant difference in emergency situations.

For more tech tips and information, you can tune in to “Kim Komando Today,” a podcast covering tech news, tips, and caller questions on a wide range of tech-related topics. Stay informed and keep your family safe in the digital age.