Child's cell phone

[godiva]

I remember reading about them about a year ago or so, so it isn't that new.

In Japan cell phones are considered for not so important people. If you carry a cell, it means your boss can reach you anytime, you're not in control. I remember a year or two ago reading  a report on people in Japan leaving their cell phones in public transportation because they didn't want to be seen with it.

I think it really depends on the situation you're in whether or not your kid needs a cell phone. You can;t just compare it to the time when we were young. The world has changed. I was very surprised to find out my 8 year old niece had a cell phone. Then her Mum explained that she is asthmatic (I knew that) and if she has an attack on her way from school to home or the other way around, she can call her Mum and she will be calmer and the attack goes  away because she relaxes. It works in her situation. If she didn't have the cell phone her Mum would have to walk her to school and back every day and as an 8 year old she would be embarassed to be the only kid in class who still has her Mum walking her to school.

[Kujo]

Mind telling me what that means?

I think it means:

"ce n'est pas bon"

but dont quote me on that

[pilferk]

No way.

Not for my kids.

Not now.

Not until they're at least in HS...and even then....

They don't need one.  I don't want 'em to have one.  Hell, most of the time I don't want one.

[Sterlingdog]

A Cell Phone for Kids

March 10, 2005
Despite the health concerns about children using cell phones, Firefly Mobile has launched the "Firefly" phone, a cell phone explicitly designed for the pre-teens.

British researchers recently reported finding that cell phone use can produce brain tumors, and warned parents that children under age eight should not use mobile phones. Their report says heavy use can lead to tumors in the brain and ears, and further states that up until now, the risk has largely been understated by most scientists.

The Firefly phone is a voice-only phone designed for the smaller hands of kids aged eight to 12 years old. With just five keys instead of a regular dial pad, parents use a PIN to program up to 22 outgoing numbers into the phone, including speed-dial keys for Mom and Dad. The patented phone lights up like a firefly when in use and intermittently when in standby mode. It is about the size of a small pocket calculator and weighs two ounces.

Firefly Mobile says that it conducted extensive market research with parents and children across the USA, and validated their belief that families need a mobile phone for eight to 12 year olds that performs basic functions, helps parents maintain financial control and connects kids with the most important people in their lives.

"Firefly Mobile is responding to the needs of the marketplace and dedicating our efforts to satisfying both parents' and kids' needs for a functional, controllable and fun mobile phone," said Robin Abrams, CEO, Firefly Mobile.

"Kids feel greater self confidence when they are able to communicate, whenever they need to, with important people in their lives," said Laura Davies, M.D., in a statement released by Firefly. "For a parent running a full life, it is reassuring to know that whenever there is a need, they can make direct contact with their child."

A study in the international journal Epidemiology in October last year found that people who have used cell phones for at least 10 years may have an increased risk of developing a rare brain tumor.

[DizzyReed63]

Verizon has the "Amigo"  (I just had to write a flyer about it)
It has 4 buttons on it..."Home" "Emergency" etc...

I think it's a good tool if parents can teach their kids how to use it properly.

[Sterlingdog]

I don't see what the problem is.  I have 2 sons - ages 6 and 10.  They carry a cell phone when they go in the woods with their friends to ride dirt bikes and 4 wheelers just in case they need help.  It's also a way to call them home without searching for them.

Personally, I wouldn't send a 6 and 10 year old into the woods to participate in a potentially dangerous activity without adult supervision. 

You can call me over-cautious; it wouldn't be the first time.  But that's my opinion.  I don't think a cell phone replaces having a responsible adult present. 

[Cornell]

I don't see what the problem is.? I have 2 sons - ages 6 and 10.? They carry a cell phone when they go in the woods with their friends to ride dirt bikes and 4 wheelers just in case they need help.? It's also a way to call them home without searching for them.

Personally, I wouldn't send a 6 and 10 year old into the woods to participate in a potentially dangerous activity without adult supervision.?

You can call me over-cautious; it wouldn't be the first time.? But that's my opinion.? I don't think a cell phone replaces having a responsible adult present.?

I'm quite sure you wouldn't - after all it's a production for you to even go to the bathroom in public!

I have 2 VERY active boys and hell, they aren't doing anything that I didn't do at the same age.  People have become too paranoid and shelter their kids these days.  No wonder the majority of them have so common sense - they haven't had to solve any issues on their own.

I do have to say that they did resolve one issue out there.  They came home for a shovel so I decided to walk out in the woods to see what was going on.  They had built a ramp and were jumping the dirt bike over it and when they landed the tire hit a rock and threw one of the kids into a tree.  They dug out the rock and filled in the hole and now they're good to go! 

[SLCPUNK]

I had an anthropology professor that used to joke that we had evolved into ?Monkey?s with cell phones.? Which often times I pretty much agree with.

[Duffsangel]

true......hey it would be good if you could get a tiny gps monitor thats inserted under the skin...never lose your child...of course big brother would love you...of course someone has probably invented one somewhere already lol

it depends on the parents...if it were me, then i would...not so sure about the general population though...plenty of ignorance there i guess

Well I "chipped" my dogs, I might as well chip my kid too, right?? But I was more thinking of the GPS bracelets that they have now.? Actually I just do my best to know where my child is and who she's with at all times.? I don't let her play in the park or front yard unattended, stuff like that.? Crazy paranoid, I know.?

No Sterling you are not paranoid at all.  My daughter is nearly 17 and I still like to know where she is going and who with.  don't get me wrong she has freedom but I like her to be responsible with it too. I mean so far in my lifetime, in the UK, we have had young kids killing toddlers, 11 year old rapists, and god knows whatelse.  she had her mobile phone when she was 13 as she started then to go places locally with her friends, I thought then that that was too young but got persuaded into it with the globally used phrase "all my mates have one, I don't want to be left out".

I just hope when she becomes a parent she realises that every decision I've made has been for her own protection and safety.

[Axl4Prez2004]

I agree with Sterling...the benefits do not outweigh the risks.