Cell Phones for Kids
Too many pre-teens that are not ready for the responsibility of a cell phone, have a cell phone because parents had no choice before. It was either give them a cell phone to be able to contact them or not be able to contact them.
There are now phones aimed at kids between 8 and 12 years old, and they give parents control over a handset’s incoming and outgoing calls.
Enfora’s $99 TicTalk lets parents authorize certain numbers to call in and dial out; parents can also control how and when the phone is used.
TicTalk lacks a keypad and is equipped with a monochrome LCD screen showing caller ID, the time, and remaining battery life. To place a call, kids navigate an on-screen menu to choose from a list of authorized phone numbers. A scrolling button on the right side of the handset controls navigation. During a call, kids can hold the device to their ear, use the speaker phone, or plug in an earbud.
Parents can set a limit on the number of minutes their child can use in a given time period. TicTalk works on a GSM network, though no carrier has been announced yet. The handset runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and comes with an AC charger.
Advocates also worry about potential health risks. The British National Radiological Protection Board, which has recently joined with the UK’s Health Protection Agency, warns of the possibility that mobile phones could cause benign tumors of the ear and brain. The NRPB urges parents not to provide cell phones to children under 8 years old.
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My kids have cellphones and they are okay. The firefly is poor qaulity but a good way to keep in touch. The tic talk is more like a walkie talkie looking deal. Kids are smarter than most people think. Good Ideas though
Comment by mommy2 — January 28, 2006 @ 3:11 pm