Cell Phones for Kids
From LoveToKnow Kids
In this increasingly high tech world, it is no surprise that cell phones for kids have hit the marketplace. Many cellular companies are now offering pint-sized phones made specifically for elementary aged kids and preteens.
Reasons to Buy Cell Phones for Kids
Many parents wonder just how necessary cell phones really are for children. After all, young kids clearly have no pressing business or social obligations that would require them to be readily available to friends. However, there are other reasons to buy cellular phones for children, including:
Accessibility
These days, families are on the go most of the time. With mom and dad off at work and the kids often away at activities, camps, or friends' houses, parents need a way to quickly contact their kids.
Safety
Most cell phones for kids are equipped with "panic" or "emergency" buttons. These can be programmed to instantly dial the local police department or 911. While this feature can be misused by immature hands, it also offers a measure of security against the threat of kidnappers or predators.
Tracking
This feature goes hand-in-hand with the safety aspect. Many cell phones for kids, such as the ones offered by Guardian Angel Tech, feature GPS tracking devices. These phones allow parents to know their chid's precise location at all times. More advanced models can also record the driving speed of your teen's automobile.
Parental Controls
Most high-quality children's cellular phones offer parental controls that offer parents the ability to regulate use of the phones. Options vary by phone, but may include:
- Ability to limit length of phone calls
- Option to limit incoming phone numbers
- Ability to limit outgoing calls
- Pin-protected phone books
Many parents choose to grant children limited access, allowing calls to family members and emergency services only.
Firefly
The Firefly, a prepaid phone offered by Cingular, is intended for kids ages 8-12. The phone comes in a variety of fun, brightly colored designs. It features programmable controls for calling parents and emergency assistance. The phone also offers parents additional safety options, such as:
- Password protected phone book
- Block incoming calls from numbers not in phone book
Migo
The Migo is Verizon's take on children's cell phones. Featuring bright colors, backpack clips, decorative stickers, and a lightweight design, the Migo is popular with youngsters. The programmable buttons, simplified keypad, emergency button, and hearing aid compatibility make it a favorite among parents.
Motorola V190
The V190 is Motorola's version of the prepaid wireless phone for kids. This phone offers more options and a sleeker design than some of the other children's phones, and is really geared towards tweens and teens. The V190 does not feature the parental controls, so it should only be used by mature, responsible youths.
Kids' Phones Online
In addition to the individual phone makers, the following companies sell kids' wireless phones:
- Kids Wireless sells a variety of children's phones, including some by Verizon, Motorola, and Cingular.
- My Simon offers the Migo.
- Let's Talk offers a variety of phones and several different service options. The company offers prepaid service, family plans, and children's cell phones.
Comments
Lisa, Thanks for your comments. It does give you a sense of peace knowing you can get in touch with your children at any time.-Susie
-- Contributed by: Susie1506My kids just turned 12 & 10. Both have had cell phones for a couple of years. Many people have told me I am crazy for purchasing them for children, including my mother! Until her child attended activities and found it was a convient way of keeping in touch. They do come in handy and can also help teach them the importance of responsibility.
-- Contributed by: LisaI don't think kids have any business having cell phones!
-- Contributed by:This page has been accessed 1,633 times. This page was last modified 01:33, 26 January 2007.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
