Let's face it. As parents, we want to know where are children are at all times. Many parents will purchase their child a cell phone to make sure their child always has a way to call them and vice versa. However, many parents often purchase cell phones that have too many advanced features for a child. For example, does your ten year old really need to have access to the Web all of the time? However, the makers have now come out with several cell phones that are more appropriate for the younger child.
One of the best cell phones out there for the younger child is the Firefly cell phone. This cell phone is perfect for children between the ages of eight and twelve. Instead of the normal keypad found on cell phones, it only has a few buttons, making it much more user friendly. There is even a "Mom" key and a "Dad" key which will give children just one button to hit when calling their parents. This cell phone also allows the parents to program in a third button and it has up to twenty other dialing options, each to be preprogrammed by the parents. Of course, the 911 button is a big selling tool, as well, as it will allow the child to call for help. The Firefly does not have any games, Internet access, or text messaging features, making them more acceptable by both parents and schools alike.
A little more advanced than the Firefly, the TicTalk by Enfora will allow parents to control how the phone is being used, as well as when the phone can be used. Generally, this looks more like a walkie-talkie but the fact is it is a standard cell phone. While there is not a keypad, there is an LCD screen that is easily navigated to find the phone number to dial and there is room for twenty-three numbers. Parents, of course, can allot a certain amount of minutes the phone can be used, but kids will forget about this when the games of Leap Frog, Hangmen and others are discovered.
The Wherifone GPS Locator Phone is another option for parents who want to get their child a cell phone and it comes with even more protection for the child. This will also allow the parents to preprogram telephone numbers and it also comes with a GPS-tracking to let the parent know where their child is. All they have to do is type their child's cell phone number in on a website and it will let them know their whereabouts. While this may not be what a child wants, it will help Mom and Dad out a lot.
The fact is we are now in a time that requires people of all ages to have cell phones. If you have a child that is involved with a lot of after school activities, the cell phone can save you a lot of time. If you are going to be late, call your child on their cell phone and tell them where to wait. Even better, if your child is running late, he or she can save you from hurrying to get their on time. The cell phone has many uses and with the current parental controls out there, there is no reason why your eight or ten year old should not have one in case of emergencies.
At the beginning of July 2006, the Disney Corporation announced a new mobile phone marketing initiative, aimed directly at children and teenagers. In this new product line, a joint venture between Disney and the telecommunications giant, Sprint, Disney is using its wholesome, family-oriented image to sell mobile phones and phone air time as a package to tweenies, that market group of kids between 8-14, and their parents.
It should be a matter of considerable alarm to every parent that there are no special safety features on the cell phones they are offering; this in spite of the emerging medical data indicating a serious health risk to children and young people who use cell phones for long periods without protection.
How could Disney do this to our children? Don't they know about all the studies that have been made on the dangers of EMF (electromagnetic fields) exposure? Perhaps they know about them and don't believe them? Well, let me give you a little background:
In 2000 or early 2001 Disney made a deal with ITT to sell mobile phones with colorful covers portraying the famous Disney characters. Then the ABC TV news program 20/20 did an expose of ITT - its own parent company! - expressing shock at Disney marketing a product whose safety had recently come into serious question.
Following that publicity, Disney took another look at the data: and canceled the deal; a deal worth at least $2 million! Good for Disney, right?
And then what happened? Here we are, some five years later, with cell phone use soaring, and Disney found a new suitor, and for a deal reported to be worth several billions of dollars. They gave into temptation. Not because they didn't know: not because they didn't care but because they didn't care enough!
What we do know, however, is that the company established and built on the good character and good intentions of its founding father, Walt Disney, will listen to you and your children: if you talk loud enough.
It's not too late for Disney and Sprint to build in available technology to safeguard the cell phones that they want you to buy for your children. All you have to do is ask: or don't buy their products.
I personally urge you to boycott this program and to write to the Disney Corporation demanding that these phones include all available safety technologies together with warning and guidance on safe usage. The new Disney mobile phone program, as it is now configured, represents an unmitigated danger to children and teenagers.
Address your letters to: The Walt Disney Company, 500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91521.
February 2005: NEXTEL has become an official sponsor at Walt Disney World and now these strange "trees" -- disguised cellular antennas -- are cropping up around the park. I guess SPRINT isn't the only telecommunications giant who's got the Mouse's ear!
Both Jawahn Thompson & Paul Fitzgerald are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jawahn Thompson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Cards, Travel and Leisure and Mobile Phone Reviews. Got cell accessories keeps you up to date with the latest cell phones, accessories and technology that goes into them. Visit . creative commons. Jawahn Thompson's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
Paul Fitzgerald has sinced written about articles on various topics from Marketing Tool, Massage and Environment. by Paul Fitzgerald, EMF expert, graduated from NJIT in Newark, NJ. He has been studying EMF's for over 15 y. Paul Fitzgerald's top article generates over 5000000 views. to your Favourites.