Originally published August 17 2005
Pre-teens in Canada now carry "safe" phones
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Canada's largest cell phone provider has developed a new cell phone for children that has only five buttons that can be used for speed-dialing a parent in emergencies.
Mom and dad will be only a one-touch button away from preteens packing a new cellphone designed just for them.
Rogers Wireless, Canada's largest mobile phone company, is tapping into parents' concerns over the safety of their kids with the Firefly.
The phone has only five buttons, including speed dials for mom and dad, and a PIN-protected, parent-controlled list of up to 22 numbers that limits who can call the phone.
Child advocates say a cellphone is no replacement for adult supervision for children so young.
The Firefly, which has no numbered dialpad, lets parents control all numbers called and received by their kids.
Rogers says the phone will allow parents to control access and cost of cellphones issued to their kids.
"We see it as a way of keeping the lines of communication open more than as an emergency tool, but it's certainly that too," said Suzanne McMeans of Rogers.
The heads of two London-area school board parents' councils found the new product interesting in safety and security of younger children.
"In today's world, children of that age should never be left alone," said Barbara Hopkins, chairperson of the Thames Valley District School Council.
"That's the ideal, of course, but in reality there are times when children are alone and can be caught off guard" -- and quick communications access would help, she said.
Bob Clarkson, chairperson of the London District Catholic Parents Council, said the parentally controlled cellphone "sounds like a good idea.
The new phone is made by Firefly Mobile Inc., which introduced it earlier this year in the U.S., aiming it at kids eight to 12.
Go to www.fireflymobile.com for a demonstration of its features.
Rogers is Canada's first carrier to offer the Firefly.
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